Our client challenged us to think up an idea more powerful than a charity donation, and that’s exactly what we did. Project Courage is about harnessing the talent and ingenuity of Honda engineers to make a difference in the lives of kids in need. 

At the heart of Project Courage is the Honda Shogo, a small electric vehicle made just for hospitalized children that allows them to drive themselves to their treatments and procedures. The Honda Shogo turns what could be a stressful journey into a fun ride, giving children a sense of control. To bring the Honda Shogo to life required a unique collaboration between a team of engineers at American Honda Motor Company, Inc., and a team of medical professionals at Children’s Health of Orange County (CHOC). 

The electric vehicle has power controls, a go/stop mechanism on the steering wheel, and an adjustable speed of 1–5 miles per hour, which is controlled by a handler such as a nurse or caregiver. The Shogo was built without doors so that it would be safely and easily accessible to all patients, even those with mobility challenges. Features to make the child’s experience more fun include a toy bucket in front for items the child would like to bring along, cup holders, a horn with different encouraging sounds, and a customizable license-plate slot that allows each kid to color in their own name plate. We conceived the idea for the Honda Shogo and then documented the process, all the way through to the very first hospital ride.

Medical professionals have seen dramatic results from the use of the Honda Shogo. Dr. Peter Yu says, “You can really see the impact that the Honda Shogo has made in a patient when you speak to them after a ride. They have more energy and excitement. It is a great tool to help engage patients and get them back to full health.” According to a surgical nurse, “The Honda Shogo has been a wonderful way to help get kids moving again.” This is only the beginning for Project Courage. More vehicles are being rolled out across the country this year, as Honda remains committed to improving the lives of young patients.