Sniffer Bike
Client: SODAQ
2020
In Market
About SODAQ
SODAQ is a Dutch company that specialize in creating low-power IoT hardware. tracking & sensing solutions. Their portfolio includes products such as asset-tracking devices, smart tracking labels, air quality sensors, etc. They collaborate with a variety of companies helping them develop hardware and software.
For this project, SODAQ approached us to redesign their first-generation Sniffer Bike, a bicycle-mounted air quality sensor.to make it smarter, more user-friendly and additionally redesign its look & feel.
Sniffer Bike AIR project video
The video above explains the full problem, process and solution altogether..
The thing about bad air quality.
Sodaq wanted to create an opportunity to raise awareness about the issue of bad air quality, but also to give people control over their local air quality and take action to improve it through their product. Additionally, since it’s bicycle mounted, people can also stay fit.
11.000 premature deaths
9 months reduced life expectancy/ year
3% of total burden of diseases
The old Sniffer Bike
One of the initial steps was to experience the old Sniffer Bike, both on the bicycle and on its own looking at its individual elements. From studying and using it, a few areas were identified where the usability could potentially be improved. Next to that, the form could be hugely improved to make it feel like something that people would feel proud to carry, would look good on a bicycle and have a recognizable design.
Bulky form
Unclear purpose
Inconveniently placed interaction point
Confusing attachment system
Insufficient user feedback
Experience level insights
Based on my understanding of the product shortcomings, I moved onto the experience-level study of the product looking at it closely and from a distance before formulating my own vision for what such a product should have and, by extension, the guidelines for our redesign. I looked at the old product with 3 scopes breaking it down to the aesthetics, meaning and emotion all of which would help create my own vision for what such a product should be.
Experience study of the old Sniffer Bike
Vision for the new Sniffer Bike
Increasing product adoptability
Three design directions were finalized as the basis for the look & feel for the new Sniffer Bike. Versatility-focused, Security-focused, and interaction with air.
Versatility - Attachable on multiple places outside of the bicycle
Security- Permanently attached to bicycle
Interaction with air - vents, louvers, etc.
The Sniffer Bike AIR
The new Sniffer Bike is compact, lightweight, communicative and communicates its functions clearly. It has a charging port at the back with a charging indicator, an air quality indicator light at the top to show the live air quality when cycling. The design on the front shows its air interaction.
The attachment system is a simple turn-lock mechanism with a Hall Effect sensor where the device turns off when it is removed from the bicycle saving power.
Out in the Wild
Following a successful Kickstarter campaign, changes to the final design due to ease of manufacturing and further design steps, the Sniffer Bike AIR was made available, by the local municipality to enthusiastic cyclists and participants..
