Shoka Bell: Revolutionizing Urban Cycling

Maform Design Studio's Smart Bicycle Accessory Wins Prestigious A' Design Award

Shoka Bell is not just a bell; it is a light, a navigation device, and a theft protection system all in one. Leveraging smart technologies, it uses GPS and motion sensors to detect the user's position and movement. The LED-matrix screen on top and the front-facing speakers communicate with the user, while the position LED-lights in front show the user's location. The device can also make various sounds, acting as a bell, and connects to the user's smartphone to send notifications about the position of their bike.

The design process involved several technologies. During the ideation phase, paper modeling and foam modeling were used. 3D printing was utilized during the concept design phase. Towards the end of the concept design and during the detail design, milled and painted prototypes made of plastic and metal materials were created to showcase the final quality of the product. The final product features an injection moulded, metal coated casing with die-casted parts and smart technologies like BLE and GPS.

Shoka Bell is operated through eight sounds controllable by an intuitive joystick. It adjusts to ambient noise so the user can always be heard. It can be connected to a smartphone to choose a destination, and then the user can navigate through a city by glancing at the Shoka Bell’s indicator arrows. The device also includes an effective front light that adjusts to ambient light. If the bike is moved, Shoka Bell will alert the user wirelessly by ringing up to 250m away.

The design of Shoka Bell was based on community feedback. All phases of the design process were published and rated by the community. A/B testing was carried out to select the best ideas and concepts. Technological research was conducted in cooperation with electronics engineers, sound chambers were optimized by audio engineers, and joystick placement was tested with 3D-printed mockups on small control groups.

The greatest challenge was integrating so many functions into one compact, stylish device. The designers were able to design one seamless surface that serves as a loudspeaker outlet, position light housing, and also a screen, all on one simple, coherent, and cool shape. The result is a device that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, making it the ultimate biking accessory.

Shoka Bell's innovative design and functionality have earned it the Silver A' Sporting Goods, Fitness and Recreation Equipment Design Award in 2018. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Shoka Bell's recognition in this category is a testament to its remarkable level of excellence and its ability to introduce positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.