Trickle Up Design is currently working with a U.S-based consumer goods client looking to launch a line of natural wellness products across North America. Our work with this client includes strategy as well as product and website design. We are conducting in-depth market research as well as trend analysis and competitive benchmarking. This work will inform the product design phase which encompasses branding, packaging design, and website design and development.
This case study of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) focused on the narrow platforms that exist in several stations within the CTA System. Specifically, the elevated wooden platform at the Damen Station along the Blue Line was studied. The CTA Blue Line travels diagonally across the city connecting the downtown Chicago Loop with O’Hare Airport.
As part of this case study the pace, flow, use of space and the overall experience, both physically and psychologically, were examined from the point of view of different composite users. Ultimately, it was found that the 41” wide platform raises significant safety issues particularly for those who have problems with balance, need more space or require more time to move along the platform. The inefficient flow of people is a concern as there is not enough room for faster users to safely pass slower users. Understanding these different perspectives and how the CTA does and does not allow users to move safely and efficiently, offers critical information about the design, usability and function of the transit system and the City of Chicago as a whole
View the case study below:
This project, called iBlob, was selected as a winner in the Ruckus Nation Idea Competition. Ruckus Nation challenged entrants to imagine a new product that is fun and cool enough to make kids want to get up and move as an effort to help fight childhood obesity.
iBlob is a dynamic game system that offers a new way for children to play away from the constraints of a gaming console, TV or computer. iBlob is an amorphous, fun-to-squish object that incorporates interactive lights and wireless music to get kids moving. TrickleUp Design was awarded $30,000 for the iBlob concept and a U.S. utility patent was filed for this idea.
TrickleUp Design worked with Oma Chiropractic, a health care clinic in Toronto, on two projects. The first was to re-imagine the clinic’s space in order to increase efficiency, as well as the comfort and overall experience of the practice’s clientele. As part of this, TrickleUp consulted with Oma to identify goals for the space and the overall practice in the short- and long-term. We analyzed space usage and the work flow of practitioners and traffic patterns of clients. From there, we created 3D models of the space with design interventions to assist the client to reach the desired goals.
The second project was Oma’s online strategy. Together we worked to identify the clinic’s goals for its online presence. We identified key information, imagery and language from which we to designed and build the website, www.omachiro.com.
TrickleUp Design worked with the client, Now House, to evolve its product offering and business model from a public demonstration project to a unique consumer-focused product. Together we explored the ways in which Now House’s proven net zero retrofit process could be developed into an accessible, affordable step by step kit that homeowners could use to make their homes more energy efficient.
As part of this process, we built physical and digital prototypes and mock-ups as well as prepared project briefs, business planning documents and presentations to communicate the Now House product offering to collaborators and potential partners. Additionally, as part of the discovery process, market research was conducted, including field observation, in order to identify direct and indirect competition, capture demographic data, and synthesize current consumer and business trends. Collaboration and brainstorming sessions were integral to the work with this client and resulted in documents and visuals that were used to test concepts and push the project to the next stage.
This project began as an effort to improve upon the design for a “sippy cup” that allows toddlers to drink safely and intuitively. Through research and brainstorming, we saw an opportunity to go one step further — to create a cup that filters water for use in both developed and developing economies. Inspired by the LifeStraw®, which is highly effective for those with the ability to suck water up through the device, our design allows children under 3 years of age, who are not yet developed enough to use the LifeStraw®, to have an easily drinkable source of clean water. The TimeisLife cup is meant for those most vulnerable to waterborne diseases, like small children, as well as adults who may have difficulty drinking, such as elderly users or those suffering from debilitating diseases.. This project is currently in development as one of TrickleUp Design’s in-house initiatives.