Bicycle StorageProcess Book

by:Adam BlountScy FullerWill Crowe

Nicholas DodsonMichael NotoJordan Wiggins

IDUS 215Contextual Research

Professor: Robert CampbellWinter 2013

1

4

Table of Content

Purpose & Abstract

10 Focus & Reseach Questions

Early Research

1 Introduction to Research

18 Interview Process

14Stakeholders & Artifacts

Introduction to Research 26Opportunities & Conclusion

Table of Contents

1 Research Statement

THE PURPOSE OF OUR RESEARCH IS:

.......to �nd ways to improve the process of storing and locking bike through direct interviews and observational research in Savannah.

2Abstract

Purpose: Our research teams focus was to gain better understanding of the process, interaction, and motives behind locking and storing bikes in public external spaces.

Methodology: We used observation, participatory observation, testing, and interviews to help establish our �ndings.

Value: Bike storage is important not only to the bikers who utilize the rack to store their bike, but also to others with regards to space used and �ow of movement around these often obstructing elements. We hope to help alleviate both problems and make a better securing rack for added bike protection that requires only a limited amount of space for both it and the bike.

4

Early Research

5 Broad Photo Research

The search for our research focus started with a broad scale photo analysis of the downtown Savannah area.Each team member returned with photographs of bicycles and cy-clists throughout the Savannah area in an e�ort to narrow our ef-forts.

6Broad Photo ResearchObservation and Photos:

7 Grouping Photo Research

We then broke photographsinto groups:

-Parking and Storage-Locks and Security-Accesories

8Narrowed Photo Research

After the groups were decided each team member returned to the �eld to take more focued ocservational studies of bike parking in context.

10

Focus and Research Questions

11 Focus and Research Questions

Our research teams focus it to gain better understanding of the process, interaction, and motives behind locking and storing bikes in public external spaces in Savannah.

Q1. BIKER PROCESS - How does one interact with other bikes when seeking to park or store one's bike and does routine e�ect how one locks their bike? Q2. Does the type of bike rack or type of lock used determine the intended length of stay? Q3. What parts of the bike are locked? Why? Q4. What are the City/ SCAD ordinances on bike rack design criteria?

Focus:

Initial Research Questions

Statement of PurposeThe purpose of our research is to �nd ways to improve the process of storing and locking bikes through direct interviews and observational research in Savannah.

12Data Planning Worksheet

14

Stakeholders &Artifacts

15 Stakeholders

A breakdown of our stakeholders were determined

CyclistOther Cyclists

Thieves-Property Owners- Business/Commerce Residential

P

ublic

/City

Law En

forcement SecuritySubject rider who directly interacts

with storage utilities

Any other cyclist who effects or is effected by the subject cyclist

Anyone who may potentially steal orharm the bicycle or other stored items

Owners of location where bicycle is being stored -Property belonging to a business whether rented or owned -Property that is a residence -Property owned by the city I.E. parks, squares, public roads

Anyone enforcing rules or public safety

Cyclist

Other Cyclists

Thieves

Property Owners

Law Enforcement/Security

Business/Commerce

Residential

Public/City

Most Relevant Least Relevant

16Artifacts

Bike RacksItems that

E�ect Storage

+

18

Interview Process

19 Interview Process

Interview 1 FemaleLocation-Bull and State StreetSCAD alumni legal carrier-uses bike for her jobUses: U-lock: she locks frame to tire because she can't use bike if they cut cable and secures Cable: bike to objectNeeds space for basket/ fatter tiresPrefers: Skinny Poles as station for storing bikeKeeps eyes on bike if not lockingCarriers packages and accounts for this when storing_-delivers packages �rst

20Interview Process

Interview 2FemaleLocation Bull and State Street by CVSJob: Server- works downtownUses: Used U-lock attached back tire to frame to rack because boyfriend told her it was "safer" Protection from elementsParks in areas where she has friends that can watch her bike.Would not use street sign or other object since bike could be lifted over it. Prefers legitimate racks/ storage areas Removes light when she locks her bike.Found U-lock hard to use.

21 Interview Process

Interview 3

- I protect my bike by locking it and anything removable I take with me. No- Someone locked their lock to mine, but I knew who owned the bike it was so I was able to get it unlocked.- Anything not grounded

22Interview Process

Interview 4

No not really The other day some guy locked his bike sideways across like 4 bike racks. It was really annoyingI lock a U-lock through the frame and the wheel to a bike rack. I sometimes remove the seat, but I feel safe with this particular bike.Not really

23 A�nitized1. Both chose a place that was easily accessible, but allowed them to feel safe & secure. For the �rst interviewee, security meant a rack or pole anchored to the ground. For the second interviewee, security was only achieved when the bike could be seen by other known & trusted friends.2. Both opted for racks, though the �rst interviewee would choose any pole that was thin enough to get her bike lock around.3. U-locks, the second by recommendation, the �rst out of practicality. 4. No5. Remove lights, travel light6. No problems

24Word Cloud

26

Opportunities for Design & Conclusion

27 Opportunities for Design

28ConclusionQ1. BIKER PROCESS - How does one interact with other bikes when seeking to park or store one's bike and does routine e�ect how one locks their bike?

Answer:

Generally, cyclist try to avoid other cyclist’s bike when seeking to park or store their own. This is for any of a variety of reasons, but most often concerns worry for damage of either bike. From the interviewees we spoke with, routine does not have an overarching e�ect on how one locks their bike. The only in�uence it carries is in where the bike is locked, not how. However, there may well be more patterns and in�uences to be unearthed if more cyclists were studied and interviewed.

Q2. Does the type of bike rack or type of lock used determine the intended length of stay?

Answer:

No. Sign pole, tree or proper bike rack, the cyclist does not choose a rack based on their length of stay, but on the security of the ‘rack’ itself. Regardless of how long the cyclist intends to be away from their parked bike, in any scenario, they will choose the safest possible option that their lock allows.

Q3. What parts of the bike are locked? Why?

Answer:

Varies depending on the cyclist. The frame is always locked to the rack. Often times, the wheel (front or back, but most commonly front) is included in this as well. In one instance, the front wheel was locked to the frame in addition to the frame being locked to the rack, with a lock for each, respectively.The choice of what is locked depends partly on the type of bike, and partly on the lock itself. In all cases, it is based on whichever method will secure the bike well enough to deter thieves, while still allowing the cyclist access to the lock.

Q4. What are the City/ SCAD ordinances on bike rack design criteria?

Answer:

More research is required.

29 Final Thoughts

-Time

-Number of participants

-Weather

-Question wording & question choices

-Making the interviewee feel comfortable to have a conversationLimitations:

Limitiations and Obstacles-

Credits

Research By: Adam BlountNicholas DodsonScy FullerWill CroweMichael NotoJordan Wiggins

Process Book Designed by:Will Crowe

Scy Fuller