Bugaboo Meerkat
Intergeneration personal mobility
Information
Author: Manning, D.
Contributor: Molenbroek, J.F.M., Jepma, E., Dijkstra-Hellinga, A.
Faculty: Industrial Design Engineering
Department: Industrial Design
Programme: Master of Science Integrated Product Design
Type: Master thesis
Date: 17-09-2012
Keywords: Mobility | Elderly | Grandparents | Grandchildren | Shopping trolley | Personal | Intergeneration
Abstract
The Bugaboo Meerkat is a patentable concept for grandparent-grandchild personal mobility. The design concept creates a new mobility product market for elderly people. The core functionality of the Bugaboo Meerkat is the combination of a shopping trolley and wagon in one product. An innovative converting mechanism enables a user to convert between the two use-modes in one step, with no tools. The shopping mode is for grandparent activities. The wagon mode is for grandparent-grandchild activities.
The premise of the Bugaboo Meerkat was validated through user evaluation and concept is embodied in a functional prototype. These deliverables conclude a MSc. graduation project involving are the author, Bugaboo International B.V and TU Delft. Bugaboo International B.V (Bugaboo), is a Dutch baby stroller company with a vision to become an innovative mobility brand. From an external perspective, developing a 'elderly' mobility product portfolio is a logical step for business growth. The demographic of developed societies are maturing.
As the demographic changes, the proportion of 'active-elderly' who desire a meaningful role in society increases. 'Active-elderly' are 65+ year old people who are healthy and independently mobile. This connection between brand and external factor creates an opportunity for innovation. Thus the project brief, Develop an elderly mobility product for Bugaboo based on the relationship between grandparent and grandchild.
Results from the research phase are condensed into six fundamental user-centred conclusions. Promote Grandchildren, Active Grandparents, Grandmothers are Favourites, Activity Tours, Close Proximity and Grandchildren Lead. These conclusions embody the grandparent's needs and wishes in the context of the project. Therefore, the conclusions are referenced throughout the development stages as a decision tool requirements and evaluation. Promote Grandchildren was selected as a pivotal research conclusion, thus the reason why the product converts from a shopping trolley to a wagon.
The final design concept was evaluated against several sources. Central is user feedback from an evaluation survey and the list of requirements. Secondary, the Bugaboo Meerkat is evaluated to Bugaboo design principles, the project's design goal and satisfying the problem definition.
Since the six fundamental user-centred conclusions were derived from qualitative user interviews, the user evaluation survey focused on validating these conclusions. All respondents agreed that the product would enable them to 'promote' their grandchild in public spaces. An additional result is that the respondents agreed that the concept would improve their supervision (proximity) of their grandchild. This is a key insight as it reflects on a grandparent's confidence to do outdoor activities with their grandchildren.
In conclusion, the users can see the product integrating into role as a grandparent rather than their day-to-day routine. Although the product appeal is recognised, several respondents were sceptical about the potential market size and grandchild safety.
