Kona
The UPPAbaby Kona is a lightweight, compact stroller designed to keep up with everyday family life. I contributed to the development and refinement of its soft goods, focusing on the integration of fabric components with the stroller's folding mechanics, improving usability, and maintaining a cohesive design across the seat, canopy, and storage elements.
Functional Details, Refined Form
Part of the softgoods development focused on refining the stroller’s appearance and usability. Exterior pockets were integrated into the seat’s side wings to conceal the hard-goods bumper bar connection points when the bumper bar is not in use, helping to maintain a more finished appearance. I also contributed to canopy refinement, balancing coverage, ventilation, and visibility so parents can keep an eye on their child while maintaining protection from the elements. These details help create a cohesive design that supports everyday use while preserving the Kona’s compact form and streamlined aesthetic.
Resolving Folding Challenges
A key challenge was ensuring the stroller’s soft goods worked seamlessly with its compact folding mechanism. The basket required careful development to allow the fabric to move freely during folding without catching or interfering with the frame. The upper and lower seat side wings also needed to maintain their intended shape during use while moving cleanly with the stroller as it folded. I sewed and tested physical prototypes to explore construction solutions that would prevent the fabric from crushing or becoming trapped during folding. This iterative process helped refine the softgoods construction and improve how the fabric interacted with the stroller’s mechanical systems.
A Closer Look
The Kona’s design details extend beyond its overall silhouette. The side profile highlights how the seat, frame attachments, basket, and extended canopy come together, while the rear view showcases practical features like the zippered storage pocket and padded carry strap. Together, these details reflect the balance of functionality and thoughtful construction throughout the stroller.
