RETHINKING THE SHOPPING CART
Challenge Redesign Loaded Shopping carts so they are easier to turn
Solution Rear wheels can switch from fixed to swivel making turning easier
Logistics 2 weeks, 2 people
My Role Acquire cart
Plan user research and testing
Film and edit video
Build wooden testing rig and prototypes
Design Process
Interview userS
We talked to anyone and everyone who had used a shopping cart.
We observed people using shopping carts in stores.
And finally we analyzed what our users were saying and doing and carried out testing to confirm their experience.
Do testing
We got hold of a shopping cart, loaded it up with 100 pounds, set up an obstacle course and recorded people pushing it through and we learned that...
90 degree turns are TOUGH when you can't lift the cart.
We decided to narrow in on our target user - people with weaker physique, such as elderly shoppers, moms with babies, or any shopper under 130 lbs.
Type 1 - Common in the US
Type 2 - Common in the UK
State of the Art
There are two types of shopping carts, fixed rear wheels are more common in the US
What if we could combine these two carts into the perfect one?
So that when you want to go straight the rear wheels are fixed and when you want to turn the rear wheels swivel
Bringing it all together
Most of the time, a user will push their cart in neutral position with the latch in place and the rear wheels fixed.
When the user finds it difficult to make a turn they push on a mechanism located in the handle bar. The latch is pulled out and the rear wheels are now swivel casters.
Potential NEXT STEPS
Prototype with handle mechanism attached
Ergonomic design for handle bars
User Testing