SCOUT STROLLER CARRIER
Client: Scout Outdoors
Studio: Propulsion
Research | Concept Development | Prototyping | Branding
Overview
The SCOUT Stroller Carrier is a hitch-mounted rack for carrying models of BOB Revolution strollers. SCOUT works with any vehicle that has a trailer hitch, so parents no longer need large SUVs just to transport their strollers, leaving space inside the vehicle usable for passengers and cargo. The SCOUT’s clever design makes loading and unloading simple and easy, alleviating the need for parents to strain their backs while lifting a stroller up and into the hatch, trunk, or bed of a vehicle.
Mechanism Research - Market
Process: Phase 1 - Discovery
An underlay was created and sketching began. At this time I was jumping back and forth from sketching to CAD, generating concepts between 2D and 3D.
The concepts were grouped into 3 categories: A low ‘deer rack’ style rack, a large claw-like rack known as the ‘roller coaster’, and a costume low profile, minimal, solution that we called the ‘hitch charm’.
Market research demonstrated that the leader in outdoor strollers are the Baby Jogger stroller and the B.O.B. folding stroller.
What would be the ideal experience?
This freestanding rig was built from 2×4’s to test multiple strollers with different wheelbases, wheel sizes, folding strategies and wheel rotations.
I required a deep understanding of the needs of parents, considering how families transition in and out of vehicles in day to day life while managing young children, strollers, bags, and other daily-carry items.
Validate
Once we had a clear direction and understanding of the user, we built a non-aesthetic prototype to test the concept in the real world.
Phase 2 - Design
Decision-making factors: Development cost, number of custom extrusions, number of injection molded parts, number of exposed welds, overall aesthetics.
Design Needs
Soft touch points, no sharp corners or exposed hardware.
Approachable and user-friendly
Light weight
Tilt and pivot process eliminates stroller lifting.
Solid welded extrusions
Keeps stroller securely mounted to the vehicle.
Keyed wheel lock for security.
Keep development & manufacturing costs low*
Phase 3 - Execute
Custom Extrusion 1
Custom Extrusion 2
Custom Extrusion 3
1.Urethane bumper
2.Machine screws x 8
3.Injection-molded plastic cap
4.Injection-molded wheel retention rod
5.Adhesive backed foam pad x 2
6.Injection-molded plastic knob
7.Cylinder Lock
8.Custom Extrusion #1 arms x 2
9.Custom Extrusion #2 hinge x 3
10. Aluminum caps x 2
Parts list for Prototype
11.Urethane bumper x 2
12.Nylon Washer x 2
13.Urethane Strap x 2
14.Custom Extrusion #1 Post
15.Adhesive backed foam
16.2x2” 6061 Aluminum square tube
17.Threaded ball – spacer – machine screw x 8
18.Urethane end caps x 2
19.Custom Extrusion #3
User Installation Strategy
Aluminum nuts spot welded in red locations, on the inner wall of the main beam.
Bolts can be removed with an included Allen Wrench.
Wrench: green soft urethane grip with SCOUT logo pad printed in white
Prototype I
Prototype I Notes:
The swing arm goes past 180 when loaded.
Black paint comes across as utilitarian - try silver and color match urethane bumpers
The stroller’s natural resting place for the handle when closing up onto the rack is farther out than where the handle cradle is.
Thinner foam padding on the swing arm. Very tight tolerance.
Source another material for the handlebar cradle padding. Adhesive foam does not like to live under pressure.
Interactive touchpoints should be highlighted with touch of color
Prototype II
Prototype II findings:
Ensure cleaner welds for production.
Foam padding on swing arm is too delicate. Needs to be urethane.
Straps could use a bit more flex. Spec new durometer: Shore A-40
Powder coat a bit too dark. Spec PMS Cool Dark Gray 7
Develop Scout brand guidelines and colors - Green PMS 366
Add some "Do not step or sit" embossed labelling on the urethane bumper
Brand Development
The products under the Scout brand coexist in two worlds and the identity of the brand must be adaptive to serve this duality. The brand must be friendly and welcoming as well as instill assurances of security and safety. It must be both feminine and masculine; endearing and fun but not obtrusive and out of place on a luxury
This spirit of exploration brought us to the name SCOUT, a word that conjures the imagery of cutting a fresh path into the unknown. The brand’s key color is a slightly desaturated green that alludes to the outdoors, youthful energy, and forward progress, while also providing high-visibility for important touch-points on the product.
