Project | Yepp Maxi rear light
Client | GMG/YEPP
Together with friend and fellow designer we worked with GMG to design a replacement rear light for their Yepp Maxi child bike seat. GMG is a well known Dutch bike seat manufacturer known for their brightly coloured innovative Yepp Mini and Maxi chairs. Their existing light didn't convey any of the YEPP innovative and vibrant character which is a defining feature of the brand.
Initial sketches were refined with foam models and later CAD. Working prototypes were put together using cast silicone outer bodies and functional SLS components.
The final concept was fastened to the YEPP MAXI seats using the existing holes, this allowed the light to be position high on the bike in direct view of other road users. The fastening method used a mechanical fixing and could be switched for a proprietary screw head to discourage theft, the low profile of the fixing ensures the child sitting in the seat wouldn't feel the presence of the light.
The light itself is created from a single surface mount LED positioned in a shallow cup, the cup gathers and transmits the light creating a wide viewing angle. The LED is powered by a pair of widely available CR2301 cell batteries.
The light is actuated by pressing the lens and would switch between flashing and constant modes. The soft malleable silicone dome aids in the action of the light giving a reassuring positive click action. The dome can also be partially inverted to form a cone which further enhances visibility as the semi translucent material glows with the light created from the LED.
