Design Case Study: Modular Wagon

My Role: Front-end innovation, design inspiration, iterative sketch exploration, concept refinement, CAD development & visualization

Developed during my tenure at Empire Group, this front-end innovation program was engineered for an entrepreneurial client looking to disrupt the juvenile wheel-goods category with a premium, highly modular kids' wagon ecosystem. Moving beyond traditional static toy design, I focused on creating a versatile architectural platform designed for strategic product line expansion. My role covered the complete front-end lifecycle: trend and inspiration analysis, ergonomic mapping for varied child age groups, sketch ideation, and refined CAD modeling. By intentionally designing modular attachment points and interchangeable configurations, the concept allows the client to scale their brand offerings with minimal tooling reinvestment. The final high-fidelity visualizations and structural design assets provided the definitive proof-of-concept necessary for the client to confidently pitch to venture capital and secure launch funding.

Many of us have memories as children with the “Cozy Coupe” or the “Radio Flier” wagon. And while those products hold near and dear to our hearts, I wonder what is that toy, and that experience, that our children will remember. Empire Group, in collaboration with the Nought Brothers, began to take the journey to find out what that next toy might be. What is the next “Radio Flier?” We’d like to introduce: the Nought Brothers, “Speedwell” wagon with the Mark I shell.

REFERENCE & INSPIRATION IMAGERY

The Speedwell Wagon: heritage pedal-Cars, customized wagons/child’s’ vehicles, Radio Fliers & The modern competition

REFERENCE & INSPIRATION IMAGERY

The Mark I: roadsters, “streamline”, grill, louvers, wind shields, frames, lights, wheels

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

We began with the Chassis. It developed into a metal frame with a fixed rear axle and 360° casters in the front. It also needed to adjust to fit different sized wagon “tubs.”

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Refining the concept, we explored adjustable handle options, and resolved the chassis to be individual fixed metal frames (front & rear) to a roto-molded plastic tub. This would provide the core structure to the vehicle. The steering handle would adjust at the grip, and be able to mount to the front for pulling, and the rear for pushing.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT

Once the architecture was firm, we began ideating around the Mark I aesthetic, and what we wanted out of the “shell.” Working with the Nought Brothers, we sought to bring the essence of a classic, bad-ass, hotrod into a simple, clean and moldable form; bringing in elements of the grill, chassis, louvers, windshield, and “highlight line”.

FINAL CONCEPT DESIGN

A modern take on the classic wagon. With a metal frame bolted to a roto-molded pan, the Speedwell sports 360° front wheel casters with an adjustable handle that mounts to the front and rear of the frame. You can ride in it traditionally, or flip up the seat back for when the rubber hits the road.

FINAL CONCEPT DESIGN

The Mark I Shell is what makes the Speedwell wagon special. The ball stud & grommet fastening mechanism not only speaks to the automotive nature of the design, but allows for endlessly customizable shells. The Mark I is simply the tip of the iceberg.