Child Seat Storage Pod
Del everyday usability through thoughtful accessory design
Recaro
Client: We partnered with Recaro to expand the functionality of their child car seat range through the development of an integrated storage accessory. The brief focused on enhancing everyday usability for parents by creating a clip-on storage pod that provides convenient access to essentials such as drinks, snacks and toys. The solution was designed to complement the seat architecture and support a more seamless user experience across a range of travel scenarios.
Approach: We delivered a ground-up design programme, exploring multiple visual and functional concepts to balance usability, safety and brand alignment. The storage pod was developed as a flexible, attachable accessory designed to integrate cleanly with the seat architecture while remaining intuitive and convenient for parents to use. Iterative prototyping and user feedback informed key decisions around ergonomics, attachment methods and day-to-day practicality, ensuring the accessory performed reliably within real-world family environments.
Challenges: The project required careful integration with the existing seat form factor while maintaining robust performance and ease of installation. The storage pod introduced additional complexity through the use of silicone overmoulding, requiring precise control of material behaviour, durability and attachment integrity. Manufacturing considerations, including tooling strategy and finish quality were critical to delivering a premium, brand-aligned product capable of consistent production at scale.
Deliverables: We delivered production-ready CAD, detailed engineering specifications and full design for manufacture support for the storage pod. We developed and validated prototypes through user testing, refining performance, ergonomics and usability. The silicone overmoulding approach was defined to support tool design, material selection and manufacturing processes. The final product was successfully tooled under Pd-m oversight and manufactured in a range of colourways aligned with the Recaro brand.
Impact: The storage pod enhances the functionality and everyday usability of Recaro’s child seat offering, providing parents with convenient access to essential items during travel. By combining robust engineering with user-centred design Pd-m delivered an accessory that integrates seamlessly with the existing car seat range. The result strengthens product value, broadens market appeal and reinforces brand positioning through thoughtful, high-quality design execution.
“We selected Pd-m because of their expertise from concept ideation through to manufacture, and everything in-between. Many design agencies do not have the manufacturing knowledge possessed by Pd-m which made them the obvious choice to partner with.”