E-Bike Controller: How We Gave Overstock Displays A New Lease On Life

The design of a controller for an electronic bike in collaboration with Canadian designer Jodie Fletcher. The client approached us with an unused inventory of ultra thin displays that were slated for another product. The client's vision was to repurpose these displays for use in an e-bike controller. This controller would be so thin it could nearly slip into a wallet when not in use.

To develop the initial round of concepts, we conducted a competitive study of the market. This gave a better understanding of different mounting methodologies, orientations and locations for the controller to the bike. Along with mounting methodologies, the concepts explored different approaches for connecting the display to the mount, with the goal of achieving a stable, sturdy design that was also quick and easy to release.

The preferred direction used a magnetic connection for the display to the mount.  Protected by a frame while in place, the controller could be quickly removed by pressing one end.  Early concepts had a completely symmetrically pill shaped design, but after further refinement it was updated to be asymmetrical to facilitate correctly orienting in the mount.  And an additional design, incorporated a light, since the thin display didn't support backlighting, 

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