Optic is a project focused on enhancing rider safety through continuous learning and improved group riding practices. By leveraging advanced sensor technology and a connected application, Optic collects, analyzes, and displays real-time data to improve motorcyclists' performance and overall safety on the road.
1 - why
In the age of personal transportation, we in western society have become increasingly conscious of the strain that our transport has, both on the environment and on our infrastructure. Cars have long been the dominant vehicle to occupy the roads, but in the past 5 years both Europe and Ireland have seen a rise in the use of Powered Two-wheelers as a primary mode of transport due to their low cost, ability to avoid congestion and their significantly low emissions. But statistics show that the increase in road fatalities directly correlates to PTW adoption with highlighting motorcyclists as the most vulnerable road users.
I believe that the motorcycling industry has assumed collisions to be inevitable and has focused on the prevention of injury after the crash. But in my view, with rapid advancement in the automotive technology shows the possibility of preventing collisions.
2 - THE IDEA
With motorcycles being notoriously customisable, the foot peg continues an essential element to the comfort and functionality of the vehicle. The location and size provide the perfect platform for the technology while the simplicity in the physical design means compatibility across most bike models. Minimal energy output and using rechargeable battery power means that the device only needs to be recharged after months of commuting.
During a daily commute, exposure to life threatening situations means that riders need to be equipped with the best skills and knowledge to handle to handle any situation at an instant. But when in a group, motorcyclists ride in a specific order, with the most experience at the front. This allows them to signal to the following riders of possible obstacles and dangers ahead.
But is there a way to help less experienced users gain the skill and knowledge that allows them to travel safely on their own?
“I’d like to not be afraid when taking a corner. I think that is the reason why most people crash, because they’re afraid to take the corner. I think something like this could really help riders confidence and a bit of peace of mind”
— Billy Kelly
3 - technology developement
TECH-DRIVEN DESIGN
Understanding that to give performance feedback, I needed to capture data on how the user interacts with the motorcycle and the environment. The capturing of the necessary information became the primary driver of the design early in the process.
Exploration of ways and means of information gathering lead down the path of electronic engineering. With widespread and easily accessible components, the earliest forms of the design involved iterations of circuitry using different sensors and configurations.
Engineering
After finding most suitable hardware, I began to refine the code to connect each sensor to work in tandem and seamlessly and accurately capture the information that can later be displayed to the user through meaningful insights.
4 - Early refinement
User interactions
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DESIGN LANGUAGE
INTUITIVE & SATISFYING INTERACTIONS
GEOMETRIC WITH EDGY PRESENCE
MATERIAL SURFACE TEXTURING & HIGHLIGHTING
sketching
Now understanding the technology and how it needed to be positioned off centre of the vehicle, I set out to explore the anatomy of the bike to identify a non-evasive location to place the technology. This informed the idea to embed the electronics inside of the foot peg.
From hear, Sketching was used as the first method of design exploration. With the points of interaction in mind, It was important to consider all of the elements involved through the lens of form, aesthetics, usability and their ecosystem.
Once the initial concept was formed varying fidelities of basic prototypes were Made to visualise and test different functionalities and features in the physical environment. Constant iteration and refining of the idea lead to a high-definition prototype considering ergonomic requirements, electronic function and aesthetics.
5 - Testing
Testing happened at every stage of product developement
comfortable to the rider. That’s why keeping the user involved throughout the testing is vital to creating a product that addresses basic functionality requirements before introducing features that go beyond the basics and delights the user.
6- Physical Interaction
CONCEPT - 1
Goal – Maintain usability while exploring both form and comfort.
The concept steps away from and tests the previous assumptions regarding form and functionality. Exploring the possibility of an integrated mounting bracket and using a simple ‘Poka Yoke’ type mechanism for complete separation of the electronic unit.
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Size is too large. Though the complete separation of the device from the motorcycle discourages riding without it, tests indicate that the users would find that frustrating under certain circumstances.
CONCEPT - 2
Goal – To begin to understand the basic form, proportions and functionality.
The first prototype began with the exploration of the basic elements and aimed to serve as somewhere to begin. The model Incorporated the two main bodies and the indication of a light intended for both enhanced safety and users understanding of the product. Using a simple twist and pull release mechanism allows for easy installation of the electronic element.
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The over-simplified form and leaves the proportions wanting more and the model lacks key indicators as to the products usability.
CONCEPT - 3
Goal – Begin to correct proportions and create more intuitive usability.
Remaining with the two separate components but with a simplified usability factor. Using a linear unidirectional lighting element almost like a rail for the functionality of sliding the electronics into position. As for concept 1, this model also uses a standard removable mounting.
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Proportions seem limited. The light facing in a single direction adds a poka-yoke method of integration, but would require mechanical complexity to work seamlessly
CONCEPT - 4
Goal – Refine proportions and mechanical functionality. Introduce indicators and texture.
A nice balance between proportions and functionality. The twist mechanism though intuitive, is less accessible when mounted low to the floor than previous concepts.
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Continuing with the integrated mounting but returning to the external shell for structural integrity. Using a functional texture to provide grip that users require for rapid adjustment. The internal element is twist released while not being exposed to the sudden movement of the boots.
7 - interface
keep it social
With the idea originating from the social riding methods, why not continue to keep it social? Using a phone application as a base for all user performance information provides the perfect opportunity to connect a community.
Motorcycling is known for its community and its lifestyle, so the app should serve as more than just a place to store and view statistics, it should show new and better ways to ride, it should show safer routs specifically tailored to motorcyclists, it should provide the latest motorcycle news, but mostly it should connect people!
