Noah Wangerin
Equichron
Design integrates parts into whole compositions. Time should be part of this whole. By considering what exists and what is needed, integrating the dimension of time in design results in intent beyond the moment of interaction; design that is new by necessity, that builds on the past, and that can adapt to the future.
Historically, bicycles integrate time well. Established standards lead to a modular system of frames and parts enabling incremental upgrades with an ability to mix technologies as old as 100 years. This value is challenged by the electric bicycle market, booming as a result of technology, the pandemic, rising oil prices, and automobile shortages.
Electric bicycles ignore the values of the past, specifically in accessibility and resiliency. Producers can integrate a battery into a frame towards wholeness of form, but this neither builds on past frames nor facilitates future maintenance from local bike shops; time is not integrated in the decision. With the right system the bike in your garage could replace a car and still be maintained by your local bike shop, while growing and adapting with you.
