Design of an innovative roof box that is accessible for people of all heights
CLIENT THESIS PROJECT DURATION 13 WEEKS ROLE INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER FOCUS INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

BACKGROUND

The struggles of using a roof box

A roof box can be a skier's best friend, allowing storage for the valuable skiing equipment when traveling by car. Unfortunately, most users struggle to use it in the intended way. The biggest problem for many users, is that the roof box is often too far up to reach the contents inside in a comfortable and easy way. Even people who are tall enough experiences a lot of obstacles in the process. The fact that it is difficult to use a roof box is an issue a lot of skiers have come to accept. What should be a simple task becomes time-consuming, frustrating, and sometimes unsafe. It is time to think of a way to solve this.

CHALLENGE
Today's roof boxes are not accessible for everyone Roof boxes are widely used, yet their design excludes a large share of users. The height and placement on the car make it difficult, and sometimes impossible, for users to use as intended. Instead of making things easier, roof boxes often bring frustration, unsafe behaviors, and unnecessary obstacles.
Main pain points when using a roof box
  • Hard to reach
  • Users mount the roof box in an unsafe way
  • Time consuming
  • Difficult to organize
  • Makes your clothes dirty

PROCESS

Rethinking ski storage

To truly understand the problem, I began by observing users interacting with their roof boxes in real life and documented how users tried to overcome the lack of usability. I also conducted interviews and market research to uncover both functional frustrations and unmet opportunities in existing products.

I then moved into concept exploration:

  • Created personas to represent different user groups
  • Gathered inspiration and set direction through moodboards
  • Explored concepts through sketching and "how might we" questions
  • Built a physical mockup (scaled down) for quick testing and feedback
  • Developed CAD models to refine mechanics and validate feasibility
  • Iterated based on user feedback to ensure the solution was intuitive and effective
OBSERVING USERS
How users battle the poor usability By observing how the users are interacting with their roof boxes, you can gain valuable insights of the problems that they are experiencing with the product. A lot of users are using their roof boxes in the wrong way to improve their usability.
Even tall users struggle Roof boxes are meant to be unloaded from the ground, but even people taller than average often can't reach inside—especially with higher cars. This makes roof boxes usable only for the very tallest users, excluding a majority.
Climbing the car A common solution is stepping into the car to gain height, but balancing heavy skis while standing in slippery ski boots is both unsafe and impractical — especially when unloading alone. The process is time-consuming, unergonomic, and often leaves the car interior dirty and wet.
Mounting off-center Many users attach their roof boxes to the side of the car to make them easier to reach. While this workaround improves access, it creates unsafe weight distribution and goes against the product's intended use.
CONCEPT EXPLORATION How might we make it easier for the user to interact with a roof box?
DESIGN SOLUTION
Skutan — The roof box for everyone Skutan is a roof box that offers a completely new accessibility for its users, making the process of loading and unloading the skis an easy and comfortable experience — for everyone.

Using Skutan is more efficient, giving you time for what really matters.
Skiing.
HOW IT WORKS
Open The user unlocks Skutan with a key and pushes the same button to activate the lid, which slides open automatically.
Tilt Pneumatic cylinders underneath the platform are triggered, tilting the platform to a 55° angle.
Slide With the hasp removed, the skis and poles gently slide down toward the user, making them easy to load or unload without strain.
THE DIFFERENCE IN ACCESSIBILITY
TECHNICAL DRAWING
IMPACT
Benefits of using Skutan
  • Properly protects skis from outside factors such as weather
  • Accessible for all heights
  • Easy for everyone to reach its contents - even kids
  • The skis and poles are secured and are not going to slide around and potentially be damaged
  • Nudges the user to keep the weight distribution balanced
  • Easy to organize the inside
  • Does not cause physical strain
  • The user can reach the skis and poles without coming in contact with the dirty car
Nova Bastardo