Blog 8: Why does the Japanese Design of Minjal 4wd trumps other Ride on toys design.

Blog 8: Why does the Japanese Design of Minjal 4wd trumps other Ride on toys design.

Ergonomics is also referred to as “The Science of comfort by design”

  • What is ergonomic design:

Research: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5681811/?reload=true

Ergonomics (or human factors) is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of the interactions among humans and other elements of a system, and the profession that applies theoretical principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well being and overall system.

The Japanese designers of the 4WD put in a lot of hard work  which is reflected in the functional simplicity and power of the design.

Unlike other ride-on toys on the market the 4WD is designed with the emphasis on usability, rider comfort, play value and functionality not on aesthetics.  As it happens they also managed a cool quirky design but this was a secondary consideration.

The designers took on board the views and opinions of Japanese mothers who had toddlers and had valuable input on what they saw as the perfect ride-on for children who had just learnt to walk.

They have achieved a design which is both simple but highly ergonomic.  This design harnesses each and every unit of energy which a child puts into the ride-on - to create super smooth movements, easy turning and a comfortable riding position so the child can play for a long time without getting tired.

4WD encourages the child’s natural instinctive movement to smoothly power it along.   The kick is a movement that comes very naturally to a child as a baby and even before birth. Instinctively children are able to gain mobility on their 4WD with just a kick or two.

Ergonomics have been incorporated in the design of every component of the 4WD from the HANDLE to the SEAT and WHEELS.

  • Handle Design: The Handles of the Minjal 4wd Ride-on are shoulder width apart and tilted at an angle so that the elbows of the child rest near their tummy for extra balance and comfort. The handles also have been designed with spherical ends to provide an easy instant grip without the child’s fists closing completely.
  • Seat Design: The seats are inspired by motor cycle seat design which encourages a strong thigh grip. The Minjal Ride on has a knee high seat with no backrest which makes it extremely easy for the child to mount and ensures minimum risk of falling.
  • Wheel Design: The Minjal 4WD ride-on has specially designed wheels which do not have ball bearings in them so they do not attract dirt. The wheel parts incorporate a special patented design which uses engineered polymers that give the toy its unique super smooth gliding movement.
  • Body: The body of the Minjal 4WD ride-on is specially made in one single piece without any loose joints. This makes it extra stable so it is safer and easier to ride.

4WD does not use any generic components, every single element has been designed and manufactured specially for the 4WD with the comfort and safety of the child always in mind.

Efficiency is a fundamental principle of Japanese designs.  The child’s energy is the ‘fuel’ which drives the 4WD.  The result of this efficiency is a ride-on with smooth movement and turning capability and a riding position that encourages long periods of play without getting tired.

4WD has been built to a very high quality specification. To provide maximum fun for the maximum time. 

As well as caring about how much fun 4WD will give your child the manufacturers also care about the environment.  4WD has a long life cycle and is made from 100% virgin plastic which can be recycled.

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