Insert Cargo Associated Metaphor Here

Abstract

Inner cities increasingly suffer from congestion and pollution. Besides being a nuisance, these traffic jams cost society an enormous sum of money annually (est. €3 billion in 2015). Still many businesses use unwieldy commercial vans in tiny, crowded city streets.

Urban Arrow (UA) offers slender alternatives in the form of high quality, modular, electric cargo bikes. Whereas their Family bike is a holistic product, the Cargo lacks refinement and character. Particularly in the rapidly growing market, a new level cargo case with a clear identity is imperative.

User research shows that mainly a combination of improvements in function and workflow is desired. Research on aesthetics presented implementing automotive styling is applicable, for taking its design to the next step.

Extensive sketching and CAD with an automotive styling mindset, led to a multifunctional, holistic case. A sound and secure container with 430L of room (versus the former 300L), that doubles as a flatbed carrier for unwieldy cargo. The panels allow to be flat packed when pre-assembled, the basalt composite material allows easy modifications and additions. Workflow is improved by employing a two-part lid and adding a more adaptable lock mechanism. The use of basalt fibre composite makes for a strong yet thin body, and that modifications be possible.