Background
The outdoor category analysis revealed opportunity for new types of collapsible or stow and go seating. Since traditional camping chairs are heavy and out of date, we needed to identify a new solution that was lightweight and versatile. We had launched a chair that is collapsible and lightweight, but was very similar to other market places without any additional features. It also lacked the comfortability and versatility that backpackers and campers craved due to their space constraints when traveling.
Current Market Offering
Our Product
Retail Product
Research
Desktop Research
Extensive desktop research was conducted to identify the current outdoor market. Youtube reviews on outdoor gear, customer product reviews directly on retail sites, and outdoor enthusiast sites and articles provided the insight as to what new products were desirable and why. This pointed us in the right direction when we were identifying the key qualities that our consumer wants and needs from their gear.
Market research unveiled possible competition or alternative products, but all options were too high in price and lacked the lightweight and high functionality that our target consumer desired.
Example Pack
Trend & Ethnographic Research
Retail trend analysis was performed by visiting outdoor specific stores such as REI, Cabela’s and Dick’s. Since we did not know initially what type of versatility a chair could provide or what people would want included, I reviewed different types of versatile gear such as cookware, clothing, and sporting items to see what went well together and if customers see value in those types of products.
This research showed that the most valuable versatility is if one product can completely substitute for two additional items. One good example that a customer gave was her cookware was interconnected and were components of a larger pan.
Identified Design Requirements
The research conducted revealed that the new wave of outdoor enthusiasts prepare for their adventure with precise gear; packing space and weight was top of mind. The lighter the weight and the smaller in size the equipment could be, the more desirable. Additionally, the research showed that most adventurers preferred to pack not only a seat of sorts, but also a hammock. By combining these two into one lightweight and packable design, backpackers and campers would be able to take to the trails with less.
The design requirements are identified as:
- Breakdown to the size of a breadbox
- Hold 300 lbs
- Maintain a clean silhouette when folded up into a chair or expanded as a hammock
- Utilize every part of the hammock to add comfort when used as a chair
- Ensure all safety measurements that are outlined for hammocks and chairs
Since this type of product has not been seen on the promotional or retail market, we identified the opportunity to patent the functionality. The initial designs to fulfill the identified requirements and draft the patent filings are shown below.
Initial Design
Initial Design
Project Conclusion
Before initial prototypes were created at the factory level, the Chammock was put on hold due to the high costs associated with patent and mold fees. Additionally, the factory was not confident that the target FOB price would meet our requirement with the upgraded material costs that would ensure a safe and high quality product.