Parenting on the go is hard, especially when little ones always seem to be hungry at just the wrong time! Blender’s industrial design expertise and design for manufacture know-how helped Edwards and Co develop a snack tray to fit on their strollers which has turned into an ultimate parenting must-have accessory.
CHALLENGE
Designing a versitile snack tray for on-the-go families.
Edwards & Co is an NZ-owned company providing a range of quality and stylish gear for growing families. Their mission is to ensure the parenting journey is the smoothest ride possible. When their stroller users started asking for a solution for their children to eat on the go, they came to Blender to help create a snack tray.
The snack tray needed to be a universal accessory that could fit all Edwards & Co Strollers and provide a secure and stable eating surface for young ones to snack from while out adventuring. Fixing points varied on the different strollers so we had to create a modular design that could adapt..
The concept was to have a main food area with smaller satellite cups on the sides for bottles or smaller isolated snacks. Given the enthusiasm most kids have while eating, the product also had to be robust, removable and dishwasher compatible. Balancing requirements with price point, the snack tray had to be an affordable extension to add value within a highly competitive baby stroller market.
APPROACH
Crafting the perfect fit.
The design process began with a detailed study of the varying geometries of the different stroller models. By understanding these nuances, Blender was able to conceptualise an accessory that could fit the range. This foundational research was crucial in ensuring compatibility and user convenience. Simultaneously, market and competitor analysis was conducted to identify opportunities for differentiation, to make this snack tray stand out, ensuring it offered features that parents would find particularly valuable.
Armed with insights from the research, Blender then moved into the ideation phase. Sketches focused on creating a platform that was both visually lightweight and functionally superior. The aim was to design a snack tray that not only looked sleek but also provided flexibility for parents, making it easy to use and adjust as needed.
3D CAD and 3D printing technology was utilised to produce several prototypes. These prototypes were then field-tested on various stroller models, with feedback from real-world use informing subsequent design iterations. This iterative testing process was vital in refining the design to meet practical needs and user expectations. Once we had a refined concept, the design was communicated clearly with the manufacturer. Blender was able to assist with Design for Manufacturing (DFM), providing guidance to refine the design as necessary, maintaining the desired aesthetic and functional attributes. This close collaboration ensured that the final product was manufacturable at scale without compromising on the original design vision.
SOLUTION
Revolutionising on-the-go snacking.
Breaking away from traditional food tray designs, the Edwards & Co Snack Tray boasts a unique modular aesthetic. Its floating bowl and cups create a sense of fun and playfulness while aligning with the brand’s design DNA.
Designed to integrate perfectly with any Edwards & Co stroller, the Snack Tray maintains the sleek aesthetics and high functionality that their customers expect. The easy click-on installation ensures that the tray can be attached or removed quickly, providing flexibility for parents and comfort for children.
Key Features:
- Dual Removable Cup/Snack Holders: Each holder comes with a sealable lid, ensuring snacks and drinks stay secure and spill-free, even on bumpy rides.
- Handy Central Tray: The central tray provides a convenient space for easy snacking, allowing your little one to enjoy their favourite treats on the go.
- Effortless Installation: The Snack Tray clicks directly onto your stroller, replacing the bumper bar with ease. This quick installation means more time for enjoying outings and less time fussing with attachments.
- Food Grade Tested: The cup holders, lids, and removable tray are all food grade tested, ensuring they are safe for your child.
- Dishwasher Safe: Cleaning up is a breeze, as the cup holders, lids, and tray are dishwasher safe, making post-snack clean-up quick and easy.
- Universal cup holder size: The Snack Tray’s cup holders are designed to accommodate a wide range of popular baby and children’s drink bottles.
The Edwards & Co Snack Tray is a must-have accessory for parents who want to make the most of their stroller experience. By offering a convenient and secure way to handle snacks and drinks, the Snack Tray ensures that children stay satisfied and entertained, making every outing more enjoyable. Because happy, well-fed children make for smoother journeys and more memorable adventures.
