Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Research

Today I read Paulus Maringka’s Greencycle Masters Thesis.

Paulus undertook this research with Auckland University of Technology in 2010. I found this manuscript online and was initially drawn to read it as this bicycle-inspired community development project had a number of cross-over themes with my own current PhD research project.

This thesis was a pleasure to read. It was clearly written, on-topic and full of interesting images to help break up blocks of text.

It was great to see a new approach to many of the issues I can currently researching, like bicycle use in developing countries, local adaptations and resources, impacts of cultural needs and contexts, and how users personalise their bicycles.

Equally, reading the chapters on the technical design and development phases was also interesting as this project centres on a product creation and intervention, whereas mine does not.

Below is Maringka’s thesis’ abstract, thesis organisation and some of the key images from the thesis, which gives a solid overview of the project without having to read it in its entirety.

Download a copy of Marinkka’s (2010) Greencycle thesis here.

Greencycle Abstract

This Greencycle project applies a system approach to shift design thinking and practices away from the ongoing unsustainable use of resources towards a more sustainable framework of consumption whereby local cultures, skills, resources and technology are analyzed to inform the design and development of a human powered transportation system.

It uses a trans-disciplinary research and design approach by consulting all stakeholders; including farmers in a Third World country, industrial designers, engineers and manufacturers to provide information, understanding and insights as a basis to find solutions that have enabled this research study to produce a system called Greencycle which utilizes renewable materials and indigenous people skills to produce a bicycle that is more sustainable.

The bicycle provides more than basic transportation to go from A to B. Poor countries need and depend on this mode of transportation for a wide range of uses; thus expanding its function and uses would be of great benefit to its users.

This research study has created a series of accessories to extend a bicycle’s functionality, with the core being made from sustainable materials and local skills. For this project it would have been a simple process for the designer to come up with a concept idea(s) that was based on a personal view of what would be a suitable solution for the target user.

Instead however, the designer has used feedback from the target group participants to shape and develop the design process and to ensure the design will be acceptable for the target user to use and manufacture.

This multi-discipline approach to the design problem has revealed many opportunities that would otherwise be hidden by less detailed research and design methodology. Many academic studies stop at the point when the written thesis is complete.

This research study has included four expert interviews, eleven case studies of target users, prototype testing and field experiments with sustainable resources to gather information, understanding and insights from these stakeholders in order to propose, design and evaluate two Greencycles (using sustainable bamboo material) and a series of design accessories. This multi-discipline approach to the design problem has revealed many opportunities that would otherwise be hidden by less detailed research and design methodology. Many academic studies stop at the point when the written thesis is complete.

This research project went a step further by testing and implementing its findings on users back in its intended marketplace to ensure the design will be adopted by and be successful for people in Third World countries.

As a result of this research, there is now an opportunity to look at and create a business model that provides new income opportunities for the local people.

Feedback for the Greencycle design and its accessories has so far been very encouraging, with participants showing a significant level of enthusiasm. To take advantage of this success, a business proposition to market these sustainable products seems plausible as a first step to developing this business venture. Information posters to showcase the accessories and their functions and applications have been designed to test market demands and other important indicators for future business development and strategy.

Thesis Organisation

Chapter 1: Introduction

Introduces and scopes the areas of research and need for functional, usable and sustainable human powered machines.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Provides critical analysis through literature review and internet ethnography to gain an understanding and knowledge of bicycle functionality and bicycle users in Third World countries. This chapter also reviews literature and provides a study background on Bicycle Ergonomics, Green Materials and Sustainability.

Chapter 3: Research Design & Research Methods

Outlines the research design and design methods approach to the design generation and development of the Greencycle and accessories.

Chapter 4: Significant Findings

Presents the significant findings and the major discoveries that formed the design criteria of the Greencycle and accessories.

Chapter 5: Design & Development Phases

Details the design phases and iterative processes in the development phases of the Greencycle and the accessories.

Chapter 6: Evaluation

Details the evaluation outcomes of an integrated approach for the concept design thinking of the Greencycle and accessories, including materials and manufacturing processes.