User Testing Results

I just got some photographs and comments back from Mindy, who tested my stroller bag and one-handed adapter.

The bag with Mindy's stroller and Romeo.

Here's what Mindy had to say:

“I like the bag and the adjustable straps...it is my green bag with some revisions. The adjustable straps were the best part. And I liked the way it carried and the way it sat on the stroller--it worked well with both strollers. The clips inside were useful.”

“What I didn’t like was the fabric (too thin and flimsy) and overall too much of it.”

Both prototypes together, on the smaller umbrella stroller.

Here's some more feedback from questions I asked her:

Did you find that you changed positions of the straps, or just kept them pretty much the same?  Yes I changed them and found that part to be easy and very useful.

Did you adjust the straps often?

Not too often. 

I need to have one of those stays on the straps for the excess.  

Yes you do need stays. 

Did you clip your water bottle to the inner clip? 

Nope, but i used one for my keys...I would prefer [a clip for the water bottle] on the outside someplace.

This feedback was really helpful. I was planning on developing it with a stiffer material, and am now looking forward to shopping for fabric. I'll have to work on considerations for bottles, and making two sizes of bags for different users' needs. Mindy also didn't use an inner, removable bag I included.

The bar adapter was not as successful. The prototype was too rough on the edges for the hand, and wasn't secure enough on the stroller handles, popping off while going up a curb. Working on these things is a must for moving forward with this prototype.

Thanks, Mindy!

User Test Drop!

Today I dropped off two prototypes with a family: a stroller/diaper bag and a one-handed adapter for an umbrella stroller. Here's how the umbrella adapter looked on the stroller:

I was also shown a cool roll-up diaper carrier. It was sewn for them by a friend. It fits several diapers, is compact and folds neatly. It's made to be thrown into a bag. 

I really like the grey lining and durable outer material, as well as the brown trim. It fit into my bag- maybe it will make a trip with it!

Stroller Bag Number Two

Here's a new version of my stroller and diaper bag.

For the second iteration, I thought of some important criteria.

1. The bag needs to be able to fit onto a variety of strollers — not just an umbrella stroller. 

2. There is also a need for flexibility- both for the user and for a variety of users. 

I added a clip system that not only is convertible from a tote to shoulder to messenger, but is adjustable and lets the user clip the bag onto a stroller that has a crossbar. 

3. The bag should be easily washed.

Whether or not the user will wash the bag often, it definitely should be an option. I used a lightweight material for this version, though a sturdier canvas that is also soft could provide support, comfort and washability.

A test run on a Phil and Ted's stroller.

The bag can be converted into a shoulder or messenger bag. It can also be handled like a tote.

4. The bag should be easy to use. 

Storage should be ample, and the items stored should be easy to find. I made the middle, 'easy to grab' compartment smaller. 

I'm planning on having Mindy, whose storage habits I observed, test the bag for me in the next few days.

Stroller/Diaper Bag: First Prototype

Here is my first attempt at a simple, collapsible diaper bag to fit on a stroller, based on my observations with Mindy. Here it's on the studio 'test' stroller.

It fits well on the stroller — I've oriented the straps so that when full, the bulk of the bag will be side to side, minimizing interference (the straps on Mindy's bag were the opposite). I quickly realize though that it will not fit on any other type of stroller.

The center compartment, constructed from an extra panel, may be too roomy- making it so that quick reach items may not be visible from above, like Mindy's bag.

Here are a few more details:

I'm happy with the overall size so far, and that it isn't an obvious diaper bag. Next step is to try to minimize the inner space, and make the straps more flexible. A more durable material then this scrap fabric is necessary, though a simple to clean cloth could be a necessity.

A Simple, Organized Bag

While out observing Mindy, I paid attention to her use of an umbrella stroller and her storage solutions. Rather than using a diaper bag (a type she has been unhappy with), Mindy uses various totes and canvas bags. Her current bag of choice is made of green canvas and has a simple dividing system.

A complaint of Mindy's is that diaper bags are too bulky. Also, the one she has is made of an unpleasant material. Could it be that, in addition to size, diaper bags have too many pockets and options?

Here is what Mindy took to the park and farmer's market on the day I observed her. We were gone for about three hours. A large bag was not needed. An additional canvas bag was taken for groceries.

The contents easily fit into the bag.

A perk of having a small bag made of a material that isn't too stiff is that it can be shoved into a larger bag for easy transport. All the baby stuff stays in the bag, no matter who is taking it.

The straps hang on the umbrella stroller handles, and can be used to store coats and in this case, a skateboard.