Brompton Bench
a Brompton bike furniture for parking & seating in metropolitan cities
Brompton Bench is an innovative bike furniture design that offers three key functionalities: parking, seating, and locking. This design not only serves the practical needs of Brompton cyclists but also enhances the visibility and reputation of the Brompton Bicycle brand. Simultaneously, it fosters a culture of healthy cycling and an active lifestyle among urban dwellers in metropolitan cities.
Role
Lead Design Researcher, Industrial Designer (pair project)
Expertise
Design Research, Industrial design, Visualization, Prototyping
Project Focuses
Brand Research, Public Transportation, Ergonomics, Material Research, UIUX Design
Timeline
Aug 2023 - Dec 2023 (4mo.)
CONTEXT - WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT BROMPTON?
Portability
Storability
Adaptability
Brompton Bicycle stands out for its exceptional blend of portability, storability, and adaptability, making it a top choice for urban cyclists. Its innovative design allows for easy folding and storage, while its adaptable features cater to a wide range of urban environments and user needs.
WHY
Despite Brompton Bicycle's reputation for portability, our in-depth research into the lifestyles of Brompton users has revealed situations where it's not always feasible to take their bikes along. The following illustrations depict these instances where carrying bikes is inconvenient and the Brompton Bench becomes a necessary and beneficial addition.
DIARY STUDY
To gain deeper insight into the challenges faced by Brompton bike users in New York City, we conducted a 7-day diary study with four active riders. This study recorded their daily interactions and experiences with their bikes, revealing significant insights into the practical difficulties they encounter. The findings from this study validate our initial hypothesis about the existing problems and highlight a need for a "Public Temporary Locking System with Potential Resting Area." This solution appears imperative to address the convenience and security concerns of Brompton bike users in urban settings.
"I walked to gym because I couldn't store my bike."
"I walked to get a coffee and sat outside for a while then came back home to work."
"It was smart not to take the bike to a fancy Italian restaurant."
In these scenarios, Brompton users require more freedom and ease, without the worry of watching their bikes. For example, someone might need to park their bike to outside of the gym, where a Brompton's portability isn't practical. Similarly, while enjoying outdoor coffee, users can benefit from the Brompton Bench's locking feature instead of constantly watching over their bikes. Another case arises in high-end restaurants that don't allow bikes inside, highlighting the need for a secure storage solution like the Brompton Bench.
WHO
Age: 40-60
Gender: Male
Occupation: Business/Finance
Need: Get to work every morning
Desire: A healthy commute style
Age: 25-40
Gender: Female & Male
Occupation: Diverse Industries
Need: Adapt to hybrid lifestyle
Desire: Try out cycling commute
Existing Customers
Desired Customers
Brompton Bicycle has emphasized their goal to reach younger demographics, particularly women, in launching this project. While their current customer base predominantly consists of MAMILs, passionate middle-aged male road cycling enthusiasts, the brand is keen on promoting an urban cycling lifestyle to a broader audience.
IDEATION
RENDERING
BOM + TECHNICAL DRAWING
WHAT - FUNCTIONALITY
2 Ways of Seating
Smart Lock
Hooks
Table Surface
The design of these five functionalities is a direct response to the user needs identified in our research. We opted for a smart lock because Brompton Bicycles are not recommended to be locked with standard bike locks; a smart lock simplifies the locking process, offering users an easier and cleaner experience. Additionally, incorporating hooks into the Brompton Bench design addresses a common frustration among users: finding a convenient place to store or hang their helmets after a ride. These features collectively enhance user convenience and satisfaction.
BROMPTON BIKE HIRE + LOCKING FEATURE
The Brompton Bench offers 4 distinct features: two types of seating, a smart lock, hooks, and a table surface. A key innovation is the integration of the smart lock with the existing Brompton Bike Hire App. This allows users to effortlessly secure their bike by simply scanning the bench, placing the bike underneath, and activating the lock. The design includes two stainless steel bars for robust bike security, as illustrated in the images. Additionally, the perforated metal on the sides and front serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, offering added protection against potential theft.
USER SEQUENCE
BROMPTON BENCH IN CONTEXT
POTENTIAL LOCATIONS - NYC & GLOBAL
34th St Hudson Yards Station
National Taichung Theater, Taiwan
Pier 35
Istanbul Modern, Turkey
Brompton Junction
Brompton’s New Global HQ, UK
BROMPTON VS. NON-BROMPTON
This analogy highlights how the Brompton Bench differs from typical public benches in much the same way that a Brompton Bicycle stands apart from standard bicycles. It emphasizes the Bench's versatility and adaptability in various situations, mirroring the Brompton Bicycle's ability to offer enhanced functionality.
IMPACT
The Brompton Bench brings significant value and benefits to society, the brand, and its users in three key ways:
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Enhancing Convenience for the Brompton Community: It simplifies the cycling experience with its multifunctional design, enhancing user satisfaction within the Brompton community.
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Promoting Cycling Culture: As an innovative bike infrastructure, it promotes urban cycling, inspiring more people to adopt this sustainable transport method.
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Strengthening the Bicycle-Lifestyle Brand Image: The bench reinforces Brompton's image as a comprehensive bicycle-lifestyle brand, committed to fostering cycling-friendly environments.
CIRCULAR SYSTEM DIAGRAM
NEXT STEPS
