Design Sprint: Race To The Finish Line With The BERG Toys Nexo Step
We have the opportunity to design a lot of cool stuff here at MODYN. But, when BERG Toys approached us to help them create a new toy and enter a new market, our team was excited and giddy like a bunch of kids.
Well-known in the Netherlands for its high-quality kid’s products like trampolines and go-karts, the brand keeps kids moving and having fun. But while BERG Toys has had a lot of success designing their own products, when it came to the scooter, they admittedly got a bit stuck. There wasn’t a lack of ideas and designs, but direction. So MODYN came in to help BERG Toys steer the initial design process, working with the brand on a series of design sprints.
Ideation Design Sprint
BERG Toys wanted to design a scooter that was different from anything else on the market while staying true to its brand DNA. This meant adding value, making something recognizable, and ensuring it was fun, cool, and safe. We started with an ideation design sprint to generate ideas, from identifying priorities to voting on different concepts.
Collaborative Process
“It was actually a really fun process for us because we were working alongside BERG’s team of designers and engineers, and they gravitated towards the more innovative and design-forward ideas we were coming up with,” Gert-Jan explained.
Presenting to Stakeholders
Having experience with companies of all sizes, MODYN provided the BERG Toys design team with the right material to present ideas to internal stakeholders. “We steered them towards designs that were innovative but not alienating,” Gert-Jan said. “We co-created the perfect balance between design and market needs.” This led to cool innovations like the quick and easy kick and fold mechanism, visible suspension, stunt modes, light-up wheels, and built-in games.
MODYN’s Impact
MODYN’s innovative approach helped BERG Toys create a scooter that is fun, safe, and market-ready. Our collaboration ensured the design met both creative and market needs, solidifying BERG Toys’ position in the market.
After the ideation sprints came the concept design sprint, helping the BERG team flesh out the concept further. The kick-fold mechanism was a big one, as well as the mechanism to make the scooter turn, as these are always under patents. So, we provided BERG with ideas and sketches that would help their team devise their own solution in the design and engineering phase.
We also looked closely into safety with the team, making the choice go for a scooter with three wheels instead of two to give it a more sturdy platform and open it up to more age groups. The concept designs from our design sprint also helped BERG Toys to be more sustainable, showing them it was possible to produce an entirely plastic scooter that is much more green and recyclable than metal scooters. Finally, MODYN also helped BERG Toys with cool CMF design combinations during the design sprint that were iconic, recognizable and totally kid-approved.
After our series of successful design sprints with the BERG team, it was time for BERG to finalize the product design and engineering phase. The results reflected the hard work of both teams, with BERG’s expert design, engineering, and finishing. Most of the hard work was done by BERG’s excellent design and engineering team; we were happy to provide the right direction for this product.
Safety and Design Features
Designed for kids from 2 to 12 years old, the BERG Nexo Step features an adjustable handlebar that grows with kids. A steering lock allows kids to learn to steer safely and properly. We also worked with BERG to design other built-in safety features like three sturdy wheels and anti-slip material on the deck and handles. To get the most out of your Nexo, you can opt for extra modules like LED light wheels with 12 colors and patterns. Thanks to a built-in motion sensor, the lights turn off after 15 seconds, making the batteries last longer. We also designed a game using a magnet and coins, allowing kids to create courses and races. This fun game helps improve kids’ motor functions.
Playful and Sturdy Design
The design language is playful and unique. Chunky elements and sturdy lines make it feel youthful and durable. Designed to withstand wear and tear, the BERG Nexo Step is made of heavy-duty plastics. Tactile elements, like grippy handles and easy-to-install games, make it simple to use and a pleasure to ride.
Market Impact and Recognition
Today, we’re proud to see the BERG Nexo Step on the streets and sold by Decathlon. This design is making an impact on the market. It has also received recognition from our peers, earning a spot in the G100.
Whether you’re working on the next kids toy or the next city bus, our team can help you better define your direction and bring an iconic, successful product to market. Get in touch today to learn more about our design sprints and how we can help.
