cargon — Victoria Li

cargon

Winter 2024

Timeline: 10 weeks

Industry Sponsor + Collaboration: Lifetime Brands

SolidWorks + Rhinoceros 3D + Keyshot + physical prototyping + Adobe Suite + Prusa 3D printing

A storage-centered cooler wagon designed for outdoor sports and gatherings.

Check out the design process behind

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Participating in outdoor sports and gatherings requires various carry systems to transport food, equipment, and personal belongings. However, these systems can sometimes shift focus away from group interaction and social engagement.

COMPETITIVE ONLINE AUDIT

Exploring current portable wagons, soft and hard coolers in the market.

REVIEW INSIGHTS

COOLERS

Hard coolers provide good insulation but take up too much space when not in use. Soft coolers save space but do not provide adequate insulation.

Coolers are a more favorable accessory when going outside for picnics, BBQs, and other outdoor activities.

Coolers are hard to transport when it is filled with stuff. And can be hard to clean without a drainaging spigot.

WAGONS

Wagons are bulky and take up too much space, even when they are not in use. Wagons that are collapsible are popular.

Wagons lack specialized compartments, making organization and accessibility a concern when carrying diverse items for outdoor events.

Wagons are hard to transport when the wheels don’t roll on different terrains. Rolling on beaches are especially hard as the wheels would sink into the sand.

INTERVIEW INSIGHTS

Interview conducted among 3 users that own both wagons and coolers; and participate in various outdoor activities, such as volleyball, BBQs, picnics.

When transporting items outdoors, having multiple carry systems can be a hassle and can get heavy.

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Users prioritize the versatility of wagons and coolers, valuing features that enhance storage capacity and organization.

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Users value efficient storage, lightweight design, collapsibility, and durability in wagons.

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Users emphasize the importance of size, weight, space efficiency, insulation capability, ease of transportation, and aesthetics/design for better portability in coolers.

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Having multiple purposes, such as a bench or table surface, makes coolers more popular to use.

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How might we promote efficient transportation of equipment and/or food to outdoor sports activities and other social gatherings?

DESIGN CRITERIA

Easy and efficient to transport long distances, through tough terrains, and without the need of making multiple trips.

The product should include a cooler feature that provides adequate insulation for outdoor heat and long periods of time.

Ability to store multiple items fit for any outdoor sports activity, regardless of size and weight. (ex. balls, canopies, chairs, food, drinks...)

TARGET USER GROUP

Loves to go outside with groups of friends or family.

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Has a lot of carry systems and always makes that second trip.

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Participates in outdoor activities that require lots of equipment or tools.

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Enjoys sharing drinks and snacks while outdoors.

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“I wish there was an efficient carry system I can use where I can put all of my stuff in one place. I don’t like having to carry three different bags alongside a huge net and a bag of balls.”