Senior Year Thesis — Akanksha Singh

Timeline

Fall 2022 - May 2023

PROBLEM

My Role

Solo student project, senior thesis

Dense urban environments make it difficult for riders to commute during rush hour

A total of 5,579 motorcyclists have died in crashes in 2020 alone, most seasoned riders and experts can attest to the fact that accidents primarily occur in urban areas.

THE APPROACH

By improving riders' visibility and equipping them for their dense urban commutes, we can reduce their road-related anxiety and enhance their overall feeling of safety

Exploring the wide-ranging motorcycle community, which encompasses both new and seasoned riders, offers an opportunity to enhance diversity and emphasize road safety. Given that visibility is a common concern for riders regardless of experience level, the aim is to boost their presence on the road. Additionally, incorporating features like a HUD into their helmets is intended to eliminate the need for smartphone use during busy commutes, thereby promoting safer riding practices.

1) Nova App

The rider's journey starts by registering on the Nova app, where they can pair their helmet, use the in-app navigation system, and customize their HUD preferences.

2) H.U.D

Nova's HUD empowers riders to stow away their smartphones, preventing the addition of overstimulating elements during their commutes. Riders have the flexibility to set their preferred HUD screen for each ride so they only see elements they need. The app allows them to preview how each HUD element will appear and provides the associated voice command.

“Hey Nova, what’s the speed limit?

Kevlar Carbon Fiber Hybrid allows for a high strength-to-weight ratio and high impact & abrasion resistance

3) Helmet

In order to enhance visibility and safety, Nova offers riders the convenience of using voice commands to activate turn signals displayed on the sides of their helmets.

Light signals operated using voice command for hands free use case - "Hey Nova, Turning / merging right"

PRIMARY RESEARCH SYNTHESIS

Gaining a thorough grasp of the motorcycle community

I made an effort to connect with 15 seasoned and beginner riders. Through engaging with them, I acquired extensive knowledge about the routines and practices of everyday riders. By employing a blend of qualitative and quantitative inquiries, I was able to objectively delve into the community as an outsider and explore the unwritten norms, daily customs, and general perspectives and challenges encountered by numerous riders.

“Bay area is very dangerous, it's very crowded here, you have to be on top of it”

“I would tell new riders everybody is out there trying to kill you, they don't mean to but they will try”

"You have to be okay with falling, its truly a matter of when, not if"

"There is a different culture behind every bike, it can be incredibly overstimulating"

"I understand the risks that I might die and yet it does not stop me"

"Riding in the city is what gets most people killed around here"

Common Themes

Riding is a source of stress relief and self-care for many individuals. Due to this, it is crucial that the experience is as seamless as possible.

Riders have to accept the worse possible outcome when they get on a bike and prepare for it every second they are not on the bike.

04

Riding for passion

Accepting and embracing the inevitable

Most riders are outspoken and bold, their gear needs to match their personalities, but this can impact new riders and make them feel intimidated.

Although people's needs vary, generally riders are intolerant of those who do not wear their gear here in the US, it is often frowned upon.

02

05

Bold personalities take dominance

Wearing all the gear all the time is COOL

Riders may start their journey in order to bond with their communities. Due to this, it is important to ensure riding feels like an interactive activity.

Ego-driven riders create a false narrative for the community and increase safety concerns. Surprisingly it is not just young riders who let their egos drive them.

01

03

06

A bonding experience like no other

The permanent passenger: ego

HUD DISPLAY EXPLORATION

During the testing phase, I conducted a mock simulation

I ran a mock simulation with a makeshift HUD using clear film and a bike helmet given that I did not have my motorcycle license. I quickly learned that spreading the content too widely on the film made riding difficult. I understood the importance of minimizing content to avoid distractions

To gather more insights, I contacted previous interviewees and organized a card-sorting activity. Participants received an empty HUD screen and printed HUD elements, which they arranged according to their preferences. They had the option to add or remove elements as they saw fit during the activity.

Feedback revealed a crucial insight

To ensure the HUD is not only effective but also safer than using a smartphone while riding, it became evident that letting riders customize their own screens was essential. This approach would empower them to have a more personalized and safer riding experience

Card Sorting Research Activity

HELMET DESIGN

Design Heuristics & Ideation

My focus was on designing shapes that exuded an approachable yet dynamic appeal. It was essential to break away from the overengineered and sometimes exclusionary feel of traditional gear. Regardless of whether a rider is experienced or just starting out, I aimed to create gear that would not overwhelm or alienate anyone. My vision was to infuse geometric elements, subtle textures, and flowing lines to achieve an inviting aesthetic.

Testing

The data I collected highlighted a major concern among riders – the feeling of being invisible on the road, which becomes even more pronounced in densely populated environments. To address this critical issue, I implemented LED lights positioned around Nova. I tested various shapes and placements for the lights to achieve optimal visibility without compromising aesthetics.

Refinement

Through the integration of AI (Vizcom), I pinpointed pivotal design elements in harmony with my vision, forming the bedrock for Nova's ultimate versions. Feedback played a crucial role in honing Nova's features, Dave Stroud's vast background at Bell, Specialized, Meta, and other firms was a significant asset. Collaborating with him and other designers facilitated access to their extensive industry expertise.