Unistrol is based on a environmentally friendly and comprehensive system that plans to improve the effective usage of baby strollers. Every aspect of the baby stroller is derived from meaningful innovations that will hopefully shift the family’s attitude to a more environmentally friendly behavior.
Role
Industrial Design, Research, Model Making, Sustainability, CMF
Year
2016
Teammate
Siwei Wang
Award
Unfortunately, these unneeded baby strollers often end up as junk as they just collect dust in the garage. In the worst case scenario, they end up in landfills; and over time, the toxins in the materials leach into the soil and groundwater, becoming severe environmental hazards. Stemming directly from the result of human activities, the environmental and health effects of landfills and hazardous waste sites can be extensively degrading.
Understand the pros and cons for different types of stroller to assist in implementing the design strategies and tactics.
Traditional Strollers
Almost always have a comfortable padded seat that can recline into different positions
Pros
Cons
Travel System Strollers
A travel system is a package that combines stroller and an infant car seat
Pros
Cons
Car Seat Carrier Strollers
A compatible infant car seat is snapped into the stroller frame
Pros
Cons
Jogging Strollers
Feature 3 bicycle wheels on a lightweight frame and deliver a smooth ride for both pusher and passenger
Pros
Cons
Lightweight Strollers
Usually weigh 12 pounds or less and fold up compactly
Pros
Cons
Understand the needs of the users to better plan out design strategies and tactics using their perspective.
“Each one has a purpose and I can’t imagine living without it, so we keep them all”
“ Removing stroller stains is a difficult task.”
“My 9 month old baby slouches in this stroller, which makes me worry about her spine and neck”
There is a lack of stroller on the market that adapts to the constantly growing baby in different stages of life.
By simply solving common problems and adding different features for the baby stroller are not enough to be revolutionary and considered a breakthrough from what the market has now. In order to enhance the baby stroller’s product performance, it is imperative to thoroughly consider all steps of a product’s life cycle. By extension, this process allows a more comprehensive view of the design to create more strategic and recognized method that adheres to international standards.
We use Babies R Us Upton Stroller- Asphalt for our reference product when considering the Lifecycle Analysis.
Babies R Us Upton Stroller- Asphalt
Price: $ 79.99 USD
Type: Light Weight Stroller
Child Weight Max: 50 lbs
Car Seat Compatible: No
We researched on the Internet about the common materials used in baby strollers, then conducted research to determine the process, materials, and energy used in the manufacture of the material.
We utilized the Okala Impact Assessment Form to calculate the Babies R Us Upton Stroller impact per lifetime by disassembling parts and weighing the components in the same category. We were able to calculate the baby stroller’s impact per lifetime to be 481.36.
IMPACT MATRIX is used to identify the major environmental impacts throughout the life cycle to understand the relative significance of environmental impacts as well as potential design opportunities.
Takeaway
Complex raw material extraction and material processing
Goals and Strategies
Takeaway
Components need to be shipped for assembling. After the process, they will be distributed via international shipping, using a large amount of carbon footprint
Goals and Strategies
Takeaway
The stroller parts were disassembled to recycle and reduce their short lifespans or they will end up in a landfill
Goals and Strategies
Unistrol reduces the material components to lessen the amount of material or energy used in production and minimize shipping footprint for assembly.
Recyclable Aluminum (Frame)
Steel (Screws, Springs)
ABS Recycling (Joints, Rim, Seat Belt Buckles, Canopy Support)
Elastocon TPE Technologies (Handle Grips, Seat Support, Tires, Footrest)
TENCEL (Seat Fabrics, Seat Belt Strips, Cushion)
Babies R Us Upton Stroller- Asphalt
Unistrol
Baby Stroller Okala Impact:
Unistrol Okala Impact:
By using the “Okala Impact Assessment Form”, we were able to calculate the baby stroller’s impact per lifetime to be 481.36 per lifetime. Since 77 percent of parents with children age 4 or under own more than one stroller, I then multiplied 481.36 by 4 and got 1925.46 per lifetime. From these calculations, we were able to evaluate life cycle impact and integrate it in our goals and design strategy. From our extensive research on materials with environmental impact, Unistrol has only 71.892 per lifetime which is almost less than seven times than “Stroller- Asphalt”.
Suitable for infants and toddlers
Adapts to every stage of the child’s growth
Adjustable foot rest
Eliminates dangling feet and allows different foot positions
Replaceable seat cushion
Provides both comfort for the baby and efficiency in washing the cushion
Multi-terrain capability
Offers width adjustment of the frame to allow multi-terrain capability
Elastic ergonomic sturcture
Provides the most secure support, while allowing room for freedom
Car seat compatibility
Adapts to global car seats with a quick and easy attachment between the car and the stroller
Easy folding mechanics
Allows for more efficient storage
Reversible handlebar
Offers quick positioning of the baby
Unistrol is an excellent solution because the product not only reduces negative environmental impact, but also consistently serves the customer by maintaining quality customer support.
The Unistrol service system provides upgrades like purchasing a cup holder or added storage space. If the Unistrol is damaged, the service system repairs and refurbishes the damaged components. If Unistrol is not needed anymore, customers have the option of trading in the stroller for credits. The company will then recycle the product to produce a new baby stroller that can be sold to a new customer.
