Monday, March 29, 2010

Security



Securing the bikes will be one of the largest issues we will face. Currently Vellib is experiencing huge issues with this. With each bike costing $3,500 and approximately 1,500 bikes being repaired daily, as stated by the New York Times

...I'm not quite sure how they're making a profit with all those repairs...hopefully there has been a miss print

Monday, March 22, 2010

ESQUISSE 3: Alternative Materials




For this esquisse we were to research and analyse alternative materials, processes and technologies which may be suitable for manufacture if the shared bicycle and supporting infrastructure.

GROUP - product design specifications

Product Design Specifications

• Target Market 16-60 year old
• Distinctively styled to reflect the Melbourne vernacular
• Designed to target locals and regular users. Secondary market will be tourists

Bike Specifications
• Durable and lightweight design which has a long life
• Geometry must create an upright riding posture
• Wheel and tyres should be of a standard size to allow for cheap readily available parts. They should also be of a size to maximize balance, comfort and stability, standard size
• Vandal and theft proof
• Ergonomically efficient for the 95% range (i.e. adjustable seats)
• Gearing to accommodate hills, allow for a constant speed of 10-15km on flat ground
• Brakes, ensure they work in wet and dry conditions
• Inbuilt storage unit, for helmet and personal items (at different times)
• Inbuilt locking mechanism
• Built in constantly active light unit
• Meet all relevant Australian Standards
• Incorporate a tracking device
• Capable of being ridden by cyclist of all age levels
• Standardised consumable parts, to minimise maintenance costs

Docking station Specifications
• Modular design to allow for flexibility in any location
• Self contained unit
• Dispense hygienic helmets to fit a range of people
• Durable and vandal resistant
• Designed to work within Melbourne’s weather conditions (heat, rain, frost etc)

System Specifications
• Utilising readily available payment methods
• Have a maximum of 1km distance between docking stations throughout Melbourne’s C.B.D. (central business district)
• Offer assistance to tourist and first-time users.
• Laid out to minimise the need for bicycle redistribution
• Incorporate a facility for bicycle tracking and repair

DESIGN MATRIX - vernacular




An in class activity which was employed to enhance the creative thinking within the group. Themes and quialities of Melbourne were gained from esquisse 1.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

RESEARCH: The Stash


The Stash helmet folds to 60% of its original size and although I'm not completely convinced it won't collapse during an accident it definitely has potential.
Foldable bike helmets might just be the solution share-bike companies need.

http://www.cycling.tv/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=20300&ATCLID=1444828

Monday, March 15, 2010

ESQUISSE 2: shared rides







This esquisse involved researching current bicycle sharing systems including their infrastructure, styling, materials, technical issues, intergration, payment methods and location of hubs.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Research: SmartBike

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FX605d-oGw

A video describing the smartbike system in place around Europe

RSEARCH: OZbike

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vtBQAnCxZo

YOU THE DESIGNER

Graphic Design Forum

http://www.youthedesigner.com/

RESEARCH: Concept Bikes

Nulla Minimalist Bike Concept



http://www.tuvie.com/nulla-minimalist-and-stylish-bike-concept/

RESEARCH: Housed Bicycle Unit - Tong City Bike

Tong City Bike





All bicycle components (i.e. gears, brakes, GPS) are housed within the unit, in an aim to reduce damage.

http://www.freerider.ro/noutati/generale/bicicleta-de-oras-a-viitorului-5095.html

RESEARCH: Transport System Bicycles

Concept Bike for Shared Bicycle System



http://www.tuvie.com/innovative-and-adaptive-openbike-transportation-system/#more-6269

RESEARCH: Bicycle Storage

Car Bike Rack


http://www.tuvie.com/yakima-frontloader-the-convenient-and-functional-top-of-the-car-bike-rack/

Although this is a car-bike-rack I really liked the way the bicycle locked into the system.

RESEARCH: Bicycle Concepts


Visible suspension on seat, aero-dynamic windscreen for protection, pedals directly attached to back wheel.
http://www.tuvie.com/category/bike/


The B1K concept bicycle

No spokes in back wheel, increasing safety

http://www.tuvie.com/category/bike/

Saturday, March 6, 2010