Redefinition of my gap
In what way might I design a casual hoddie, that doubles up as safety wear for casual cycling and improves recognition in traffic?
My gap addresses casual cycling, commuting from A to B, not cycling for sport.
My artifact is a hoodie that fits in every day life, but is highly noticeable while cycling a bike in traffic.

Alpha Prototype
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Back View: Hoodie in "action" mode
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Back View: Hoodie in "casual" mode
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FrontView: Hoodie in "action" mode
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front View: Hoodie in "casual" mode
Prototype Design
For my alpha prototype, I concentrated on the elegance of the casual hoodie design. I created a pattern for the artifact. Designing the hood shape, so it wouldn't restrict the view, was my main focus. I also wanted to make it still good looking when worn without helmet.
The general design is a slim fit with long sleeves and a long body. The area around the upper back and shoulders is a bit wider to allow freedom of movement when cycling.
A zipper in the front allows to take it on and off easily. This half zipper will become a full zipper for the final prototype.

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back view, with helmet
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side view, withhelmet
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side view, with helmet
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side view, without helmet
I'd like the material to be weather resistant. All visibility features of the hoodie are hidden, when worn in an active use.
I used black fleece for my Alpha Prototype, the applications and wing-pockets are neon polyester and reflection tape. The neon is an eye-catching design element and gives a hint of the double function, when worn casual.
The top front of the hood holds through elastics on the helmet. The upper part is elastic and the lower part are just straps, that allow to adjust the hood to size of helmet or to be worn without helmet.

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side and front view of hoodie with annotation
Evolution of the concept
My fist thoughts for better protection in traffic was an armor to extend the human body surface and to “frighten” the driver, week #1. User feedback and prototype testing showed me, that this kind of armor is a bit to much for casual biking, although pretty cool. The the idea still lives in the wings, that extend the body of the cyclists. High reflection might remind of shiny eyes of wild animals in the dark.
The big reflection patch on the back is covered by the hood, concept E, followed up. The wings are hidden in arm pockets, They are inspired by concept C and D from week #4. The lower back reflection is flipped down. This is inspired by concept B and F from week #4. When the patch is lifted, th reflection shines, it holds up with sewn in magnets.

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concept evolution, influences from week#1 to week#5
Further thoughts
My artifact is not an alternative to good lights on a bike, it should be an addition.
I know, that the hoodie could fit more features, like rain proof, better airflow, allows use of backpack. But I think, the big benefit of my artifact, is the fun and elegance apparel, that has safety features. If the safety features become to overwhelming, the beauty part of it might vanish.

Thinks to think of for Beta Prototype:
  • This reflection patch might become a pocket
  • Material, functional while elegance/beauty
  • Full zipper in front
  • Wing pockets with Zipper
  • Reflection application more defined, more elegant/beauty
  • Breathability. Airflow, that allows blowing wings up