Bugaboo: A Suitcase Born from the Concept of a System, Gaining Major Attention.
Bugaboo
The Bugaboo Boxer
May Even Change Your Travel Style.
When we think of suitcases, there are generally fixed forms, and within those, various innovations, weight reductions, and design trials have been repeated. However, the fundamental concept hasn't changed much. That is, we're still stuck with the image of a rectangular box that you drag along. But! A suitcase has appeared that seems to rebel against this long history of suitcases.
Text by NAGASAKI yoshitsugu
The Concept of "Pushing" – A Novel Idea
Yes, the Bugaboo Boxer from Bugaboo completely overturns the common sense notion that suitcases are meant to be pulled.
As you can see, it's a suitcase with the surprising design of pushing it forward, but the idea of pushing is actually quite logical.
"The hint came from the luggage trolleys at the airport. When carrying heavy items, it's easier to push them forward. Also, the concept of pushing allowed us to fully utilize the technology we've cultivated with our strollers. The Bugaboo Boxer was born from consolidating all these ideas into the concept of 'pushing'."
As the words suggest, Bugaboo is immensely popular, particularly in Europe, as a top brand for strollers. The reason for this is their smooth maneuverability and the highly adaptable system they offer.
Incidentally, the name Bugaboo Boxer comes not from a box, but from the dog breed, Boxer. This likely emphasizes its excellent maneuverability.
Bugaboo
The Bugaboo Boxer
May Even Change Your Travel Style. (2)
The Concept of Thinking of Suitcases as a System
There's another reason why the Bugaboo Boxer is groundbreaking.
"We consider this suitcase to be a system," says designer Arnout Dijkstra-Heijlinger. The Bugaboo Boxer is based on a carrier part called the chassis, combined with cases available in two sizes. You can choose the case size and add extra items to create a configuration that suits your travel style.
You can freely combine it for long or short trips, or for business, to create your own travel style. Moreover, as befits a design powerhouse like the Netherlands, they have managed to simplify complex mechanisms remarkably.
A prime example is the chassis. The wheel housing and complex mechanisms are designed with great simplicity. Maximum safety measures have been taken, whether for carry-on or checked luggage. Truly, it's nothing short of brilliant.
Each unit connects securely with an interlocking mechanism, and it can be released with a single touch.
Personally, I was drawn to the inner bag that can be pre-fitted inside the cabin. This is because, typically, luggage increases on the return journey. However, these inner bags can be used individually, and even if your luggage expands upon returning home, they can be attached to the cabin with an attachment.
This allows you to carry your luggage as a single unit during transit, and then utilize the system flexibly as needed (e.g., minimizing carry-on items).
Those who are well-traveled will truly appreciate how the Bugaboo Boxer is designed with travel styles in mind. It's a powerful reminder, even to myself, that arranging travel in your own way means controlling even your belongings. I strongly felt this from the suitcase system.