Group 7

Project number Four in our design class was an exercise in putting our newly minted design skills to work, solving the multitasking bicyclist dilemma. Working as a team, in the IDEO style, we brainstormed an incredible amount of ideas, finally culminating in the design we attached to the bicycle.

We began work on our bicycle mounted drink-and-accessory attachment with a list of design constraints. The now familiar constraints were on the list, but we were also faced with several new problems. First, our design must be easily functional. Secondly, it must be economical and ecological. Third, it must reflect or enhance the aesthetics of the bike. Fourth, it must have some way of deterring theft.

Having now worked together on a team for a couple other projects, we had a great time coming up with original ideas. Everything from dashboard style consoles to claw arms, a materials wish list that ranged from titanium to super dense magnets that would absorb shock from the system. All ideas were considered on their individual merit, and some were discarded for economical reasons (titanium is expensive) and other reasons, including time and tool restraints. In the end, all the materials for the project are eco-friendly within our budget and were scrounged from existing garbage or garage junk, meaning this is a work of genuine reuse. No pocketbooks were harmed in the making or testing of this project.

The real work began once we got down to the nuts and bolts of construction. From scale mock ups and sketches, we began to assemble a frankenstein-like contraption. Through the evolution of design, we constantly tested and improved each portion of our prototype, lengthening or shortening the phone arm, resecuring the cupholder, adding or deleting options, adding and rearranging features. Attempting to minimize the amount of one-handed steering and other unsafe maneuvers, each aspects of the design were carefully positioned: an iPod holder near the left hand, the cell phone holder elevated slightly to the right to allow phone calls with or without speaker phone, and a cup holder in the center to keep turbulence on the cup at a low and allow access through a straw or a regular gulp. In the end, we were left with a set-up that looks cool, is easily removable to deter theft, and adds to the safety and function of the bicycle.

From an ecological standpoint, we did fairly well, considering our budget and durability constraints. In the end we used steel tubing and high impact plastic for the majority of the products, both of which are easily recycled. Lesser used, but still important materials include stainless steel rivets, instead of glue, and used powder coated steel, rather than painted. Powder coating uses drastically less chemicals in its production. The weakest link in our project is the cardboard phone holder and Styrofoam iPod holder, which are easily recyclable, but not very durable. That would be replaced in a production version with corrugated soy-based plastic, which is both sustainable and recyclable. Soy-based foam and canvas would replace the out-sourced crash pad, further decreasing the waste material involved. By weight, less than 10% of our prototype is not ecofriendly, which would be improved once actual soy-based products were located.

Music by The Fray - Cable Car