My gap
In what way might I design an every day artifact, that doubles up as safety wear for casual cycling and improves recognition in traffic?
You can find my original primary needs on week #2
Refined Needs
  • The Protection is for casual bike riding
  • The Protection is recognition for behind traffic
  • The Protection fits every day life
  • The Protection a wearable artifact
  • The Protection is easy to maintain

I will pursue Concept E, Big hoodie with safety application

Prototype from week#4
My tests in action showed me, that the hoodie needs improvement in terms of visibility.
The feedback for my concepts gave some more need statements to think of:
  • The hoodie has a hood that doesn't restrict the side view
  • The hoodie allows airflow when it is hot
  • The hoodie doubles as rain protection
  • The hoodie has neon wings that are hidden for casual use
  • The hoodie has a reflection on lower back (eye level for behind traffic)
  • The hoodie can be worn with a backpack
  • The hoodie has reflection on the front and side
  • The hoodie has reflection in cool designs e.g. pop culture shape or pattern
Concept E, Big hoodie with safety application, concept variation 1-5
Description how I tested my prototypes
For detailed description and the survey, please click here

I tried different ways of testing my prototypes:
  • Asking friends, who sometimes cycle, while showing them photos. (6 person)
  • Asking employes, who all passionate cycle, at 2 different bike shops while showing them photos. (5 person)
  • Tested them my self while cycling around
  • Observe a friend using them in action
  • Asked people to participate my online survey (over 85 person participating)

The observation and presentation at the bike shops gave me the best response for improving my products.
The online survey was great to gather general which design people prefer. It also motivates me to go on, as I got a lot of good, (but mostly general) comments.
Apart from the test in action/use, the result clearly directed in the concept of the hoodie. I put the collected feedback from the prototype testing in another matrix to help me select my final concept.
Picture
Matrix for 3 week#4 concepts
Picture
screenshot of finished survey, 87 votes
Still up for consideration, concept D, Butterfly Backpack...
As I got really good feedback on the wings from parents with young kids and I liked the outcome of it, I did a modification of concept D, Butterfly Backpack. It would just be the wings as an accessorize.
Redefined gap for concept D (butterfly backpack):
In what may might I design attachable wings for children to be better seen in dark.
need statements
  • The wings come in different designs e.g. bat wings, dragon wings, fairy wings, butterfly wings
  • The wings look desirable for children
  • The wings are easy to transport
  • The wings improve recognition in dark
  • The wings come in a carry back

Neon Wings for Kids
Picture
wings with reflection
Picture
carry bag, 8cm high
My son loved the prototypes. I did a dinosaur design, as he liked dinos.
He was wearing them all day ;-)
They definitely would need improvement.
  • Positioning of elastic straps
  • Shape of wings
  • Position of reflection

    Author

    I really enjoyed observing and exploring my concepts. I am happy about your feedback.

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