This detachable case is for cyclists with a quick and light commute. The design makes use of the bottle holder screw points of a bike frame, and features LED lights. It is made from PLA material, using 3D printing.
Brief
The brief for this project focused on engaging with a specific and small target audience, as well as identifying and interpreting market trends.The designed product is a response to design trends, exploring how form and surface can be combined to create a specific aesthetic statement.
Background
With the boom in cycling during and after COVID, urban-bike commuting became an option for many. Often, commuter-style bike bags are bulky, heavy, and require complex mounting systems - adding unnecessary hassle. Options include rack-mounted panniers, or come in the form of heavy-duty backpacks.
This project responds to these issues, identifying a gap in the market concerning people who wish to carry only the essentials with them on their bike commute. Specifically, the Commuter Case is designed for young creative professionals living in urban areas, who have a computer at their workplace, but still wish to have a personal device with them, along with essentials like a wallet and keys.
Design Process
The first step in the design process was making a cardboard mock-up to balance the dimensions of the location of the bottle cage screw points with the dimensions of an iPad mini within the bicycle frame.
The mounting system underwent multiple iterations, using the mount as a hinge for the case to slide on to. Adjusting the direction of these joints, and making them perpendicular to the bike frame, means that a larger range of bicycle frames can be used with this concept. Utilising a sideways slotting motion and magnets that secure the case in place adds stability to the unit.
3D printing prototype development using ABS and PLA filament produced various results, but also provided the opportunity to fine-tune and adjust details, as noted below.
Visually, the design features a minimalist and user-friendly appearance, including aesthetic details such as rounded edges, and a neutral colour palette.
To address safety, the Commuter Case features a set of USB rechargeable lights on both sides of the case. Visibility from the side is often overlooked with a typical front and rear light set-up, making this design a valuable addition to a late-night commute.
Final Prototype
