Journals of Design covers inspiring journeys of New Zealanders who've designed products, created brands & developed new innovations. This series uncovers what joy & divide it can take to create a world-class product or brand, hearing insights first-hand from entrepreneurs & inventors from our coveted New Zealand design industry.
You might encounter a few gems that could lead you towards inventing something of your own.
DINZ Interview
Journals on Design1 - Electric Cafe Racers with FTN Motion
Around 8 years ago Luke Sinclair & Kendall Bristow came up with an idea which has now raised over $5 million in capital investment.
They design, develop & manufacture electric bikes, inspired by the Cafe Racer archetype - in Hamilton. Two punchlines, the name is R18 & one of their board members was the CEO of Dyson.
Journals explored:
How the idea got its wheels
Why a simpler design captured an audience
Developing a 1st prototype
Creating the space to reproduce the bike in NZ
Managing costs as the producer & cashflow
Special innovations of the bike & expansion
