lifestyle, niche, intuitive, skateboarding, commuters
Goal
Creating need based products for the commute skateboarding community. Based on needfinding research this is a priority untapped area for design/redesign, beginning with commuter bags.
The image above captures the pain points for a daily commute skateboarder.
Pitch Commercial Video
Problem
How might we develop a thriving business and devoted customer brand.
This niche groups has been overlooked by designers, yet possesses the popularity and consistency that shows when given proper attention can be successfully accepted amongst commute skateboarders- and the skate community as a whole. Then, slowly can gain traction within the streetwear community, hipsters, and trickle into pop culture - with the help of social influencers who often get their inspiration from niche groups like skateboarders, rock climbers and etc.
Empathize
I interviewed skaters ages 13-32 with experience ranging 1 year -15 years.
"I used to commute daily, and it was great because I could bring my board on and off the train."
"My board was always in my hand- it wouldn't fit in my bag pack to zip."
"I bring an extra board if I know friends are coming... everything is hand held."
"If there was a bag that was small, looked good, and could hold my extra board of course I would use it."
"What I don't love is when my under-board would get wet and that would touch the side of my clothes and cause me to get wet... then I would just be dirty."
"We usually carry at least 1 extra board."
"I keep 1 shirt 1 pant always."
Village Skatepark ATL
Atlanta Beltline
Georgia Tech Main-Campus
Based on needfinding results, a major desire within the community is a commuter travel bag. Secondary needs are durable tear resistant clothes and comfortable shoes for longer rides.
Research criteria calls for:
-small/lightweight products
-Tear resistant materials
-Fast & intuitive functions
statistics
•In Los Angeles, transit riders use skateboards 30,000 times each day to get to and from bus stops and train stations.
•In Portland, Oregon, at least one skateboarder passed through 79% of intersections. At one intersection, they counted 17 skateboarders — about one every seven minutes.
•In 2016 skateboarding slightly topped driving alone(car) rates to campus among students at UC Santa Barbara, 8% vs 7%.
Fang, Kevin. “Faster than Walking, More Flexible than Biking: Skateboarding as a Real Mobility Mode.” Transfers Magazine, Spring 2018. https://transfersmagazine.org/magazine-article/issue-1/faster-than-walking-more-flexible-than-b iking-skateboarding-as-a-real-mobility-mode/.
Market Research
From 2019 to 2020, the number of people skateboarding in the US increased by 2.26 million (or 34%).
Skateboarding isn't just part of subculture. It is a mode of transportation that is convenient, fun, and increasing in popularity.
A blend between walking and biking, skateboarding is a prominent method of getting around, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic- which saw a 70% drop in public transportation in 2020.
For these commute riders, there is a need within the community for a travel bag, durable (yet fashionable) clothing, and comfortable shoes for longer rides.
Demographics
Age:Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z
Gender: Non-Binary
Customer Income: College Students and 50-75k
Market Type
B2C (Business to Consumer)/Direct online
Competitors
-Vans// skateboard shoes
-Fox Racing// motocross lifestyle brand
-Sector Nine// cruiser skateboards
-Droors Clothing (DC)// skateboarding & snowboarding footwear
-Fox Racing// motocross lifestyle brand
-Sector Nine// cruiser skateboards
-Droors Clothing (DC)// skateboarding & snowboarding footwear
There are existing skateboard bags already on the market. However, there are no skateboard bags that keep the functionality of holding multiple/ bulky items and a modern and fresh style. The bags below are targeted for a more athletic-leisure lifestyle, rather than a commuter and professional lifestyle.
Lifestyle brand/products (design)+ Commute skateboarders (culture)+ Customization (Econ/commerce)+ Regenerated nylon (technology)= Commute/Distance Skateboarding Bag
● [Design]As a result of Covid lockdown lifestyle, the US has witnessed more than 70% drop in public transportation in 2020.
Skateboarding has always been an easy way for people to get around...While it used to be more common among young adults and teenagers, many corporate professionals have also taken to longboards especially in 2021.
Marcus. “Modern Commuting Trends in 2021: My Long Commute Sucks!” My Long Commute Sucks, August 18, 2021.
● [Culture]Trick and commuter skating have distinct cultures and often rely on different boards.
In Los Angeles, transit riders use skateboards 30,000 times each day to get to and from bus stops and train stations.
Fang, Kevin. “Faster than Walking, More Flexible than Biking: Skateboarding as a Real Mobility Mode.” Transfers Magazine, Spring 2018.
● [Econ]Users of these unconventional modes travel up to an estimated 48 million miles per year. Skateboarding in particular appears to be an increasingly popular niche travel mode..., skateboarders view skateboarding as uniquely practical, blending near bicycling speeds with pedestrian-like flexibility.
Fang, Kevin, and Susan Handy. “Skateboarding for Transportation: Exploring the Factors behind an Unconventional Mode Choice among University Skateboard Commuters - Transportation.” SpringerLink. Springer US, July 24, 2017.
● [Tech]Regenerated nylon is water-repellant, stiff, strong, elastic, and lightweight. It has excellent resiliency, tenacity, resistance to many everyday chemicals, and attacks from insects, moths, molds, and fungi. It has low absorbency, wicks away moisture, and dries quickly.
Assoune, Alex. “3 Best Affordable and Eco-Friendly Waterproof Fabrics.” Panaprium. Panaprium, March 2021.
Articles
- Assoune, Alex. “3 Best Affordable and Eco-Friendly Waterproof Fabrics.” Panaprium. Panaprium, March 2021. https://www.panaprium.com/blogs/i/eco-friendly-waterproof-fabrics.
- Fang, Kevin, and Susan Handy. “Skateboarding for Transportation: Exploring the Factors behind an Unconventional Mode Choice among University Skateboard Commuters - Transportation.” SpringerLink. Springer US, July 24, 2017. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11116-017-9796-9.
- Fang, Kevin. “Faster than Walking, More Flexible than Biking: Skateboarding as a Real Mobility Mode.” Transfers Magazine, Spring 2018. https://transfersmagazine.org/magazine-article/issue-1/faster-than-walking-more-flexibl e-than-biking-skateboarding-as-a-real-mobility-mode/.
- Marcus. “Modern Commuting Trends in 2021: My Long Commute Sucks!” My Long Commute Sucks, August 18, 2021. https://mylongcommutesucks.com/modern-commuting-trends/.
- Vora, Shivani. “Skateboards for Work and Working Out.” The New York Times. The New York Times, August 22, 2013. https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/23/nyregion/skateboards-for-work-and-working-out. html.
Early Designs
Adobe illustrations above detail the first iteration of the LoneSkate satchel commuter bag, equipped with shoulder pads, back padding, board straps, and replaceable/exchangeable outer pockets that utilize snap button attachments.
A satchel bag made from vegan leather and regenerated nylon, marketed at $60-$100 depending on the size and style of the bag. Includes compartments for storing extra clothes, and extra board, as well as smaller office items such as a tablet or notepad.
Early satchel commuter bag CAD drawings
The Brand
LoneSkate is a lifestyle brand that offers commute skateboarders ease, safety, and style for their transportation needs. Whether work, school, or just to ride for leisure- LoneSkate covers all the bases for a skater's daily journey.
Next Steps
This project is ongoing, next steps are working on new iterations of the bag design, solidifying brand identity, and marketing strategies.
