POLYRACK
Role: Designer, sole
Advisor: Kevin Shankwiler
Duration: 5 Weeks
Prompt: Design a sporting good utilizing the thermoplastic composite, Polystrand.
WHAT IS POLYSTRAND?
Polystrand is a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite that has properties as follows:
Strength-to-weight ratio rivals many metals.
Resistance to UV light, chemicals, moisture degradation and rot resists wear and tear.
Impact resistance for durability.
Ease of re-forming, reusing, recycling for sustainable usage.
Strong adhesion to other materials for various combinations.
Unidirectional bending for unseen applications.
WHY PURSUE THE BIKE INDUSTRY?
01
Potential for thermoforming
02
Customization opportunities
03
Weight and durability are important
04
Innovation is constantly revolutionizing the industry
RESEARCH/INTERVIEW SYNTHESIS
Bikepacking is a subset of mountain biking which combines riding on off-road trails, long-distance biking, and camping. Because of the physically taxing nature of the activity, it is best practice to keep the load as light as possible while also carrying all necessary gear for the journey.
Carrying gear and supplies is integral to a successful and fun bikepacking trip.
Our goal as designers was to determine how to enhance the gear-packing experience utilizing the unique properties of Polystrand.
to get to a different location
to exercise
to enjoy a part of their routine
to be a part of a biking community
to challenge oneself
to achieve self-efficacy
to save time and effort
to be a part of different groups
to be self-sufficient
to provide
for loved ones
Amateur
Hobbyist
We decided not to pursue amateurs as our target user because they are less apt to go out of their way for a useful bike product. They see their bike more as a tool than something to invest in.
We chose to pursue hobbyists because of their invested emotional connection and time to their bicycle. They are more likely to search for a bike accessory or add-on, depending on their particular interests.
HOW MIGHT WE...
...distill necessary yet unobtrusive gear
...enhance riders’ safety in isolated or emergency situations
...maintain the “coolness” factor
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
These sketches focused on different methods of attachment that involve tubular metal for support and structure instead of relying on the inherent qualities of Polystrand. We also chose a more rigid form that involved thermoformed bends.
We decided not to pursue a design with more structure so we could showcase and celebrate Polystrand and its uniqueness.
ITERATIVE LASER CUTTING TEMPLATES
We laser cut different iterations of shapes and sizes, tested them on the bike, and made changes based on our findings. This helped us determine the best types of fasteners, external attachment points, weight distributions, and angles.
RESEARCH THROUGH DESIGN
FASTENERS
