TagAlong is a convertible wagon that can transform between being a regular wagon and a ride-on toy. The two modes of this multipurpose children’s product are identified by the method of steering; a handle and a steering wheel. The goal of creating this dual purpose product is to innovate existing wagon design to adapt with a growing child's lifestyle and appeal to parents' aesthetic wants.
The TagAlong concept came to life with the support of my Graphic Tactics professor, Chris Lyons, and advice from an automotive engineer, my father Michael Jarvis.
When in wagon mode, parents are able to attach a handle through the front of the base to control the direction of the front wheels.
For further adolescent fun, the handle can be removed and a steering wheel can be attached through the inside of the base. This enables the child to control the steering while inside the ride-on. The floor can convert into a seat, allowing the “driver” to power the toy by pushing around with their feet.
The TagAlong brand is a simplified version of the ride-on toy mode of the product with the same mild color palette displayed on the wagon. Embossed on the base is the name TagAlong to embellish the product with its branding.
For packaging, the logo and simplified drawings of each mode of the TagAlong are displayed on 4 of the 6 sides of the box.
AI images generated from Midjourney and preliminary sketches aided in conceptualizing the TagAlong design.
To establish an accurate and functional wheel system within the design, I utilized a pre-created CAD file of a Tie-Rod Steering Mechanism.
By referencing the pre-created CAD, the dimensions for the front-wheel chassis required scaling by 0.476 and simple redesign to fit with the TagAlong base design.
With the dimensions being corrected, the full dual steering system was established. As seen, there are two ports of steering capability: the steering wheel and the handle insert.
Solidworks drawing offers general dimensions of the chassis to understand how the steering system will fit within the TagAlong design.
