Interestingly
enough, this contemporary “Daddle” is an improvement upon 1950’s versions of
the original leather saddle. Compared to the original, the new Daddle is safer
to use with harness straps and also machine washable with the new 100% cotton
design.
The
Daddle is worn like a backpack and is simple for the “horse” to put on.
However, it requires a second pair of hands to situate the “rider” into the
saddle. Once positioned on the saddle, the straps easily slip over the rider
and are clipped into a secure position.
Unfortunately, you do need to buy the product to try it.
Because the Daddle is only sold online, there is no option to try the saddle
before purchase.
The
Daddle offers Observability of how-to put on the product. It is evident from
the ad how to adjust the straps onto both the rider and the “horse”. The
picture also, obviously, demonstrates the excitement of the rider, clearly
communication how fun it is for them.
Interestingly,
this product is highly compatible with the values and fashions of society. In
America especially, parent involvement with children is highly encouraged.
Because we are in a technological age, children are too often and too young
exposed to the types of technology that create isolating entertainment such as
watching a movie, playing a video game, or even listening to a book recording
all from the convenience of a phone or tablet. However, this individualistic
mode of entertainment severely lacks an irreplaceable element of peer and
parent interaction. The Daddle provides priceless attention from the parent as
well as a physical means of entertainment unattainable from other technologies.
Furthermore, the product is marketed as the “Daddle” derived from “daddy” and
“saddle” and is specified as a father-geared product. This is more opinion than
analysis, but I think that especially in today’s view, society is pushing for
more equal and wholistic parent involvement with their children; the Daddle is
a type of product that attempts to pick up on the “father side” of interaction.
On
a lesser note, the Daddle could potentially pose a problem with social norms in
terms of child safety priorities. Although the Daddle has straps for children
safety, it is probably not the first choice of parents to have their children
riding on a back, especially when so young.
Unfortunately, the Daddle does not offer very
many alternative uses. Because of it’s unique design, it is highly
“task-specific” to horse-back-riding. Therefore, it is not adaptable to other
uses. This poses the problem of when the child grows out of the saddle, or
weighs too much, the Daddle becomes obsolete and cannot be resued or recycled
for other use. The Daddle is a one-time-use product only relevant for children
of a certain age and weight. It is not universally accessible for diverse
children of different body types and is also not easily stored for later use
(if considering saving it for a second or younger child).
I
think that although the Daddle reinforces important social norms, ultimately it
is not a smart purchase for $41. This is too high a price for as specific of a
product as the Daddle. DUe to the cost-benefit Innovation Decision making process being highly linked to economic accessibility i think that the Daddle will have a slow diffusion and adaption rate. I think that only a select few in the market would purchase the Daddle and it will not "catch on" as a fad--also due in part because parents already give their children "piggy-back" rides without the Daddle, rendering the product unnecessary for children.
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