Fully capable adaptive gear

COURSE: USER-CENTERED DESIGN STUDIO

A modular storage pack for adaptive riders to access snacks, tools, and hydrate on the trails

“The hand-pedals (bikes) don’t have safety breaks. So when I’m going up a hill and stuck in a strenuous position - it’s hard to grab my water.”

- Adaptive rider & OSMP Employee Topher Downham

Because there is only one pocket, nag contents tend to get jumbled and riders have to reach their hand around blindly to find belongings.
There is only one zipper which can be hard to access especially for riders with limited hand dexterity. This makes grabbing a snack/ water on the go challenging.
The bag is worn waxed-canvas with only three attachment points to the frame, causing the bag to flop when riding.

How might I design a modular storage pack that allows adaptive riders to easily access snacks and tools as well as hydrate on the go?

Prototyping

Proto 1

First iteration exploring a convertible bag where the backpack straps fold in. This bag would sit on the back of a wheelchair or stored on the hand-pedal bike.
Proto 2

First iteration exploring a 2-part modular bag. This low-fidelity proto tests how the bags attach to the bike as well as the size of the bottom hydration storage.
Proto 3

Medium-fidelity proto demonstrating a functioning middle divider system. This bag also shows the adjustability of the velcro straps and where the hydration pack can be inserted.

A nylon-based fabric woven to add strength and prevent tearing on the outside storage
This textured woven fabric is treated with a water-resistant wax, making it durable in weather
The neoprene thermal sleeve keeps liquid cold in the summer months and prevents freezing during the winter

smaller day pack for short rides to hold snack/ tools

Each pack has elastic rope which threads to the frame of the hand-cycles and holds the packs in place

Both modular pack can be connected by threading the connector piece through the coresponding loops

This neoprene-insulated sleeve has internal wires allowing the hose to bend, so riders can hydrate on the move

The front storage pocket is for easy-access tools/ bars and also creates a pocket for the hydration sleeve

Product features

Pull tab

The user-friendly pull tab connects both the smaller snack/ tool pack & the larger hydration pack.
Velcro attatchment

The Velcro strap & webbing loops add the ability to customize where on the bike Adventure Pack connects.
Flexible hose

The internal wires allow the thermal sleeve to be positioned perfectly for hands-free hydration during a ride.