# Versatile Ladder Designs Louisville Ladder's 'Cross Step Ladder' Combines Two Ladder Designs By Joey Haar | Published 2016-09-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cross-step-ladder References: [core77](http://www.core77.com/posts/55872/Is-It-Possible-to-Improve-on-Something-as-Simple-as-a-Step-Ladder) & [louisvilleladder](http://www.louisvilleladder.com/products/step-ladders/fiberglass/2-1/louisville-fiberglass-cross-step-2-1-ladder?product_size=6&product_load_capacity=300&sku=FXS1506) It's difficult to imagine changing -- let alone improving on -- something as rudimentary as a ladder, but American manufacturer [Louisville Ladder](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louisville-visual-art) has done just that with its Cross Step Ladder. The design combines the benefits of both a [straight ladder and a step ladder](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cadenza), throwing in some original innovations to boot, to create a [versatile tool](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onurhan-demir) for handymen and construction workers. Most ladders are either step or straight, meaning that they can either fold out to become a sturdy platform or lean against a wall to let workers get closer to the edge. The Cross Step Ladder uses chamfered corners and a compact design to be both at once, eliminating the need to own and transport two ladders for large jobs. Louisville Ladder's design also features a notch in the middle of the platform, allowing workers to safely climb the ladder on walls' corners. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Versatile Ladder Designs:** The innovative combination of step and straight ladders in the Cross Step Ladder creates opportunities for ladder designs that are multi-functional and space-saving. - **Chamfered Corner Design:** The chamfered corners in the Cross Step Ladder open up the possibility of creating more ergonomic and user-friendly ladder designs that reduce the risk of injury for workers. - **Notched Platform Design:** The notched platform design in the Cross Step Ladder introduces new possibilities for ladder designs that provide greater stability and safety when working on corners and edges. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Construction Industry:** The Cross Step Ladder is a disruptive innovation for the construction industry, offering a versatile and space-saving solution that can increase efficiency and reduce the need for multiple ladder types. - **Home Improvement Industry:** The innovative design of the Cross Step Ladder has the potential to disrupt the home improvement industry by providing a multi-functional and safe ladder solution for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. - **Manufacturing Industry:** Incorporating chamfered edges and notched platforms in ladder designs could create new opportunities for the manufacturing industry to create ergonomic and safer ladder designs for workers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Contemporary Folding Ladders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scaleo.md) - [Sculptural Experimental Artforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ladder-series.md) - [Transforming Child Stool Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flipflap-childrens-chair.md) - [Folding Maintenance Lift Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jlg-liftpod.md) - [Kids Modern Step Stool](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/totto-step.md) - [Cross Leg-Supported Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/euljiro.md) - [L-Shaped Stacked Shelving](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loft-shelf.md) - [Modular Quad-Function Tripods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/versatile-tripod.md) - [Leaning Portable Workstation Desks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leandesk.md)