Rashi Chandak
Mr. Amresh Panigrahi
rashi_c@nid.edu
This graduation project reimagines children’s bicycles through trend-responsive Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) design, in collaboration with TI Cycles of India. As bicycles lose relevance among children due to lifestyle shifts and screen-based play, the project aims to restore emotional value, playfulness, and identity expression in children’s mobility. The research analyzed global and local trends in play and lifestyle, assessed market offerings, and conducted ethical user studies with children and parents. Using STEEPEL-G trend forecasting and design thinking, the project identified gaps in emotional and sensory engagement. Key macro trends, Simpler Joys, Mass Personalization, Edutainment, and Transformable Gamification, informed the design direction. The outcome is a modular CMF accessory system, including grips, chain covers, and decals, designed for scalability and alignment with manufacturing constraints. Ciclo demonstrates how CMF-led innovation can revitalize legacy products by enabling personalization, sensory engagement, and emotional bonding in mass-market bicycles.