Shaking Up the Stroller Market

The Story

A stroller that hauls everything…including the kid

Austlen had discovered a major pain point for parents—where was a stroller that would allow them to haul their kids around as well as the inevitable gear that came with them? What about store trips and grocery bags? Working with M3, Austlen was able to take their idea from a “napkin sketch” into architectural investigations, and proof-of-concept prototypes. In parallel with creating mechanical architectures, M3 used their stakeholder centered design process to define stakeholder workflow maps, create initial industrial design visions, and create design gestures. With this visual identity in hand, Austlen had the collateral to tell a visual story that helped move the company forward as they raised funds.

Our Solution

Providing mechanical feasibility and design vision to capitalize on an unaddressed market opportunity

  1. Turned a napkin sketch into a working architecture and ultimately a proof of concept prototype in rapid time.
  2. Generated multiple mechanical solutions enabling stroller expansion and helped direct towards the most promising path for production.
  3. Armed our client with prototypes, engineering feasibility studies, industrial design support, and story boards used in pitch decks and investor meetings to raise funding and progress toward production.
  4. Generated visuals to communicate the final design intent for product launch.
"I have reviewed over 40 double strollers in the past few years, so believe me when I say I know how it compares to others. Let me tell you: I’ve never seen anything like this stroller." Lucie's List
The Details

Makes life easier on you and your family

The Entourage has the extra storage capacity when you need it, and simply telescopes down when you don’t. It truly adapts to your needs in a way no other stroller on the market does.

The Details

With a provisional utility patent in hand and a business case for creating the world’s first expandable and retractable stroller with storage capacity, Austlen Baby Co. was looking for a product development partner to make their vision a reality.

prototyping the austlen stroller

Proof of Concept

The M3 team developed multiple proof of concept prototypes, and explored architectures to resolve how the stroller would function, fold, integrate features and actuation points, and above all—adhere to the safety standards required of juvenile products.

Concept Vision

In concert with engineering activities, the M3 team created industrial design visions, proposed key branding elements that needed to come through in the product design, and delivered story boards illustrating how the Entourage will make parent’s lives easier.

Ongoing Support

During development, the M3 team continued to provide guidance and design input as needed, and created visuals to communicate the final design intent for product launch.

I’ve seen a lot of strollers in my time... but none has done as much to impress me with its attention to parents’ needs as the new Austlen stroller.

Rebecca Gruber POPSUGAR Moms
The Results

The Entourage took the market by storm!

  1. The resulting product is a truly versatile stroller that can haul up to 150 lbs. of kids, luggage, groceries, and gear.
  2. The Entourage provides over 30 handy configurations, giving parents the utility they need during daily activities, while growing with their children through various stages.
  3. Since hitting the market, Austlen’s Entourage has received top honors from authorities in the juvenile product market.
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