Designing a Better Future: How Motovated Helped Vestner NZ Redefine Platform Lifts
At Motovated Design & Analysis, our mission is to engineer solutions that make a real difference—and our partnership with Vestner NZ is a prime example of that philosophy in action.
Who is Vestner NZ?
Vestner NZ is part of Vestner, a long-standing German lift firm with roots dating back to the 1930s. After acquiring New Zealand-based Pandect Ltd. in 2015, Vestner continued the legacy of designing, manufacturing, and installing high-quality platform lifts for low- to medium-rise buildings. Their focus is on improving accessibility—indoors and outdoors—across both New Zealand and Australia.
When Vestner NZ identified a gap in their product range for a scalable outdoor lift, they turned to Motovated to bring a new concept to life—one that could meet varying market requirements (up to 2.0m lift height for Australia and 3.6m for New Zealand) while keeping the user experience at the forefront.
The Challenge
Designing a new lift system from scratch is no small feat. It required balancing strict engineering requirements with a thoughtful understanding of the end-user experience—everything from how the lift feels in motion, to how it sounds, looks, and operates in real-world conditions.
Vestner needed a partner who could not only handle the technical complexity but also adapt as new insights emerged during development. That’s where Motovated’s AGILE, user-focused design approach made all the difference.
Our Approach
From day one, the project was guided by these core principles:
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End-User Focused AGILE Design: We considered key user experience factors—jerk, acceleration, noise, lighting, safety, and aesthetics—throughout the design process.
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Scope & Budget Alignment: By establishing the budget early and revisiting scope along the way, we ensured maximum value for Vestner at every stage.
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Standards-Based Engineering: All designs were aligned with relevant architectural and design standards.
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Simulation-Led Development: Key structural elements were validated through Finite Element Analysis (FEA), ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
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Full Virtual + Physical Prototyping: We developed a complete CAD model and manufacturing drawing pack, delivering a high-quality, physical prototype on time and within budget.
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Supplier Collaboration: Working closely with Vestner’s manufacturing partners helped mitigate risk and streamline the path to production.
The Result? A Game-Changing Platform Lift
The prototype exceeded expectations, meeting all strength, deflection, and safety criteria. More importantly, it delivered a smooth, reliable user experience—an essential factor for end users relying on this technology for everyday mobility.
This lift isn’t just a product—it’s a next-generation solution for accessible design. Vestner now offers a truly world-class platform lift, designed in New Zealand, enabling safe wheelchair access in homes and commercial spaces across the globe.
“I continue to be impressed by the ability and professionalism of your team.”
— Russell Cockburn, CEO, Vestner NZ Limited
A Platform for Innovation
Motovated’s work with Vestner is a testament to what can happen when great engineering meets bold vision. Together, we’ve created a platform—literally and figuratively—for improved accessibility, better living, and ongoing innovation.