Title
Designing a bamboo balance bike
Author
Kiela, P.R.
Contributor
Sonneveld, M.H. (mentor)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering
Department
Design Engineering
Date
2016-05-27
Abstract
This thesis is a report on the project of designing a bamboo balance bike, supported by scientific sources, analytical thinking and an academic approach. The project is commissioned by KaboogaBike, an Amsterdam based start-up company founded by Jan B. Mwesigwa. Results from the internal and external analysis are followed by a material research, showing the explored possibilities of bamboo. After explaining why Dutch grown bamboo is not suitable for a balance bike, anthropometric data is used for an ergonomics analysis. Combined with the analysis of the prototype provided by the company, a program of requirements is drafted and the conceptualisation phase starts. The creative process that follows, leads to the material combination that is the basis for the rest of the project: bamboo and aluminum. The steps taken from idea to concept proposal are documented showing how difficulties were overcome. A concept is proposed that uses weld aluminum shapes as mechanical and visual joints to create a unified bamboo balance bike design, portraying a focus on sustainability through the subject of eco- efficient value creation. A prototype is used to test the design and see whether the aesthetic and technical qualities produce the desired value, improving the eco-efficiency.
Subject
design
bamboo
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Access restriction
Campus only
Part of collection
Student theses
Document type
master thesis
Rights
(c) 2016 Kiela, P.R.