My Inspiration

Hi guys, Kyle here.

I tried to post this video last week and discovered exactly how much I can learn about blog mechanics, so here's another go of it. The video is of a project the students of RISD just completed. The design challange was to create a new human powered vehicle. They developed this collapsable bike. I know what you are thinking - that collapsable bikes have been done before. And you are right. However this is the only one that uses a telescopic carbon fiber frame instead of a hinge, and a tension rod to automatically collapse the seat.

The video does not do the complexity of the bike justice. The carbon fiber frame was custom molded, and the bike also features over 30 custom designed and machined parts. The wheels are attached to the frame on only one side, creating a 'clean' side of the folded bike to protect the clothing of the rider. Also notice how light the bike is, as the rider can easily carry it in only one hand. The cherry on the top? The carrying case itself collapses into a backpack.

The students produced the finished product from scratch over a 12 week period. This included all concepting, design, and machination. Pretty impressive work for a group of design students without an engineer among them.

My brother is one of the students in this class. We spend a lot of time in out classes talking about changed thinking leading to changed results. Since my brother, Nate, has been in design school he has approached the world with a different mentality. Everywhere he goes he sees products and services with an eye towards improving them, and has literally dozens of new product ideas floating around his head at all times. He is part of my inspiration for being here, but can serve as testament to the result of changed thinking!

Enjoy,

Kyle