Challenge
Most carseats are installed incorrectly, voiding their warranty, and limiting their effectiveness. The difficulty parents have is a stresspoint, but also a functional opportunity for manufacturers. Carseats are complex because they exist as a functional accessory to a vehicle, a protective shell for your most-prized possession. They need to fit the car interior, but also be able to withstand gummie bears and all the juice boxes.
Goal
Approach the design by creating a series of universal components for Maxi-Cosi carseats that can be distributed across the entire product portfolio. We focused on a few key elements: simplifying installation, and appealing to younger parents who car about what their car and its accessories say about them as people.
Solution
With extensive ethnographic and participatory research, as well as market audits and hands-on hacking, we developed a one-time leave-in anchoring base, tested new latch technologies that used color coding to help with seat-belt weaving, anchoring, and tightening. We also introduced a digital installation guide, and various steps to make sure parents feel confident about the installation. The seats were made with removable, washable, lightweight, in colorways that match well with the most common automative textures and interiors for vehicles. The lycra sun canopy has become copied by everyone in the category. Winner of GOOD Design Award, and Core77 Design Award in 2012.
