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MSKI Development process

  • Background of product development

    Background of product development

    Background of product development

    The first generation tri-circle kick scooter product for leisure currently launched in the market would be those from U.S.-based Trikke. These products move forward based on the force generated from the motion of turning the handle right and left. These kick scooters are not easy to learn how to ride, and require a certain level of skillful to move at fast speed. It is especially not easy for young children to ride. 

      We have realized from such problems that we need to develop a product that is much easier to ride and travel at higher speeds, and we have implemented our ideas for an actual product.   

      Based on this concept, we applied for a patent (Application Number 2005-0050858), and achieved that patent (Patent No. 10-0613014) in August 2006. Based on this patent, we initiated the designing and mock-up development process in alliance with industrial design specialist Goth Design Co., Ltd starting in October 2005. 

  • 1st MSKI model (Model-1,2005/12/10)

    1th MSKI model

    Test drive video

    Evaluation of the model 1 and the results thereof

    Our Model-1 gave us both hope and failure. As shown in the video above, the Model-1 incorporated our initial product concept and was outstanding in terms of appearance. The factor we had completely overlooked, however, was marketability.
    We achieved success in terms of developing a product that implements the ideal image that we had. Despite this, production costs were too high, and so we came to the reasonable and objective conclusion that this model was not marketable.
    We decided to suspend the development of the Model-1, even if it would be launched in the market in the market maturity stage later, which may require longer time. We then immediately held meetings to develop a next model.
    Development of the next product with enhanced functions and marketable price 

  • 2nd MSKI model (Model-2, 2006/09/20)

    2th MSKI model

    Due to the suspension of the Model-1 development, we missed the optimal time for the product launch. We were in a state of confusion due to the suspension of the M1 development, which was initially scheduled to be launched in 2006.
    All activities related to product development related to capital. For a new venture and an SME with insufficient capital, success in product development is critical for survival. As we didn't have enough time, we proceeded with the development of our Model-2 in a deliberate manner to negate any possibility of failure.

    ​ Our goal for the Model-2 was to develop a product that not only satisfies our product concept but also reduces production costs. We devised a method to reduce the production costs incurred from the fabrication of Model-1 to the maximum extent, and completed the designing of the Model-2 based on this method. In addition, we decided to use a simple working mock-up for testing instead of a design mock-up, and will fabricate a design mock-up later if the simple working mock-up was acceptable according to the testing.

    Test drive video

    Evaluation of the Model-2 and the results

    The Model-2 mock-up was enhanced to reduce the production costs. In the process of testing the working mock-up, however, we detected a drawback in the main concept of our product.
    If the scooter is driven in the same way as the inline skater, propelled by a rider pushing off the ground with his or her leg, one footboard should be able to be lifted slightly, but the prototype product did not lift naturally. This drawback may be a slight error, but we were determined to adhere to our corporate principles and release a perfected product. 
    Although our situation has never been easy, we launched a development meeting for the Model-3 to devise measures to ensure that one footboard can be naturally lifted. 

  • 3rd MSKI model (Model-3, 2006/11/30)

    3th MSKI model

    For the Model-3, we focused on developing ideas to enable one leg to be naturally lifted to drive the scooter. As a result, we developed the 4SC system for the drive sector. We thus decided to shift our development into our core technology, the 4SC system, and have been working on obtaining a patent and completing a commercial product.

    As we had to complete the fabrication of a mock-up and its testing in a short period of time, we completed the fabrication of the mock-up in a month. The test results are quite satisfactory, and we highly anticipate the success of our product. Our first products have finally been developed and realized through various challenges and difficulties.

    Test drive video

    Evaluation of the Model-3 and results

    We have achieved huge success through our Model-3 as it has implemented our core technologies. In terms of functionality, the development of the 4SC system perfectly implements not only the functions of the inline skates but also the seamless tilting and turning functions. We have decided to focus on enhancing the foldability and simplifying the product structure for the next model, and are now in the preparation stage for a mass production system.

  • 4th MSKI model (Model-4, 2007/04/20)

    4th MSKI mode

    Thanks to the successful development of a working mock-up for the Model-3, we were able to commence the design process for production. We've decided to remove the string to fix the foot on the foothold as it may cause ankle fracture when the rider falls. Removing this string does not affect function or introduce any new problems. We’ve also changed the design of the foothold for better grip. 
    Through the review of the product design, the best design will make the best use of the product functions and demonstrate the 4SC system in the M-shaped drive sector. We focused on showing off the key functions by hiding the springs inside the product casing.

    We have performed product testing by fabricating a design mock-up after completing the prototype design. As the costs required to fabricate a working mock-up exceed KRW 10 million, it was not an easy decision for an SME, which usually have insufficient funding power. However, the fabrication of the mock-up was critical as the performance, functions, and safety of the final prototype only can be verified through such a process. As we were confident in the success of our product, we decided to raise additional funds and started to fabricate the mock-up for testing.

    Test drive video

    Evaluation of the Model-4 and the results

    Based on the success of the Model-3, we completed the design of the Model-4 and finished the fabrication of the Model-4 design mock-up. Our prototype was accepted after the functional checks and the strength test, and all tests required for the mass production were completed. We came to seek further measures to reduce production costs even further. There were still several development stages we needed to complete to provide customers with better and cheaper products.

  • 5th MSKI model (Model-5, 2007/11/30)

    5th MSKI model

    After the completion of the 4th model, we have not only been seeking companies to manufacture our product, but also improving its quality. Product improvement is focused on the reduction of production costs and the enhancement of product speed and functionalities. We have attempted to apply the directional castor used in general three wheeled kick scooters to the rear wheel of our product, resulting in a significant advance in function. We've achieved not only cost reduction but speed and fuctional improvement. We immediately entered into an agreement with a China-based scooter manufacturing specialist and started product development.

    We started to estimate the mold and production costs right after the completion of designing the 5th product together with the Chinese manufacturer. Now that the design process was completed, we are anticipating the launch of the product in 2008. All our staff members that have devoted themselves to the launch of product are comforted by the thought that all our efforts so far were not unfruitful.

    Test drive video

    Evaluation and results of test on Model-5

    The Model-5 can be evaluated to be a product that features over 90% of the original form of the Model-5. The adoption of wheels used for inline skates in an uncompromising manner came to be replaced with directional castors, resolving the challenges of not only cost reduction but also functional improvement.
    The remaining unsolved issue of foldability to facilitate the mobility and storage of the product caused a delay in the launch of mass production. We were supposed to launch the product in 2008, but we needed to conduct more research to find the way to solve this problem.  

  • MSKI's folding device (Folding Mechanism, 2008/12/30)

    It was essential to make the MSKI foldable or detachable for storage and portable purposes. Although we have developed various folding mechanisms, we continued failing to satisfy all our requirements. As the folding device was located on a spot which was subjected to the most load in the structure, we required both rigidity to withstand the load and foldable ease. Through a series of development procedures, we have finally succeeded in developing our own unique folding mechanism. In addition, the MSKI's folding structure is patented separately (Patent No. 10-0928688).

    Folding Structure

    Folding Structure

    Video clip of the folding device

    Evaluation on the folding device and results

    MSKI's unique folding structure improves the portability of the product and facilitates loading in a vehicle. Since it does not occupy a large space, you can easily store it in your home. It can be folded by a single operation, and it is automatically locked in a folded state to prevent wobbling while carrying it. As our unique folding technology is patented, we have demonstrated our competitiveness and competence by obtaining another property right.

  • MSKI M1 model (M1 Model, 2009/04/30)

    Along with the acquisition of this patent, we launched the M1, our 1st MSKI model in 4 years from the start of product development. The M1 is meaningful to us as a product whose development is a combination of MSKI's technologies and design by GOTHDESIGN. The product test results are satisfactory, demonstrating M1's outstanding performance, and it features a top speed of 20km/hr., inline skating function, and a superb brake system. We applied for a patent for the core technology, the 4SC-System, in December 2007, and it was patented in March 2010 (Patent No. 10-0949145). The 4SC-System was awarded the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) Security General Prize at the 2011 Korea Invention Patent Exhibition, proving its excellence and competitiveness on an international level.

    Design

    MSKI M1 model

    Test drive video

    Evaluation of M1 and results

    The M1 product, which features various functions that meet our development concept, is earning high marks in the market. The 4SC-System, which implements MSKI's core technology tilting function into design, is also being spotlighted in the market. MSKI's products have been launched based on our technical competitiveness and are on sale in Korea's E-mart discount department stores, as well as on the U.S. QVC televised home shopping network, becoming a worldwide hot seller.

  • Development of MSKI's electric model (M1 Model, 2011/11/30)

    We have been seeking measures to utilize our MSKI product as a means of transportation. We have reached the conclusion that an electric model is the optimal solution as it does not cause any environmental pollution. We have developed an electric version of the MSKI, which is driven by the physical force of the user during normal use, and can be shifted to electric mode for long distance travel and driven by battery power. The battery is designed to be removable for charging, and the tire wheels are designed to facilitate long distance travel.

    Design

    Development of MSKI's electric model

    Test drive video

    Evaluation on MSKI-EL and results

    The development of the MSKI-EL was successful. A working mock-up was developed, and it performs stable and comfortable turns based on the 4-SC system’s tilting function and features new technologies such as removable batteries. As the electric model requires greater costs for both development and mass production, we have decided to launch this product after conducting closer market research, domestically and internationally.

  • MSKI M2 model (M2 Model, 2013/11/30)

    After the successful launch of the M1 model, we decided to improve the M1 to reflect customers' needs and started development activities in early 2012, which then ended in November 2013. A lighter product with a height adjustment function was developed to which a new 4-UC system was applied. We also developed the M2 SEMI model whose weight has been significantly reduce. Currently, we are about to complete the development of the upgraded M2 Pro model, which also features the 4-SC system. The M2 SEMI product is designed for children and teenagers, and the M2 Pro is aimed at riding enthusiasts.

    Design

    MSKI M2 model