Flatpack: Modular Bicycle

Industrial Design and HMI

THE BRIEF

Modular bicycle: Reimagining urban transport through a modern bicycle

Urban mobility and transportation gets the latest technology upgrade in both product features and manufacturing. So the question was "can we figure out a simple to use material with a single reversible mold to create various structural combinations”

Research

Digging up everyday experiences

One of the biggest problems that companies face right now, is the inability of the bicycle to address various consumer usage scenarios, for urban consumers. Transportation or last mile connectivity are just some of the problems.

Central to our initiative is an unwavering commitment to sustainability. We're deliberate in our choice of materials, harmonizing them with the environment rather than imposing on it. The construction of our innovative vehicle is a testament to intuitive design, where form flawlessly integrates with function. It's not just about creating a means of transportation; it's about forging a connection with the urban landscape.

Customization, for us, is not merely a feature; it's a philosophy. We believe in empowering riders to tailor their experience effortlessly. The Flatpack is a canvas waiting for personal expression, allowing individuals to make their mark on the urban canvas as they navigate through the cityscape.

It is a living laboratory, a dynamic space where ideas take tangible form. Every component is an experiment, a manifestation of innovation. What sets it apart is that it's not a finished product; it's an evolving concept. Your input becomes a crucial part of this ongoing experiment, contributing to the collective effort of shaping the future of urban mobility.

The Flatpack is not just a mode of transport; it's an embodiment of progress, a symbol of the evolving relationship between individuals, technology, and the cities we inhabit.

IDEATION

Ideating the Revolution

What if there was a way to continue using a product which could be augmented with new tech, materials, parts etc that could be utilised to build a better product every time you upgraded. To design one, a clear product architecture had to be imagined from the start.

The ideation phase for this project transcended the conventional notion of a process; a jubilant celebration of unbridled creativity, where every stroke, regardless of how whimsical, stands as a valuable contribution to our exhilarating journey of innovation. Here, we hold a firm belief in the transformative power of unconventional thinking, recognizing it as the catalyst that paves the way for extraordinary outcomes in modern transportation.

As we traverse this expansive and imaginative landscape, we embark on a collective mission to breathe life into concepts that work in the real-world streets.

The Solution

Not just a Bike, a Connected Companion

The challenge was to figure out a way to keep the frame as the main component around which all the functions are adaptable. The chromatic aluminium frame of the bike renders great strength while keeping the costs down by keeping the design flat-packed.

Materiality Matters:
Sustainable: The HMI housing is crafted from recycled aluminum, its robust nature a testament to industrial ingenuity and environmental responsibility.
Tactile: The touch screen features a textured glass for intuitive interaction, its surface whispering promises of effortless control under fingertip movements.
Chromatic: The display emits a soft, adjustable glow, complementing the bike's color palette and contributing to an environment of focused riding, not blinding light.

Design in sync with details:
Minimalist: The interface presents information with elegant simplicity, each data point displayed as a stark symbol or dynamic graph, echoing the Bauhaus influence on Flatpack's overall design.
Customizable: Riders can personalize the dashboard, rearranging tiles and choosing the metrics that matter most to them, turning the HMI into a truly personal instrument of urban navigation.
Synergy: The HMI communicates with every component of the bike, providing haptic feedback through the grips, subtle LED indicators on the frame, and even adjusting ride parameters for optimal performance.

Driving the E-bike culture

Our design philosophy didn’t just focus on aesthetics, but on a design that's intuitive and easy to use. Every component, from the handlebar controls to the adjustable seat, is carefully crafted for comfort and effortless interaction.

Commencing with the handlebar controls, our commitment to crafting an exceptional e-bike experience goes beyond mere functionality. We have meticulously designed an interface that becomes an intuitive extension of your movements. Whether you're adjusting speed, activating assist modes, or engaging with other features, these controls are thoughtfully curated for effortless interaction, placing you in complete command of your ride.

This meticulous attention to detail extends to the adjustable seat, where comfort takes center stage. Crafted with diverse preferences in mind, the seat ensures that every journey becomes a pleasurable experience. Regardless of whether you're embarking on a short city commute or a more extended exploration, our unwavering focus on comfort guarantees that your ride is not only efficient but also truly enjoyable.

In essence, our design philosophy embodies a commitment to an e-bike that transcends the ordinary. It's not merely a vehicle to transport you from point A to B; it's a sophisticated companion with an innate understanding of your needs.

We believe in elevating the e-bike experience to new heights. Our design philosophy is an invitation to immerse yourself in a journey where innovation meets comfort, and every ride is a testament to the relationship between thoughtful design and functionality.

Customisable User experience

It's where minimalist design meets urban exploration, where technology empowers without being overwhelming, and where the city becomes one’s canvas.

For Flatpack, our dedication to minimalist design transcends mere aesthetics; it embodies a philosophy that aims to simplify and enhance your urban journey. The sleek lines gracing our creations are not merely for visual appeal; they are intentional, serving as guides that navigate you through the city's hustle and bustle.With Flatpack, technology is not a dominating force but a tool of liberation, designed to empower your exploration of urban landscapes without overshadowing the simplicity of the experience. It's a blend where every technological advancement serves the purpose of enhancing your connection with the city rather than distancing you from it.It's an experiential journey where the fusion of innovation and minimalist elegance redefines how we interact with our surroundings.In this collaborative venture, the unfolding sleek lines of our designs collectively call for a redefinition of the urban cycling experience. This was done to navigate the cityscape, guided by intentional minimalism and empowered by purposeful technology. It's an invitation to step into a future where innovation and elegance converge, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, one sleek line at a time.

An Ode to Minimalism

Flatpack's design lies in a fusion of powerful technology and minimalist controls, ensuring an intuitive and seamlessly connected ride. The ability to customise your experience is at your fingertips, unlocking hidden data points with a simple touch.

Flatpack's Human-Machine Interface (HMI) integrates into the frame, becoming a sleek canvas where data transforms into a symphony of information. With a swipe, tap, and personalized touch, your dashboard becomes a reflection of your priorities, allowing you to customize the metrics that matter most to you. This interactive experience prioritizes user control, ensuring that every interaction is intuitive and tailored to your preferences.

Navigate the city with unparalleled ease through real-time GPS guidance, transforming your commute into a flawless and informed journey. The HMI not only enhances your mobility but also transforms each ride into an exploration of the urban landscape.

The dedicated Flatpack app serves as your backstage pass to the urban performance. It goes beyond the conventional, offering a comprehensive suite of features that enrich your riding experience. Track your fitness data, monitor battery life, and access real-time updates on traffic and weather, all within a few simple taps. The app becomes a hub of connectivity, allowing you to engage with fellow riders, share routes, and challenge each other to friendly competitions.

In the space of urban mobility, Flatpack's HMI and app play key roles, harmonizing technology and user experience. It's not just about data; it's about transforming information into a personalized and dynamic narrative that unfolds with every ride. As you connect with your surroundings and fellow riders, Flatpack's technology becomes an integral part of your urban journey, turning each commute into a vibrant and interactive experience.

Cracking the Flat-pack Engineering

Forget clunky welds and hulking frames, Flatpack's engineering comes with the quiet precision of a master watchmaker. It’s not just an e-bike – we were crafting a vehicle of innovation, each component meticulously designed to push the boundaries of urban mobility.

In this transformative phase, engineering at Flatpack transcends to become an art form, where each element is a perfectly composed note. We bid farewell to the era of hulking frames, embracing a design philosophy that echoes the finesse of a well-crafted timepiece. Our engineering precision goes beyond mere functionality; it's a resolute commitment to elevating the entire experience of urban commuting.

Every nuance in the process, from the intricate assembly of electric components to the painstaking selection of materials, contributes to the creation of a two-wheeled masterpiece. The symphony of innovation is not merely heard; it is felt. This e-bike perfectly integrates into the urban landscape, redefining what is possible in terms of efficiency, elegance, and environmental consciousness.

The precision engineering is akin to crafting a recipe, where every component plays a unique role in creating a harmonious and efficient whole. It's not just about assembling parts; it's about orchestrating a careful integration of technology and design that enhances the rider's connection with the e-bike.

As we engineer this two-wheeled marvel, our focus extends beyond the tangible components. It's about designing an experience that goes beyond the ordinary, where the rider becomes part of a dynamic urban narrative.

Imagining a world where E-bikes Rewrite the Rules of Mobility

Flatpack is not only an innovation in the space of e-bikes but a smooth experience. It is a sleek machine that lets riders conquer urban landscapes and embark on hidden adventures.

Our future is sustainable, with innovative designs and eco-friendly features. The joy of cycling is accessible to all, fostering a vibrant community connected by charging stations and shared experiences.