Innovation
Innovation has been a major part of Micro Mobility Systems' DNA ever since the company was founded. True to the vision of a "better urban lifestyle", Micro now offers over 100 different mobility products for kids, teens and adults and is the global market leader in the premium segment. The spectrum ranges from the popular children's scooter to stylish electric scooters and the latest coup, the Microlino.
The heart of this tireless innovation process is the Micro Design Lab in Küsnacht, Zurich. This is where new ideas are explored and the first prototypes are created with passion and dedication.
In this interview, Roberto Sonza of Micro Design Lab tells us where he gets his inspiration for new products and what makes Micro's designs unique.
Roberto Sonza, Head of Micro Design Lab
Your story of how you came to work at Micro is rather unconventional. Why don't you tell us...
It all started when I was a bachelor's student in Transportation Design in Torino, Italy — a course focused on creating innovative mobility solutions. While searching for a company to collaborate with on my thesis project, I came across images of the Microlino online and was immediately impressed by Micro's smart and eco-friendly approach to urban mobility.
I decided to reach out to the company by email, and to my surprise, they offered me the opportunity to collaborate on a project. Together, we developed the Microletta, a three-wheeled scooter concept positioned between the Micro scooters and the Microlino. The project was a real success and opened the door for me to continue my journey with Micro. After graduating, I moved to Switzerland to officially join the design team.
Where do you get the ideas and inspiration for new products?
Inspiration comes from everyday movement — how people navigate their routines, find shortcuts, or improvise new ways to get around. By paying attention to those small moments and human gestures, we find opportunities to rethink and improve our products and to create new ones.
«By paying attention to those small moments and human gestures, we find opportunities to rethink and improve our products and to create new ones.»
What is the biggest challenge when designing a new product?
The biggest challenge for me is maintaining high standards. Micro has always been a pioneer in bringing practical and innovative solutions to people, and in a world already saturated with products for every possible need, our challenge is to keep standing out with ideas that are meaningful, well-designed, and truly address real human needs.
What characterizes Micro's product design?
The Mini Micro, for example, has a timeless design that has endured over the years, consistently finding its target group without requiring significant changes. This is by no means guaranteed, especially in the scooter sector, where the market changes very quickly.
What role does sustainability play?
We select the best materials for each project and test our products according to international standards to ensure they have the longest possible lifespan. We only use the minimum amount of material necessary. And we are constantly looking for new, more environmentally friendly materials and production processes. So you could say that sustainability plays a very central role.
But it is also important to mention that we need the support of our customers, who also play their part by making conscious purchasing decisions.
