Baby Jogger: K&J Exhibition Design

In 2020, as I stepped into my role as Principal, I faced the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and adjusting to remote work. Despite these uncertainties, I continued collaborating with design partners online, working on various assignments and significant initiatives for the Baby business segment and its collection of brands.

The Baby Jogger marketing team approached our in-house Newell Design Center team, where I reported, with an internal project. Our goal was to develop a branded exhibition space that would showcase our strollers, joggers, and other products. We aimed to create an immersive experience that included informative areas for video presentations, messaging, and learning about technology and fashion development, highlighting our brand's expertise in the category.

Executing this project from my home office without access to our office's craftsman studio and tools posed a unique challenge. However, I drew inspiration from a colleague's foam core model and decided to utilize my skills in a 3D modeling program. I proposed creating a digital white model to visualize the three exhibition concept goals I was developing. This model would serve as a representation of the exhibition space held in a ballroom in another country, which I couldn't visit due to travel restrictions.

With determination, I dove into the project headfirst. I strategized a plan to develop three unique exhibition floor plan concepts using white models based on architecture blueprints and measurements of the intended space.

The first concept embraced minimalism, featuring two aisles of products placed on a raised platform at eye level. Retractable graphic banners bookended each aisle. Additional products surrounded the perimeter, and we incorporated a stage for presentations and areas to fulfill the project's objectives. This cost-effective concept utilized stylized minimal illustrations to create a vibrant and fun atmosphere.

The other concepts allowed for unrestricted design exploration. We pushed boundaries by incorporating large fabricated cube structures to showcase products on multiple levels. We created a walking path that allowed visitors to experience the products on different terrains, aiming for a design approach reminiscent of cars displayed at the Detroit Auto Show.

This project pushed my boundaries and presented challenges that, with determination, collaboration, and a good internet connection, we were able to overcome.

Credits

Creative Direction: Wynnona Francis
Role: Exhibition Designer | Concept Developer | 3D Modeler | Project Manager | Design Lead