1. Good design is innovative
The possibilities for innovation are not, by any means, exhausted. Technological development is always offering new opportunities for innovative design. But innovative design always develops in tandem with innovative technology, and can never be an end in itself.
The Moulton Bicycle
(1 minute 45s reading time)
For our first example of innovation in technology developing in tandem with innovation in design, we can stay in my home town of Bradford on Avon.
Dr Alex Moulton was involved in two design classics of the 60’s. He designed, developed and produced the suspension for the iconic Mini. His combination of conical rubber springs and small wheels meant that his solution barely intruded into the car’s internal spaces. This was a key factor in the Mini achieving its small size.
Inspired by this innovation in automotive suspension with the Mini, and the oil shock caused by the Suez Crisis, he wanted to improve human powered transport. His aim was to build a better bicycle.
The Moulton Bicycle was launched in 1962 and, like the Mini, quickly became an icon of the swinging 60’s. His innovative design made the bicycle easer to mount (a child of 11 could grow into it and it was gender neutral); easier to store (you could put it in the boot of your car); and smoother to ride with it’s innovative suspension. This suspension was developed three decades before it became commonplace on mountain bikes.
And it was fast. The bicycle broke numerous speed records in the 60’s including the Cardiff to London speed record and the 200m flying start record. It is still being used for long distance challenges. The ex-mayor of Bradford on Avon, Isabelle Martindale, recently rode across the breadth of Canada on one.
Being innovative can be hard.
But it can be done. For me, a gallery visit or an article may spark a new idea. Experimenting with new software encourages me to try a new technique. You don’t have to be completely original. Who is?
Isaac Newton said, "If I have seen further, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Being inspired by the people and things around you can be enough to spark innovation.
“The Moulton bicycle is a classic piece of British design. An aesthetic object, it is also a delight to use - flexible, responsive and comfortable to ride.”
“Looking at his intriguing bicycles you can see that Alex Moulton questions every part of the design. His aim is clear: to make lighter, safer and more comfortable bikes whilst improving speed. Good design is about how something works, not just how it looks, which is why I like the Moulton bike so much”
Shared under the Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence. With thanks to Dieter Rams and Vitsoe.
