Design innovation and continual development What influences innovation and the development of new products?

Owen Maclaren and the Maclaren Baby Buggy

Owen Maclaren was a test pilot and aeronautical engineer who worked on the design team for the Spitfire during World War 2. His background and experience gave him a unique understanding of how to make lightweight but strong folding structures. In 1944 Maclaren retired from aeronautics and co founded Andrews Maclaren Ltd which made aircraft components. A Spitfire In 1961, using technology and materials from the aircraft industry, the company developed its first consumer product – a folding picnic chair called the Gadabout chair. Gadabout chair

His ‘act of insight’ for the buggy followed a visit to his home by his daughter with her baby and very large pram. He realised how heavy and cumbersome they were to handle. He set about developing a lightweight version but in fact invented a totally new way of transporting babies. Maclaren patented his design for a Baby Buggy in 1965.

The first Baby Buggy B-01 was made from modern lightweight materials such as tubular aluminum. It had a folding structure that meant it took up about the same space as a folded umbrella when closed. It weighed only six pounds or 3 kilos. The blue and white striped seat became an iconic design feature. The lightweight frame and minimalist design set the standard for a new industry. It was very user friendly, being far more maneuverable and lighter than traditional prams. In 1976 Maclaren, working with ICI, developed a new, durable balloon-foam tyre which gave a smoother ride. In the same year the company launched a pram buggy which combined a folding pram, carrycot and buggy all in one. The iconic blue and white striped buggy

The first 1000 Maclaren Baby Buggies were made at Maclaren’s home workshop in Northamptonshire. They became an instant success. Now over half a million Maclaren products are sold in over 60 countries worldwide. Continued innovation Owen Maclaren died in 1978. However the Baby Buggy has continued to go through a process of innovation. 1981- introduction of swivel front wheels & linked brakes improving safety. 1984- the Dreamer (the first fold flat buggy) was developed. 1991- The first car seat-pushchair combination allowing babies to be placed in and taken out of a car without having to undo the car seat.

1991 - The Duette was launched 1991 - The Duette was launched. This was the first folding buggy allowing side by side transport of two children that could fit though a standard doorway. 2001 - the Titanium range was developed, with a high tech, rugged titanium frame and leather seat, raising the status of the product into the luxury range. 2005 - Maclaren launched the Maclaren by Starck collection. This was a joint venture with Philippe Starck to introduce a ‘designer range’. This trend has continued with the introduction of the Maclaren leather range (using an all leather seat and carbon fibre frame) in 2006 and limited edition models in 2007.

Coursework – innovation and continual development It must include: Historic of the product and designer. What problem was originally solved and how was this done? How had the product continued to develop and changed since its original design? Consider the use of technology push/market pull in your case study. At least 1 side of types A4. Remember SPG Mini Ipod