Iva

What it does

It solves the problem of heavy, bulky strollers by providing a convenient, easy-to-carry solution that unfolds in seconds, reducing physical strain and enhancing mobility for parents.

Your inspiration

Our inspiration for Iva came from a real-life experience. While strolling with his two young children in Paris, my teammate Mick faced constant complaints of tiredness from his kids. The bulky, cumbersome stroller he was using exacerbated the situation, leading to physical strain and logistical challenges. Determined to find a better solution, he envisioned a compact, lightweight stroller that could easily be carried as a backpack and unfolded when needed. Returning back to Belgrade, where our studio was at that time, I supported his startup idea to invent the slimmest stroller that could fit in a backpack. That's how Iva was born.

How it works

Technical Details Unfolding and folding the stroller back into the backpack is equally quick and straightforward, involving the use of buttons on the bottom sides of the backpack to unlock the mechanism. Unfolding Operation: The unfolding process involves pushing sliders down on both sides of the backpack, causing the wheels to emerge. The wheels are then retracted down, spread out until they get fixed by the patent pending mechanism, and the handle is pulled up, followed by unfolding the seat . Folding Operation: To fold the stroller back, buttons on the bottom unlock the mechanism, allowing the stroller to be easily assembled back into the backpack. Material and Construction: The core structure is made from 6061 Aluminum, a material known for its strength and lightweight properties. This ensures durability while keeping the overall weight of the stroller low.

Design process

Initial Concept: The idea was to combine a stroller and a backpack, making it easy to carry and use as needed. Mika showed me his sketch and the probable folding principle. I was intrigued to fulfill his dream as an engineer and industrial designer. Research: I had to review all the patents for compact strollers over the past 100 years. There were many attempts to create a thin and light stroller, but all of them failed to meet safety standards or ease of use, so they were not implemented. Eventually, this helped me to come up with a simple yet effective solution for the locking mechanism that was able to slide up and down. Prototyping: Together with Mika, we 3D printed several variations of the mechanism and, after testing them, improved its reliability. This way, the rigid frame was implemented, as well as the telescopic handle. The process of prototyping and testing is shown in the YouTube video. Simulation: This process simultaneously came with prototyping. As an engineer, I performed FEM analysis and motion simulation, ensuring that the mechanisms and joints met US Standard F833 for carriages and strollers for maximum safety. The eventual test with a real child acknowledged its feasibility.

How it is different

Market and Competitors The Iva Backpack Stroller is positioned in a market where compact and lightweight travel strollers are in demand. Competitors in this space include brands like Mountain Buggy Nano V3, Cybex Eezy S Twist 2, Joolz Aer, Kolcraft Cloud Plus, and Babyzen Yoyo2, with prices ranging from $79 to $449. The Iva Stroller offers a competitive price point at $150, making it an attractive option for parents seeking a compact and affordable solution. The iF DESIGN AWARD 2024 winner, TernX Carry On, proposed a beautiful solution, yet it lacks Iva's convenience and customization. The backpack is detachable, so customers can update their Iva to a new color or design by buying only the backpack part of the product on the Iva site or in partner stores. Conclusion The Iva Backpack Stroller stands out as a practical and innovative solution for modern parents. Its compact design, ease of use, and safety features make it a valuable addition to the market.

Future plans

We were going to launch a Kickstarter campaign, and for this reason, Mick had to go to the US. Unfortunately, the next stage of the prototype requires further investments, making the current one a burden for us without business angels. We applied to several accelerators, but they predominantly focus on software, which is understandable. The slogan of the book "Makers: The New Industrial Revolution" — "anyone with a good idea can bring their product to market without significant capital investment" — is not working for us. However, the Dyson Design Award, with its prize money, can completely cover our needs for this endeavor.

Awards

We just opened our baby startup to the public eye. The Dyson Design Award is the first design competition we have applied to.