Design Precedents - David Lee

Aesthetic
It is a nice looking bike, but when compared to the field of competing electric bikes its beauty can be appreciated even more due to their lack of attention to aesthetics. Its use of technology is integrated into the form of the bicycle. Instead of designing around technology like most of the other electronic bicycles in the market.

Social
Its impact is up to the user. If the owner uses it solely for recreation, its impact on the environment will be minimal. However, by designing a great electric bicycle that works as good as it looks it will invite more people to use it. Issues that many have regarding using the bicycle to commute to work are: getting your clothes dirty (the exposed chain on conventional bikes is the usual source) and arriving to work sweaty (effort free by electric motor for 10 miles and more with pedal assist). Though it won’t end global warming it is one of many steps in a better direction.

Critical
This innovative design has many features which equal or exceed its competitors. However it could still be better. Integrated tail and headlights seem like an obvious thing for an electric bike. Also a quick integrated locking device would be great encourage everyday use. Lastly, regenerative braking and/or solar panel would extend the range of the electric motor.

Other Features
1. Design for Disassembly
2. Simple push button electric drive
3. 3 Speed gearbox
4. Interior mounted battery pack ( most other bicycles have the battery visible which detracts from the form)
5. Lightweight frame (total weight 35 lbs)
6. Range 8-20 miles depending on pedal use
7. 15 Mph top speed
8. Molded case for compact storage after
disassembly

OXO Vegetable Peeler

















Before I decided to become a Product Designer I was a home cook and wanna-be chef. When I found myself in need of a vegetable peeler I went to the big wall of kitchen utensils in Bed Bath & Beyond. There was a lot to choose from and I probably spent 30 minutes deciding on the right one. There was many OXO products to choose from as well as other leading competitors. Read the packaging for the features of each and held them to test how comfortable they would be. I went home with the OXO and proceeded to peel some potatoes to make some Gnocchi. Potato peeling is a tedious job, for which a comfortable peeler is appreciated. I also took note of the divet molded into the tip for removing the eyes out of the potatoes. I really appreciated that little detail and how simply it was integrated into the tool. Years later that appreciation for the thoughtfulness of the designer is what I strive for in my own work. I hope people who use my products will discover the features I include in my designs to improve their lives, or at least make it easier to peel their potato.

Aesthetic
It is a simple looking tool that looks like it can do its job well. Some products can accomplish this while elevating the form to something beautiful in itself. This is not one of them. However, its form suits its function.

Social
A vegetable peeler is not the kind of thing you would expect to have much social impact. Though this peeler isn’t going to stop global warming it does have an impact on design strategy. The story goes that the founder of OXO had a wife who loved to cook but suffered from arthritis. Kitchen tools like the vegetable peeler were designed for function, but with little regard for the user. By designing for the needs of the few, a kitchen tool was made which benefited everyone. It also created a unique approach to design that lead to OXO’s commercial success.

Critical
I have used this peeler for years. I mostly pleased with its design but there is still some room for improvement. The hole on the end is too small for some hooks and I have been unable to hang it with my other kitchen tools. Also the blade would benefit from having a serrated edge. This helps to pierce slippery skins like that of the tomato and it will extend the life of the blade. Lastly, peelers come in primarily 2 forms, the one shown and the Y peeler which has the blade 90 degrees to the handle. Some other peelers allow for the rotation of the blade so one tool can utilize both forms.