DESIGN NAME: Now
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Next Generation Bike
INSPIRATION: A lot of woom customers wanted a bike that was perfectly tailored to the day-to-day mobility needs of their kids. We responded with the woom NOW. It's a cool bike for the city that lets kids get where they need to go by bike. We're focusing on urban youth who put a high premium on freedom and independence.
Generation Alpha:
Born when iPad was launched
Children of Millennials
positive pester power
tech-enabled creativity
Digital Masters
showing signs of being the new old fashioned
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: With its woom NOW, the Austrian manufacturer of bikes for children and teens is launching an urban lifestyle bike that is as eye-catching as it is unique: the new woom is a lightweight and fully loaded bike with a new take on frame architecture and packed with special features. In a nod to the world of bike messengers, the woom NOW combines an integrated front rack with a small front wheel. This feature is not only stylish but also makes for a safe and stable ride when carrying loads.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The woom NOW gives riders aged 6 to 14 years a revolutionary urban lifestyle bike. It is equipped with a versatile front rack that supports baggage of up to 10 kg, hydraulic Flatmount disc brakes and wide balloon tyres. The smaller front wheel ensures a low centre of gravity to provide stability and control over the bike. It has a versatile front rack for loads of up to 10 kg; additional bike accessories can be attached on each side.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: This bicycle was designed in Austria, the project was carried out for 2 years.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Vehicle, Mobility and Transportation Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: For the design we used moodboards and various murals to collect and visualize the requirements. We were not only going to various sketch phases but beforehands made extensive research on the needs of generation alpha. Not only bringing rational features into the design, but also really working on the emotional facts. Like that teens want to express themselves which lead us for example to the identity board. A framebag where they can show their thoughts or even a little protest.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 1480 cm x 720 cm x 250 cm
TAGS: convertible, extraordinary, unique, individual, flashy, functional, suitable for everyday life, modern
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Research was a fundamental part in designing an urban oriented kids bicycle that lead into creating a new category on the market. Extensive Competitor Analysis led to discover that most bikes on the market are converted bicycles but not designed from the ground up. Further Interviews of Stakeholders (Dealers, Customers, Industry Experts) aimed at solving problems (transport of schoolbag) fulfilling needs and kids desires (lifestyle, cool look, customizability).
CHALLENGE: "A lot of woom customers wanted a bike that was perfectly tailored to the day-to-day mobility needs of their kids. We responded with the woom NOW. It's a cool bike for the city that lets kids get where they need to go by bike," says Matthias Leite-Guertner, the head of the Product Design team, "even when they've got a backpack, groceries or a duffle bag." woom NOW product manager Raffael Zimmel adds, "We wanted to make a bike that was as cool as a mountain bike but was perfectly suited to the big city."
The team of developers tinkered for more than two years and thought about the requirements for a new generation of urban bikes. "Good load-carrying options, good mudguards to keep clothes clean, and good lighting that's always available and doesn't need charging.
Matthias Leite-Guertner: "The challenge was not being biased by what solutions are already existing and truly finding new answers to problems unsolved by competition: that’s the key to real innovation.
Our team made lot of testing and produced prototypes for creating a proof of concept (early stage rideable prototypes). We made also extensive testing with children at any given moment during development.
We hat to overcome doubts and reservations for a solution that is controversial and unusual.
Our aim was making a product that is affordable, yet lightweight and shows high quality. This is always a challenge to tackle. Strict laws and bicycle standards do their rest."
ADDED DATE: 2022-01-24 10:27:19
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IMAGE CREDITS: woom GesmbH
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