Triobike: Three is the Magic Number
They’re so cool, they started the Dogme film movement. They’re so cool, they’re 83% Lutheran. They’re so cool, they can make bikes with a stroller attachment (which are admittedly not as crave worthy a concept as say a Balenciaga bag) into something super desirable. From the country that loves biking as much as they do open rye bread sandwiches, comes the triobike.
As the name suggests, Denmark’s uber stylish triobike comprises three main functions: a carrier bike; a bike; and pushchair (that’s stroller for you guys). Which adds up to an exciting new concept in transportation, especially for parents with a penchant for cycling. Here’s what sets it apart from other kid wheeling bikes. While a regular carrier bike is great when you have kids in it, once they’ve been dropped off why pedal harder than you have to? With the triobike, you drop the kids off to daycare/school/the mine (I’m kidding), leave the front carrier there and bicycle solo onto work. The trio also gives you the flexibility of having your spouse pick up the kids, simply fitting the carrier onto their bikes or walking home with the kids in the stroller.
It’s not only the pedal-happy Danes who enjoy are the triobike. The concept has also taken off in other parts of Europe including England where “influential mums” like Jools Oliver own and rave about their trios, while TV chef husband, chef Jamie uses them for local deliveries for his philanthropic Fifteen restaurant. The triobike is a triumph of design with all three components working as super stylish as separates (I especially love the Jetson-inspired stroller) whilst epitomizing versatility and function when put together. With six color schemes to choose from: urban jungle; candy floss; knight rider; pink power; bumble bee; and ice baby, the triobike really is irresistible.
Car parked as a street-light
Imagine an urban future where no cars are ever parked blocking the curb, but instead are ‘parked’ by being perched atop large pole where they would act as streetlamps at night. Is this a brilliant idea, or what? We’re big fans of designer Ross Lovegrove, and were blown away when we discovered his new project. It isn’t just the solar power roof or the smart design that got our attention, but rather the sheer imagination of using parked vehicles to provide illumination to the city at night.
Lovegrove’s idea calls for a four passenger vehicle, which is basically a large transparent bubble in which the four passengers sit in a circular fashion. There is no driver, as the vehicles are controlled by satellite and GPS navigation. As for fuel, the vehicles are powered by solar panels installed in the roof, and one presumes, four independent electric motors, one on each wheel. The brilliant part, or the one which definitely caught our eye (as if the sci-fi inspired bubble cars weren’t enough) was his proposal to stick each vehicle at night on top of a pole in order to both save space at the ground level, and to illuminate it!
Ross Lovegrove always brings an interesting and fresh outlook to his projects, and his “car on a stick” is no exception. As always, it isn’t just the brilliant design that we admire, it is the combination of imagination and sensibility that always attracts us to his projects.
What Women want in Vehicles
The Female Perspective on Cars: Johnson Controls Conducts International Study
When choosing a vehicle, women want design options that offer flexibility, allow them to connect to the outside world and offer more storage space. These are some of the key findings from a study conducted by Johnson Controls in the United States and Europe, in response to the recent women-focused trends and market indicators highlighting the increasing buying power of women. The company will utilize the data to inspire and drive industrial design and new product development that meets the evolving needs of women.
“Today’s women are more autonomous than ever before. As their lives evolve, it’s clear that their vehicles need to transform with them,” said Bill Fluharty, vice president, Global Research and Discovery. “The information gained from this study will help provide the insight that is critical for Johnson Controls to continue creating ingenious automotive interiors that meet the changing needs of female consumers.”
The results from both the United States and Europe were mostly similar. Some research result highlights include:
Women are in transition whether a recent college graduate or a retiree, transition resonated throughout the interviews. Women’s life stages, mind sets and responsibilities are evolving and their vehicles need to transition to address these changes. From the working woman with her mobile office to “mom’s taxi service,” vehicles need to be customized to offer features and products that meet their expanding roles.
Women are connected women of all ages are incredibly connected to technology and depend on the most recent technological advances to feel more connected to their family and friends. For women, technology is more than simply gadgetry and electronics — it offers them the safety, security and convenience they desire.
Women need more storage space women are creating their own storage areas because their vehicles (across most segments) fail to provide them with adequate space. In addition they would prefer to have reconfigurable storage compartments that truly optimize available space.
Women need style the study revealed that women long for greater style in their vehicles and miss the excitement of driving more “fun, non-mom” vehicles.
Women are environmentally conscious women are looking for ways to be environmentally friendly that are convenient to their lifestyle and sensitive to their budget.
Women feel good in their car the vehicle provides a feeling of safety and security, especially when they are alone in their vehicle. They use their commute as a way to take a break and relax. Women have a lot of personal items in their cars, which provide a feeling of being at home, and they wish to have more possibilities to create their interior to get more of the feeling of being at home.
To explore women’s current values, motivations and concerns and to better understand how the female perspective influences interior vehicle needs, Johnson Controls conducted a qualitative research study. A multi-method research approach of individual interviews, duo in-home interviews and focus groups were conducted throughout Chicago, Boston, Germany and the Czech Republic in the fall of 2007.
In addition to interior design insight, the information generated by this study also helped identify and prioritize some of the key criteria that women consider when purchasing a vehicle, including function, safety, style, gas mileage and price.
Johnson Controls’ Consumer Research Group utilizes advanced research methods — such as trend, target group, brand, product interior and concept research — to gain insight into consumer mindsets. The group then translates the gathered market and consumer intelligence for designers and engineers to create product developments that are targeted to the needs of the industry.
