Stages Dash

OVERVIEW

Stages Dash Computer

When Stages released the first round off the Dash Computer, the industry noticed . The sheer effort that was put into the product made it the most customizable computer on the market. Their approached was the longest lasting, brightest full color display to touch a cycling based computer. With the effort on the engineering front - the user interface fell by the wayside. Through user reviews and customer feedback, we found that there was a huge opportunity to not only standardize some interactions but focus on a overall redesign of the product. With an emphasis on creating a slim package - and utilizing known technologies, we set out to create a new form language + overall new direction for Stages to push their computer offering. The new Stages Dash pushes the industry to a new level and challenges standards that should have been left behind years ago.

Optimized Case Design

Introducing new components and engineering efforts - the new Dash was built around the most cutting edge componentry. Its design is simplified but great attention to detail was taken in creating complex curvature surfaces over the entire case. Its new battery, screen and boards make it a true revolution for the brand.

Focused User Interaction

Creating a user interface that focuses on the rider was needed. Custom button interfaces were created to work not only with bare fingers but thick cycling gloves for the coldest of days. The design went through the rigors of extreme cold / dust / dirt to ensure a perfectly sealed system.

Digital Design Cohesion

With the redesign of user interaction from a ID standpoint. I was able to push the design focus from a digital standpoint as well. Redesigning the digital interface from the ground up to deliver unparalleled digital experiences that match the new hardgood.

INSPIRATION

Developing a brand aesthetic for a brand like Stages is a challenge. Very well positioned in the market from a performance standpoint, it was searching for characteristics that allowed the product to be inobtrusive, while allow ease of interaction across the board. The inspiration for the product was a refined approach to surfacing - focusing on tight exchanges of materials and a focus on hiding parting lines. Its design intent was to focus on general surface quality with one or two main elements of attraction; ideally focusing on an area of user interaction.

3 - DETAILS

USER FACING SOFTWARE

redesigning the hardware was a great opportunity to push Stages into direct competition with the likes of Garmin, Wahoo and Hammerhead. Where Stages truly is second to non is their app platform and training tools. Redesigning the Link app allowed us to design the entire system from the ground up. That means hardware makes sense with front end software design across the entire experience. Maps are always in the same place, files never get lost and more importantly you can customize the interface for the tools YOU need.

4 - CAD DEVELOPMENT

CREATING A PRODUCT THAT LASTS

After initial user research - something became very apparent across all head units in the cycling industry - the mounting system, while standardized - is weak. The flanges often snap after sun degradation, or in the event of a semi aggressive shunt. Working with the developers at Stages, I proposed a mounting plate that is independent of the case design, thus making opportunity for any adaptation to new mounts that may be developed in the future or easily replaceable in the event the tabs snap.

Detail - Companies have tried to create a mount that can be changed in the past - but theirs often uses small hardware and is very close to the main stress area of the quarter turn mount. I proposed moving those mounting points away from the high stress areas, buying us a slimmer stack and less stress on the mechanical interactions.

4 - CAD DEVELOPMENT

FINAL FORM

After developing a set of sketches and surfaces that could be moved forward - we worked on developing form in CAD. Using a combination of Rhino and Solidworks - we developed and printed 4 concepts that progressed and refined the design intent of the product. The following images are the final design intent that is currently going into production.

2022 Stages / Giant Dash