Maxtrax Coverboard

CoverBoard Finding greater utility in the MaxTrax Recovery System

01. Overview

Prepaired For :

3D Prototyping Course Solo Project UT Spring 2023

The Challenge :

Create an Industrial Design concept for the Automotive marketplace.

02. Introduction

Background:

Insights:

Design Direction:

Roles / Responsibilities :

Research, Ideation, Prototyping, Rendering, Presentation of findings

Solution :

An extension of the Maxtrax product to enable more use.

Prompt:

To look at the vehicle environment and develop an aftermarket product that will merge into the existing structure.

Identify target markets through research and discovery. Ideate and develop possible product solutions and evaluate them to a final concept.

The Automotive marketplace is broad with many aftermarket accessories. Much of which can be broken down into utility, storage, and protection.

Vehicles are incredibly personal and are shaped around transporting a person and their objects around, anything that lessens the tension with the transport of good or helps to improve the outward expression is of value in the market.

03. In-Depth Design Research

Research:

Interview Quotes Highlights:

Conducted market research of automotive with extensive web research, mind mapping activities, multiple interviews, and in-person retailer visits (REI, Walmart, Napa Auto, 4WheelParts, Rack attack, and Lowes.)

“The majority of stuff I keep in my car is for if there is a situation but it never really gets used.” “I get nervous only having 2wd, especially on trips”

“I tend to buy products for the consolidation and organization of stuff in it.” “I wish I had more space.”

Overlanding:

Os vehicle-based, on-road and off-road, adventure travel with a focus on self-reliance, resilience, and enjoyment of the journey.

Overlanding is vehicle-based, on-road and off-road, adventure travel with a focus on self-reliance, resilience, and enjoyment of the journey.

31% of 4x4 owners invest in modifications. Overlanding segment has seen 71% growth since 2019

Overlanding has been and is expected to continue to be a driver in the truck and SUV market, primarily from millennials.

More than 80% of customers/participants in the “overland expo” were new in 2020.

05. Insights

Current uses of recovery boards

Create an extension of product that fits into the Maxtrax system which would allow for broader utility.

Many vehicular products are made for a single use and tend to sit and occupy space for the occasional use.

Recovery products in particular people are thankful to have them when needed but are typically purchased as a what if rather than seeing common uses out of to better justify

Vehicle recovery can be a dangerous process and traction mats are one of the safest methods to get unstuck.

Weight and surplus are some of the biggest cons in overlanding better to get more out of what you already carry.

04. Ideation

Inspiration & Sketches:

Gained inspiration from natures grip and hardy metal systems & Explored forms, possible uses and applied feedback.

Allow further personalization and use.

06. Prototyping

Potential further use of recovery boards

Physical Assembly inspiration: proof of structural integrity

Locking and hold down mechanisms: integrate key holes

Physical prototyping exploration: Knobs need hard cover to enable interaction

Physical Exploration:

Current storage systems for Maxtrax: Be able to store flat

07. Reflection

Coverboard Renders

Get more out of your recovery boards with the Coverboard and Base support. Have a friendly surface to interact with and an adjustable base to match the boards height to suit your needs.

3D Model:

Coverboard Colors

Multiple color possibilities to suite personal preferences, along with integrated pattern traction.