Project | Make the Ride Possible: Design an accessible trail storage solution

Module overview

Noel Joyce started Project Mjolnir to make adaptive mountain bikes more accessible and affordable, with a design that wheelchair users can build, customize, and repair themselves. Using these principles and a user-centred design approach, each adaptive mountain bike can be configured around the needs of the individual rider rather than relying on a single, generic design.

In this project, you will apply the same approach to design a solution for storing essential trail items on the adaptive bike. You will begin by hearing Noel’s story and learning about the design challenge he needs you to solve. You will then consider the rider’s needs, define the requirements for your solution, and develop and evaluate concepts. Using Autodesk Fusion, you will design your chosen storage solution in the context of the bike before preparing it for prototyping.

For educators:

Higher Education standards alignment

• ABET EAC (1) identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems | AHEP 4: C2 analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions; C9 use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks
• ABET EAC (5) function effectively on a team, establish goals, plan tasks and meet objectives | AHEP 4: C16 function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team
• ABET EAC (2) apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs | AHEP 4: C5 design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs
• ABET EAC (3) communicate effectively with a range of audiences | AHEP 4: C17 communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences
• ABET EAC (2) with consideration of public health, safety and welfare | AHEP 4: C5 including health & safety, diversity and inclusion considerations; C6 apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
• ABET EAC (2) apply engineering design to produce solutions | AHEP 4: C3 select and apply appropriate computational techniques to model complex problems; C13 select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, technologies and processes
• ABET EAC (3) communicate effectively with a range of audiences | AHEP 4: C17 communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences
• ABET EAC (5) and (7) acquire and apply new knowledge using appropriate learning strategies | AHEP 4: C16 function effectively as a member or leader of a team; C18 plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning
• ABET EAC (6) use engineering judgment to draw conclusions and (3) communicate effectively | AHEP 4: C12 use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate problems; C17 communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences
• ABET EAC (4) recognize ethical and professional responsibilities and consider societal impact | AHEP 4: C7 evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems

K12/Secondary standards alignment

• ISTE 1.3 Knowledge Constructor | D&T Design: identify and understand user needs; develop specifications 
• ISTE 1.7 Global Collaborator | D&T Design: work with others to agree design decisions for a given user 
• ISTE 1.4 Innovative Designer | D&T Design: use a variety of approaches, including user-centered design, to avoid stereotypical responses 
• ISTE 1.6 Creative Communicator | D&T Design: develop and communicate ideas through annotated sketches 
• ISTE 1.4.c | D&T Evaluate: test, evaluate and refine ideas and products against a specification 
• ISTE 1.4.a and 1.4.b | D&T Make: select and use specialist tools, techniques and processes, including CAD  
• ISTE 1.6.b and 1.6.c | D&T Design: develop and communicate ideas through computer-based tools 
• ISTE 1.7.b | D&T Evaluate: consider the views of others, including intended users, to improve their work 
• ISTE 1.6.d | D&T Evaluate: critique and communicate design decisions through oral and digital presentation 
• ISTE 1.4.d | D&T Evaluate: understand how the needs of individual users shape the design of products