[smartymarty82]

Hi guys!

I'm a 3rd year uni student studying Product Design BSc at UWIC in Cardiff.

I'm currently designing a GPS unit for mountain bikers to be used on the fly. I've got less than 2 weeks do to this project, so its going to be really tight! I would really appreciate any feedback or suggestions you could give me, it would be a massive help!

So far the design consists of:

Standard GPS functions, such as route planning, mapping with way-points, electronic compass, altimeter etc.

USB connection to transfer maps, routes, ride info etc.

An intercom / 2-way radio so that you can communicate with your biking buddies (who also own unit) and track their location along with your own – displayed on screen.

Communication through a bluetooth head set or possibly earphones & a neck mic if you're wearing a full face. (Bluetooth could also be used to swap route/trail info between other users.)

A button interface used to navigate through different screens/info will be operated without having to take your hands off the handle bars (using a thumb).

Tough, rugged, waterproof design to withstand crash impacts and outdoor elements.



I have put together a few basic questions for market research…


1) How often do you go biking?

2) What type of riding do you do? (xc, fr, dh, etc)

3) Have you ever used GPS while mountain biking?

4) Would you consider purchasing a GPS unit with an intercom?

5) What design features would be most important to you?

6) Are there any additional features which you would benefit from, such as an MP3 player, etc



Any other ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

Martyn

 

[Da Peach]

Call the intercom a walkie-talkie. It sounds cooler.

 

[I_N_I]

I'm sure the walkie talkie will have some FCC regulation that will be a PITA.
2 weeks for a working prototype?

 

[johnbryanpeters]

1) How often do you go biking?

2) What type of riding do you do? (xc, fr, dh, etc)

3) Have you ever used GPS while mountain biking?

4) Would you consider purchasing a GPS unit with an intercom?

5) What design features would be most important to you?

6) Are there any additional features which you would benefit from, such as an MP3 player, etc

1) three times a week or so
2) rougher end of XC
3) a lot
4) I doubt it unless it was a standardized function across brands
5) ruggedness, good sky view irregardless of how stowed - helmet mount antenna?
6) ability to turn off display - distracting if bar mounted.

 

[Nathan Cloud]

Look into the Garmin Rino GPS series. Does some of that stuff in one oway or other already. Otherwise:


1) How often do you go biking?
2-3/week

2) What type of riding do you do? (xc, fr, dh, etc)
all mountain? i dunno. a little of everything i guess.

3) Have you ever used GPS while mountain biking?
religiously

4) Would you consider purchasing a GPS unit with an intercom?
Maybe, but I have a Rino and the problem is you need someone else with one as well. I can't really justify buying a second one.

5) What design features would be most important to you?
Basemaps are nice. Maybe a really good low profile bar mount?

6) Are there any additional features which you would benefit from, such as an MP3 player, etc
Can't think of any.