Function

Move-it is a simple kit of self-adhesive cardboard parts, which the user sticks on to a cardboard package, turning it into a lightweight, easy-to-use trolley. It consists of a set of wheels and two different types of handle. A combination of these components allows the user to move boxes of almost any size and shape up to 20Kg. The idea of Move-it is to enable people to shop in a spontaneous way, then deliver their goods themselves, without having to struggle, rely on cars, vans or taxis, or wait-in for deliveries. The system is designed for a typical trip across the city and can even cope with rain and wet pavements. Once home Move-it can be recycled, or reused. What makes Move-it truly unique is that every single part is cardboard. Wheel, axle, chassis and handle can all be mashed up at the recycling facility and made into new cardboard products; and the special repulpable contact adhesive that sticks the wheels and handle to the box is designed to disperse harmlessly in water.

Inspiration

Move-it is the outcome of my major project for the the Industrial Design Engineering MA/MSc course. My original research topic was ‘Moving small loads in London on Public Transport’ which I chose in an effort to alleviate some of the discomfort I witnessed on my travels through the city. The inspiration for Move-it came from watching members of the public struggling to carry packages. I was struck by the paradox of modern life; promising everything ever quicker, easier and more convenient, and the reality of what I saw: that there are a million-and-one reasons it doesn’t work out for people.

Development

During the months of research and analysis, I noticed that problems often arose because many of the products and services did not reflect the inherent behavior and desires of the user. This insight generated a series of briefs for the five user-groups I identified, which led to a range of prototype products. I chose to develop Move-it because it accurately mirrored the realities of human behavior, and offered good scope to assist a broad range of people. The evolution of the product through prototyping has resulted in over sixty iterations and the limitations of materials, manufacturing and strict sustainability criteria provided many interesting challenges. This has resulted in various innovations, such as the use of a repulpable adhesive on a cardboard product, new repulpable treatments for cardboard cores and the patented new products and technologies themselves.