Bike locks

LOCKS & SECURITY A contextual research study about the interactions between cyclists and their bike locks.

KRISTEN JUSSILA

LOCKS & SECURITY The following information provides an introduction to field research taken from the bike lock community in Savannah, GA. Research was conducted by students from Savannah College of Art and Design between January and March 2013.

METHODOLOGY Data was collected through contextual field research involving interviews, observations, and secondary field research. All research was recorded and analyzed for further understanding.

RESEARCH TEAM Kristen Jussila Nick Baker Rob Ayerst Andy Wallisch Santiago Baston Pita

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS BRAINSTORMING Research started with initial brainstorming and ideation involving collaboration with the entire research team to determine our data collecting plan.

RESEARCH Data was collected through two different interviewing methods, one using open ended questions and the other using cards to determine a sense of security and safety.

OBSERVATION Observations were conducted throughout the downtown area of Savannah. Photos and notes were taken to record all information.

CONTEXT SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN Downtown Historic District Savannah, GA

PURPOSE Our focus was to examine the interactions between cyclists and their bike locks.

Findings could be used to better design a secure, portable, and convenient bike security system.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS Which bike lock gives the user the best sense of security?

How does the storage of the bike lock affect the convenience and portability?

How does the form of the bike lock affect the ease of the use and convenience?

DATA PLANNING

DATA COLLECTION METHODS Body Storming Observation Mind Mapping Interviews

OBSERVATIONS Spent time observing and documenting bike locks around downtown Savannah.

MIND MAP

INTERVIEW FINDINGS OPEN ENDED QUESTIONS Keys get stuck U-Locks do not wrap around large objects Chain scratches bike Locks pinch fingers U-Locks and big, thick locks look stronger and deter thieves U-Locks are more convenient to store Cable locks are more easy to use

CARDS Participants were given 10 cards each with an image of a different bike lock depicted on it. The participants were asked to order the cards from safest to least safe. The U-Locks were consistently chosen as safest with thick cable locks coming in second.

OBSERVATION FINDINGS

CONCLUSION Through our research we found that the U-Lock gives the user the best sense of security. More people are willing to use a lock that is easier to store. Locks that are more flexible are easier to use. Locks that are larger and more rigid have a higher perceived sense of security.