International commuters' tool

ben_250
ben_250 Posts: 22
edited November 2007 in Commuting chat
Hi Guys,

I put up a post last week asking for any international commuters. Here is a bit more info.

Thanks for the response. The project is basically looking at designing a tool that can be used by commuters worldwide, it is called the commutool . It is part of a University project based around design across borders. I would like to hear your reactions to the project and any thoughts you have on i.

COMMUTOOL
The commutool is aimed at a veriety of people from the everyday commuter to travellers using bike loaning schemes.
Its is a handle bar mounted tool that encompasses-
-A front Light.
-A detatchable rear light.
-A very basic GPS system for use in large cities.
- A warning system for both pedestrians and motorists, using the concept of ultra sounic detection and a battery powered alarm.
- The unit will be rechargable.

Thanks for your time,

All responses positive or negative will be greatfuklly recieved.

Ben

Comments

  • jam1ec
    jam1ec Posts: 64
    there are some good ideas there, i think the trick will be to pick which features you need. The concept as it stands seems a bit expensive and potentially complex.

    I like including the lights, rear detachable from from front and rechargable together?

    I'm not sure what makes it international? maybe intuative enough that there is no need for different languages in the instruction manual. or does the GPS explain the rules of the road for the country you are in? i.e. how to use a 4 way stop junction in the US or a round about in the UK. or how arm turning signals vary (it is something like in the US you rotate your left arm to turn right where as in the UK you just stick out your right arm)

    Tool makes me think of allen keys and spanners, is this more like a light/speedo?
    FCN : 1
  • here2help
    here2help Posts: 19
    Sounds like it would cost too much. Whenever I'm riding my bike, I know exactly where I'm going and would have no use for a gps.
  • Teuchter
    Teuchter Posts: 102
    Are you aiming this at the right target group? The inclusion of GPS suggests it's more of a "touring" than "commuting" tool.

    When commuting, I know where I work and where I live (generally!) and know how to get between them by a variety of routes without need of maps or GPS.

    Touring however, would find me riding in places I don't know and a GPS would be far more useful. Battery life could be a critical factor for touring use as there would be longer periods of riding and mains charging may not be readily available.
  • gilbert_by_proxy
    gilbert_by_proxy Posts: 29
    ben_250 wrote:
    - A warning system for both pedestrians and motorists, using the concept of ultra sounic detection and a battery powered alarm.
    Wouldn't this sound when you passed bushes, walls, etc?

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