Product design
Frame redesign
As part of the minor Co-Design, I combining my passions for design and bike building to redesigned the geometry of a classic Jan Jannsen steel bike. I used the project as a study in how moving away from traditional design influences aesthetics and riding characteristics.
My Role
UX/UI Designer
Duration
1 Week
Tools
Figma, Makerspace
During the minor Co-Design I was given a week to plan and execute a project or idea that I have always wanted to do, but never found the time to do so. I chose to redesign a classic bike frame, moving away from the traditional triple triangle design towards a unique and eye catching aesthetic.
A bike frame that removes the seat tube to create a visible gap between the bottom bracket and the top tube, creating a floating aesthetic and a smoother more feathered ride quality.
Research
The research phase of this project consisted of gathering inspiration around different frame shapes and forms. It resulted in a moodboard as seen below, serving as inspiration towards the design phase.
Design
The design phase began by translating the findings from the moodboard to the shape of a vintage frame. To ensure safety and rider comfort sketched various shapes and methods of reenforcing the frame. A cross shaped centre piece, with the seat tube removed gave the desired aesthetic change while retraining a safe design with a comfortable riding characteristics.
Once I had devised a basic shape, I had to translate this to the donor frame. Using PVC pipes, I modelled the desired shape to give me an idea of what the bike would look like. There were several iterations as I adjusted the tube angles to create both a functional and and aesthetically pleasing final form
A final step of the prototyping process was to add components, getting a real world understanding of the change of the geometry and a better vision for what the frame would look like.
During the final preparation I ran into issues. I had used the PVC model to cut metal replacements of the correct length, however due to timing constraints I was unable to get the final prototype welded together.
The project resulted in a non ridable prototype, a proof of concept. Due to time constraints and the unavailability of welding equipment at the makerspace, I was not able to complete the desired outcome of having a ridable prototype. I fully intend to complete this project at a later date.
While I was not able to complete the prototype, the design exploration of changing the geometry of the frame was a success. Through this project I learnt that through trail and error, it's possible to create something unique and creative.
