Industrial Design of Bike Locks - New Product Development and Commercialisation

7/29/2019 Industrial Design of Bike Locks - New Product Development and Commercialisation

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MGMT 3303 - New Product Development and Commercialization

Individual Assignment 2 - 03.05.2013

Christine Pavy

20756532

Background

Bicycle locks are crucial anti-theft accessories for all cyclists. They are conventionally used by

securing the bicycle to fixed objects, and are often able to prevent the bike’s functions from operating by

simultaneously joining the bike’s wheels to the frame. Accordingly, the foremost factor in selecting a bicycle

lock is it’s ability to hinder burglary; the most secure usually being of considerable weight and size. This

report examines the industrial design features of several locks, intending to decipher which qualities impact

the final purchase choice.

Assessment Details

This section initially describes the concept behind the criteria questions and explains the constraints

used when answering them (See Appendix 1). Because public sidewalks are usually scarce in allotted areas

for locking bicycles, locks designed with enough versatility to fit around any stationary object are the most

appealing. They’re additionally going to be of best use if they are carried on the bike practically so as to not

get in the way of the cyclist’s peddling. If the design is innovative, the lower bound of the average person

should be able to effortlessly assemble it in less than thirty seconds. Most importantly, locks that appear - or

are even validated - to be secure enough to survive burglar's efforts, in addition to securing the front wheel to

the frame of the bike.

Bicycle locks are intended to be utilized every time a bicycle is used (except for in round trips), and

so are on display constantly. I would be far more inclined to select a lock that enhances any bikes‘

appearance. Furthermore, there is extremely high user interaction if locks are used every time bikes are, so

I would need to be able to intuitively use the lock swiftly. The materials used and strength between the

functions of locks are important when making a purchase choice, as is extent to which it withstands impacts.Consequently, I am more likely to prefer locks that have had a substantial involvement with Industrial Design

in their development.

Constraints on the qualities of bicycle locks have been standardized for determining their respective

level of importance in product purchasing (See Appendix 2). These include the lock’s weight, Sold Secure

rating, time taken to break the lock and which tools (if any) are required, and the evident use of resources.



Option Selection

On visiting Cottesloe Cycles in Station Street in Cottesloe, I was shown an assortment of competing

bicycle locks of varying prices. My previous research into the different kinds of locks ensured that I picked a

diverse set to inspect. It is of upmost importance to acknowledge that the target customer of the locks is

exclusively bike owners.

Table 1. Lock selection and introductory information

1. Abus Granit X-Plus 54 3. Knog Bouncer Ste l U-Lock 4. Abus Cobra

- $199- 1450g

- $$55- 800g

- $23.75- 950g

2. Trelock FS 300 Tri o Folding Lock 5. Abus R ydo 1460

--

$190750g

--

$87.65850g

Industrial Design Analysis

Abus Granit X-Plus 54

Category Level of Importance Explanation of Rating

1. Quality of the User Interfaces Typical u-lock design makes it easy tounderstand how to use it. It is quite heavy,however since the packaging describesmultiple security tests that it has passed thisdoesn’t make it less attractive.

2. Emotional Appeal The graphite and ivory combination of thelock are appealing and sleek. The coloursmay not suit a bike though. It’s strength isengaging and seems to be powerful againstthieves.

3. Ability to Maintain and Repair the Product

The lock doesn’t appear to requiremaintenance. The materials used withstandrusting, corrosion and take a long time tobreak.

4. Appropriate Use of Resources This lock is made well and the shackle isrubberized for frame protection.

5. Product Differentiation Not very different to most u-locks. Advancedsecurity technology is slightly differentiated.



Trelock FS 300 Trigo Folding Lock


1. Quality of the User Interfaces Innovative design is more compact than a u-lock. Not too heavy and is condensed for veryeasy transportation.

2. Emotional Appeal New design is intriguing as it could offer adegree of protection higher than any otherson the market. Although as it is a new type of lock all together, it brings problems of learning how to use it.


Cleaning the lock may be difficult as it’s partsare very intricate (when opened, I thought of metal vegetable steaming mechanisms).Material is the hardest to break out of anylock in the store, so repair / bike theft isunlikely.

4. Appropriate Use of Resources Pioneering design has used resources verywell. All materials are recyclable.

5. Product Differentiation Nothing like this on the market. Same coreconcept of bike locks while changing thearchitecture of lock-design.

Knog Bouncer Steel U-Lock


1. Quality of the User Interfaces Similar concept to a u-lock but far morecompact. Not too heavy but I’m unsure of how much of a bike it would be able toguarantee security for.

2. Emotional Appeal Because the purpose of a bike lock is for securing bikes’ safety, the simplistic design isactually very unappealing. It looks like anoversized bracelet.


The lock has a UV resistant silicone body thatwon’t scratch bikes, and the internal structureof the lock is incredibly hard to skew whichcreates difficulty for would-be burglars.

4. Appropriate Use of Resources Hardened steel shackle is suitable for bike

locks. Silicone is resourceful too.

5. Product Differentiation Original differentiation for an aestheticappeal. For bike owners who care moreabout the look of their bike and lock together,this is a great product.



Abus Cobra


1. Quality of the User Interfaces Standard cable lock. Provides above averageresistance to cutting. Easy to cut with theright hand-tools and also doesn’t come with alock & key (or other form of lock) which is vital

in the lock’s function. Not very heavy.

2. Emotional Appeal Can link through a large amount of parts tobe locked, however prior knowledge of thelow security grade of most cable locks isunappealing. Also doesn’t naturally coil likemost cable locks, which causes nuisance.


Doesn’t need maintenance. Easily broken

4. Appropriate Use of Resources Good soft coat protects frame and addscu t t i ng nu isance . Haven ’ t ac tua l l yincorporated a locking feature in the product,which is inadequate.

5. Product Differentiation Standard cable. No lock is included & is toostraightforward to influence a purchase.

Abus Raydo 1460


1. Quality of the User Interfaces Multi-layered large coiled lock of multiple locktypes. Not very heavy but extremely intricateand tough. Universal fixing to all common or special frame profiles with the textile fixingstrap.

2. Emotional Appeal Illuminated dials are appealing for locking.The natural coil shape wraps around bikesintuitively which is convenient.


Material is hard to break through withouthand-tools, but the lock mechanism is easilysmashed apart with a hammer.

4. Appropriate Use of Resources Double security with two lock types -hardened steel shells and steel cable isresourceful.

5. Product Differentiation Innovative combination of lock types hasextremely high protection against intelligentopening methods and the patented ‘Pres 'nshine’ function illuminates dials even in thedark.

Selection

After thorough industrial design analysis, the bicycle lock with the highest level of features and qualities that

appeal to me as a bicycle owner, I chose lock 2 - the Trelock FS 300 Trigo Folding Lock. See Appendix 3 for the summation providing this reasoning.



Appendices

1. Criteria Questions

Lock 1 Lock 2 Lock 3 Lock 4 Lock 5

Quality of the User Interface.

Do the features of the lock effectively communicatetheir operation to bike owners?

Is the locks use intuitive?

Are all the features safe?

Have all potential users and uses of the lock beenconsidered?

Does the lock fit on the bike appropriately?

Can the lock be carried on the bike while riding?

Does the lock not interfere with the ability to ride thebike?

Is the lock universal for all bikes?Is the lock compact?

How much does the lock weigh?

Is it easy to attach to stationary objects?

Is it impossible to move the bike when lock in use?

Is it impossible to use the bike when lock in use?

Is it easy to use by people of all strengths

Is the lock usable by people with disabilities?

Emotional Appeal

Is the lock attractive?

Does it add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the bike?

Does the lock express quality?Does the lock inspire pride of ownership?

Does the lock appear to evoke feelings of pride amongthe development team and sales staff?

Is the lock’s appearance simple enough so as to notdeter purchase?

Can it be used while using hand wear (eg. bikegloves)?

Does it appear to thwart thieves?

Ability to Maintain and Repair the Product

Is the maintenance of the lock obvious? Is it easy?

Do lock features effectively communicate disassemblyand assembly procedures?

Is it protected against corrosion and rusting?

Is it resistant to impacts?

What is the sold secure rating?

Can the lock withstand hand tools?

Can the lock withstand power tools?

Does it take a long time to break the lock?

Appropriate Use of Resources

How well were resources used to satisfy the customerrequirements?

Is the material selection appropriate?

Is the lock not over designed or under designed?

Were environmental/ecological factors considered?

Product Differentiation

Yes Possibly Possibly Yes Yes

Yes No Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Possibly Yes Yes Possibly Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes YesPossibly Yes Yes No Yes

1450 750 800 950 850

Possibly yes Possibly Yes Yes

Possibly * Yes Possibly Yes Yes

Yes Yes No Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes Possibly

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Possibly Yes No Possibly Yes

Yes Possibly No Yes YesYes Yes Possibly Possibly Yes

Yes Yes Possibly Possibly Yes

Yes Possibly Yes Yes Yes

Yes Possibly Possibly Yes Possibly

Yes Possibly Possibly Possibly Yes


Yes No Yes No* Yes



Gold Gold Silver Not rated Silver

Yes Yes No* No Yes

No No No No No

Yes Yes Yes No No

Well Very well Well Not well Well


Yes Possibly No No Yes

Possibly Yes Yes Possibly Yes




Will a customer who sees the lock in a store be able toidentify it because of its appearance?

Will it be remembered by a consumer who has seen itin an advertisement?

Will it be recognized when seen on the street?

Does the lock fit with or enhance the identity of bike

owners?Is the lock novel or a combination of lock types?

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Possibly Yes Yes No Possibly

Possibly Yes Yes No Possibly

Yes Yes Yes No* Possibly

No Yes Yes No Yes

2. Criteria for Standardizing Questions

- Yes = 1

- No = 0

- Possibly = 0.5

- Weight is applied negatively (heavier weight = lower number)

- Sold Secure1 rating: Gold = 3, Silver = 2, Bronze = 1

3. Purchase Selection


1. Quality of the User Interfaces

2. Emotional Appeal


4. Appropriate Use of Resources

5. Product Differentiation

Total Score:

0.70 0.78 0.71 0.77 0.84

0.58 0.46 0.31 0.46 0.58

0.90 0.75 0.70 0.30 0.60

0.65 0.70 0.60 0.35 0.70

0.60 1.00 1.00 0.20 0.70

3.43 3.69 3.32 2.08 3.42

1 "Sold Secure". Squire Security.

http://www.squirelocks.co.uk/html/soldsecure.htm

http://www.squirelocks.co.uk/html/soldsecure.htm

Documents

Industrial Design of Bike Locks - New Product Development and Commercialisation