Cycling Jacket

Intention

My thesis proposal is to use biomimicry and human perception and cognition to design cycling gear that improves safety in integrated infrastructures. I found that the biggest issue on the roads right now is a distinct lack of communication between cyclists and motorists. So, my jacket would act as a communicative device to help cyclists mediate the environment of the road. 

Product

Partly this enhanced communication will be done through patterns that I have investigated as part of my research. However, patterns and colors only will not solve the problem. I am proposing the use of soft circuits within the jacket to add light and motion, which I have found to beneficial components of communication.

For example, along the left arm of the jacket, I want to have a series of LEDs that light when the rider extends their arm to signal turns. In the riding position, the circuit would be open, but would be completed when the rider puts their arm out and performs a particular hand gesture. This gesture would need to be tested; however, I see it as potentially being their hand out flat, touching their thumb to the side of their index finger. This would be a gesture that is not outside of the range of normal when signaling, but is also one that is unlikely to occur in normal riding positions. It needs to be intentional, but not awkward. I also want to investigate the conductivity of a commuter bike. Most are steel or aluminum, with variation across components. It would interesting to see if the bike itself or an additional to the bike could be used to complete a circuit. I may try to use smart LEDs that can be controlled using a micro controller so that the lights can be in motion, which based on my research into human perception would greatly add to the rider’s visibility.

The style of the jacket should appeal to the average commuter and take the style of the more popular brands of urban cycling gear. Currently, this niche of cycling gear appeals to the identity and attitude of the commuter, using muted, dark colors and slick designs, but lacks features to improve the safety and communicative power of the rider. I want to include some of the features of road cycling jackets such as a drop tail hem to ensure coverage when in the riding position and angled rear stash pockets to store items you may want to quickly access on a ride. I will try to find an existing sewing pattern to work with and will modify it to include these important features. The materials and design should be appropriate for outdoor activity, meaning waterproof and well-ventilated. However, for the sake of the prototype, I may have to make this product merely water-resistant, because I’m not sure yet how to fully protect the circuitry from rain.

For the addition of patterns to the prototype, I would like to laser cut iron-on adhesive fabric. The patterns I’m developing are too complex to be cut out by hand, so I think laser cutting would be the most effective method. If this were to go into production, I would sewn on these patterns, but for the sake of the prototype, I think iron-on will be adequate. 

Reflection

I’m excited to begin making this project come to life and I know many aspects will change along the way. The course has really been inspiring! I got to refresh skills I already had, like machine and hand sewing, which gave me a new confidence in my ability to pull off this prototype. While I had investigated the potential of conductive materials to a certain extent, I had no idea how to implement them and definitely had never considered the introduction of switches in the form of snaps and zippers. So incredibly cool! I am so happy I took this course!

Sample Book