Bike Sharing

From a User’s Point of View

• Cohesive way to tie everything together• Users :

– Bicycle riders (students/staff)– Maintenance/repair staff

Check out the Copenhagen bike-sharing competition, ANDhttp://www.velib.paris.fr/paris/les_newsletters/10_aujourd_hui_nous_vous_connaissons_mieux

Designing for :

- User interface in renting a bike- User interface in parking bike after use- How user can lock the bike at a public place- A cohesive aesthetic/identity- How user uses the bicycle and its components- Sustainable design

User interface in renting bikes

• Payment methods/options– Card– Cash– Handphone– Automatic bank

account-linked deduction(upon entering a code/reading fingerprint/card etc.)

Quite established. Just have to choose which system is suitable for NTU, and make it as quick and convenient as possible. Like a one or two step procedure.

Just insert card into bicycle and ride into the sunset. No need for a separate control station.

User interface in parking bike after use

• Registering end of use• Securely parking the bike• (integrating them)• Post-use

facilities/information?

Also quite established, but in some systems the electronic indicator is forgotten by the user. A more physical locking action, something analog could serve as better feedback. Also, can be improved by providing the user with information about duration of use, charges, etc.

Email or text message receipt

Audio + visual signal

How user can lock the bike at a public place

• Safety against theft, vandalism• Amount of time bicycle is locked• Availability of parking structures/flyparking?

Giving users a clear, easy and effective way to lock their bikes. Are surveillance cameras and threats of huge fines good enough deterrents in Singapore?

A cohesive aesthetic/identity

• Sense of ownership/affection• Attracting greater usage

One idea was to allow students to design the surface graphics of the bicycle.Study current youth fashion/trends. E.g. pop culture, Japanese culture etc. Creating a hip university culture/look, that distinguishes it from other plain and boring university bike share programs.Also, look at other sleek transport design: motorbikes, scooters, skateboards

How user uses the bicycle and its components

• User contact points with the bicycle

• Sensory feedback (Touch, Visual, Sound)– Smoothness of ride– Texture/Form/

Ergonomics of seat, handlebars

– Distinctive bell ringing? (also links to identity)

– Indicators for state of bike, pre-ride check, map etc.

Comfort Unisex bikes suitable for all, 14 years and up

Simple and quick three gear change Adjustable cushioned saddle

Large capacity durable front basket Non-slip handlebars

Anti-splash front and rear mud guards Safety

Automatic rear and front lights, operating day and night Reflective strips on wheels and pedals

Front and rear brakes integrated in wheel hubs Chain guard

Easy to use bike rest Finger touch bell

Anti Theft Lock

Sustainable Design

• Materials used• Easy repairability/maintenance• Easy disassembly• Reduction/Re-use/Recycling of parts

Materials user & recycling can borrow from current bike programs that use bikes that are 99% recyclable.Easy maintenance – special tools used by staff for disassemblySolar power docking stationsInformation at the stations about the sustainability of the bikes & infrastructure, and cycling in general

Designing for :

- User interface in renting a bike- User interface in parking bike after use- How user can lock the bike at a public place- A cohesive aesthetic/identity- How user uses the bicycle and its components- Sustainable design

Non-Product Design Aspects• Name of bicycle and system• Software of rental device *• Information systems –

monitoring, and displaying traffic flow, bicycle distribution, etc.

• Pricing• Payment system *• Road system + infrastructure

– Signs, guides, maps– Lanes & Ramps

• How the bicycle, parking stand, and station communicate(technology) *

• Optimum locations of stations and size *

– Within campus/outside?– How many bikes per location?– How much floor space?– Accommodating to surrounding

infrastructure/conditions

• Promoting the system/cycling in general– Posters– Website, etc.

• Building a bicycle culture– Mascots– Events

Integration of design with the rest of the surroundings, space-wise and aesthetics-wise

Safety during riding is a VERY important aspect though, that influences peoples’ decisions to ride a bike. A small lane for cyclists?

User Scenario

• What happens when a non-user sees others cycling, or sees a station/bicycle (impressions/emotions)

User Scenario

• Users looking for a station

• (Convenience, reliability)

User Scenario

• Renting out a bike• Quick and easy• Simple to assess bike

condition/do pre-ride check

Adjust the saddle to waist level; you should be able to put your feet on the ground. Check the brakes, tires , (gears?) and lighting are working.

User Scenario

• Riding the bike (the feel of the bike, user’s awareness of others looking (fashionability/how ‘cool’ it is), safety concerns, works/rides smoothly, easy to handle, good fit, comfortable, easy to ride

Should try riding around campus on my bike to see how easy it is to ride over the slopes, and between the main nodes of human activity.

User Scenario

• Returning the bike• Convenience,

confirmation, responsibility to report any damages/need for repair, leaving without any worries, can make a quick exit

User Scenario

• Post-biking experience• Physical state

(Perspiring? Tired?), mental state (positive?), overall good experience, able to himself/herself using the bikes again, feedback?