Interview about B2Q Kit Barbecue in Any Scenario, winner of the A' Camping Gear and Outdoor Equipment Design Award 2023
One suitcase, two layers, three heights, any scenario. While BBQ used to be a simple matter of heating meat, nowadays it is a much more sophisticated process, from preparation to the end of cooking. B2Q integrates the necessary tools for the whole process in a single suitcase, allowing people to start their barbecue elegantly and conveniently in any scenario. Modular design is used to take into account the differences in grilling habits of different people.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe idea for the B2Q Kit began with my own experiences barbecuing outdoors during Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival. I noticed that people often brought piles of disposable tableware and scattered tools, which disrupted the enjoyable, social atmosphere of the event. This observation inspired me to redesign the entire barbecue experience —from preparation to cleanup— in a more organized and elegant way.I conducted interviews and on-site tests to understand which fuels and barbecue styles people preferred, then built quick prototypes to evaluate folding structures and usability. Through this research-driven process, the concept evolved into a complete system that simplifies cooking, keeps tools organized, and elevates outdoor dining into a clean, social, and convenient experience.
The modular design of the B2Q Kit was inspired by my research into the complexity of the barbecue process. I found that each stage requires different tools, which often creates clutter and inefficiency in a limited space. I wanted to create a system that offers flexibility within a compact structure. The inspiration came from the IKEA SKÅDIS pegboard on my desk, which allows users to organize tools freely on a single panel. This idea sparked the concept of a modular barbecue surface where users can attach or swap different accessories according to their cooking habits, ensuring that the B2Q Kit can adapt to diverse scenarios and personal preferences.
The layered structure of the B2Q Kit posed challenges in balancing space efficiency with heat management. Since the design integrates multiple functions within a compact body, I experimented with laser-cut mockups to test ventilation flow and spacing between layers. I also purchased actual gas components to evaluate safe distances between the burner, grill plate, and internal compartments. These tests helped determine the optimal number and placement of ventilation holes, ensuring sufficient airflow and preventing heat buildup. Through these iterations, I was able to maintain a slim, organized structure without compromising user safety or cooking performance.
The transformation of the B2Q Kit from a sleek suitcase into a fully functional cooking station was guided by simplicity, structure, and user experience. I wanted the unfolding process to feel intuitive—so users could open it and start grilling without extra tools. A major design challenge was the telescopic leg system: it had to be compact enough to fit within the bottom space of the grill, yet extend to a stable, ergonomic height. I spent considerable time refining this mechanism, testing how to minimize the space it occupied while ensuring firmness once deployed. Through multiple mockups and hinge-angle experiments, the legs were optimized to open smoothly to a steady angle, achieving both portability and reliability within a sleek, efficient form.
The multiple height configurations of the B2Q Kit were inspired by observing how people barbecue in different social and cultural settings. In Taiwan, outdoor grilling often happens while standing and moving around, whereas in Western camping culture, people prefer sitting together around the fire. I wanted the product to adapt to both. The adjustable leg system allows for 400mm sitting height and 840mm standing height, accommodating different users, terrains, and group dynamics. This flexibility not only enhances comfort but also supports the social nature of barbecuing—whether it’s a quick lunch by the beach or a long evening gathering.
My experience at Volvo Cars and later as an exchange student at Pforzheim University shaped my understanding of user-centered design from research to storytelling. At Volvo, I learned how to observe user behaviors and translate insights into meaningful design strategies through structured user research and iterative testing. This experience taught me to ground every design decision in real human needs. Later, at Pforzheim University, I refined how form follows function—learning to craft forms that not only serve usability but also communicate a narrative about how people interact with products. It helped me approach design with both emotional sensitivity and practical clarity.
The storage design of the B2Q Kit was inspired by the structure of double-layer toolboxes. I wanted the upper and lower compartments to function separately, allowing users to organize and clean them independently. The two layers are secured with side latches, similar to a compact battle box, giving the structure both stability and flexibility. Research on typical barbecue setups helped identify the most frequently used utensils and condiments, leading to the inclusion of accessory racks for seasoning jars and tongs.
I see the B2Q Kit as more than just a product—it represents a shift in how people experience outdoor dining. I believe future outdoor cooking will focus on compact, modular, and shareable systems that blend functionality with lifestyle. It redefines the barbecue not as a task, but as a complete experience that brings people closer through design and interaction.
Material selection for the B2Q Kit focused on achieving the right balance between heat resistance, strength, and portability. Steel sheet metal was chosen for high-temperature areas to prevent deformation, while aluminum was used where lightness and mobility were priorities. This hybrid structure keeps the grill sturdy yet easy to carry. The entire body is made through sheet-metal fabrication, which also allows for precise ventilation and weight reduction. Rounded edges and chamfers are not purely aesthetic—they strengthen the panels and improve handling. Each material decision supports the goal of creating a lightweight, durable, and elegant product.
The B2Q Kit promotes sustainability by encouraging users to reduce waste and adopt reusable tools. In Taiwan, barbecues often rely on disposable utensils and charcoal, creating significant waste. This design replaces those with durable components and cleaner gas-based fuel. Its reusable structure reduces the need for single-use items and supports long-term use. Beyond materials, the kit also encourages an environmentally conscious mindset—reminding users that convenience and sustainability can coexist, and that thoughtful design can lead to more responsible outdoor experiences.
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