Abstract

Visibility is crucial to ensure safety and security for both drivers and pedestrians in everytraffic situation, especially during low-light conditions. While Swedish legislationregulates visibility-enhancing equipment for vehicles, trailers, and wheelchairs, there is anotable absence of similar legislation for strollers. This leads to a variation inimplemented visibility measures by manufacturers, sometimes resulting in the exclusionof reflective components. This lack of standardization leaves the responsibility on usersto improve stroller visibility.

Thule, a Swedish company specializing in products for active outdoor lifestyles, offers awide range of products, including roof boxes, roof tents, and strollers. Thule's strollerscome with integrated reflectors and are relatively well-equipped compared tocompetitors. However, there is a general perception among users of the need foradditional visibility measures.

To address this need, the Thule Group initiated a project led by two engineering studentsspecializing in product development and design at Jönköping University. The studentsconducted the project during the spring semester of 2024 as part of their mechanicalengineering thesis. The company's project goal was:

“To develop a generic accessory that can increase the visibility of all Thule strollers indarkness.”

The objective was also to develop a visibility-promoting product that seamlesslyintegrates with Thule's design, serving as a complement to their product range.

This report presents the entire process of the project, which is based on the DoubleDiamond method. During the project, field observations were conducted with the ThuleUrban Glide 4-wheel, along with a user survey confirming the need for increasedvisibility in darkness. Several concepts and prototypes were developed, resulting in a finalprototype tailored for most of Thule's stroller models.

The final prototype is designed as a two-part accessory intended to be mounted on theupper part of the stroller's frame. It includes two optical fiber cables with whiteillumination on the side of the stroller, as well as two red LED lights that illuminate thepath behind the stroller. The prototype demonstrates improved stroller visibility, therebyenhancing safety in traffic areas.