Process 153 G3 CR
The Process 153 G3 Completes the Process model family. The Process 134 CR introduced the Kona brand aesthetic to the Process line. The Process X came next and established the opposite end of the aesthetic spectrum. The 153 CR G3 bridges those two models and completes the model line. The design language draws from both end of the Process spectrum with the X's dropped seat stay bridge and a fuller bottom bracket to seat tube junction from the 134.
Process X ALuminum
This project brought to fruition the desire to make modular frame components to be shared within the Aluminum Process model lineup. I explored different configurations of modules to simplify construction while bringing cost reduction and form language cohesion to the model range. Through the sharing of specific components we were able to create a cohesive gradient of form intention to the 134, 153, and X. Within each of these configurations we have to consider the visual weight and percieved design intention as well as functional compliance and weight. Within these design solutions we landed on using a large cast module for bottom bracket and lower main pivot, by working closely within the product development group and our vendors.
Modular Shared Frame Components
Modular Shared Frame Components
Modular Shared Frame Components
The sketch idea used to spark development of the Process X AL. Within the AL Process family I worked to maintain consistent aesthetics through design decisions as well as through modular, sharable frame components.
Detail Development
Modular Shared Frame Components
Modular Shared Frame Components
Within the development process I often work closely with engineering to refine surfacing for each component within the framesets. This is an example of some of my notes within that collaborative process. This bottom bracket component is a two part forged shell pairing that is welded together along the central plane. It is unique to the Process X frameset which made it a center point of our focus for this frame design.
2021 Process X Carbon
Times change and so do the experiential intentions of recreational riders. Each development cycle we take a step back and take some time to understand our customer. We look at where attentions and intentions are. At this point in time we observed a large focus shifting away from UCI competition. Kona rider's focus were shifting towards the experience of riding, the community of local trails, and the fun of moving through our local environments. The Process X is a reflection of that shift. Away from strictly functional performance and towards useability for a larger swath of our customer base. This bike is still a big bike, capable of taking on the most challenging terrain, but it is also able pedal up the local hill.
The design intention of this frame is to build off of the established form language of the carbon 134 and 153 while leaning hard into bulking up key regions of the frameset for both functional and aesthetic perception gains. The connective feature line from bottom bracket to rocker pivot in this design is enlarged to become a beam form. This presents the initial online side view picture with a strong and direct surface at the core of the bicycle, conveying a sturdy foundation and center of gravity for this model. From this base we have drawn fast aggressive lines out and around with tube surfacing and feature lines throughout the frameset.
Initial Ideation
Initial Ideation
Initial Ideation
With the success of the 134 Carbon designs in the final phases this project began as an exploratory brief to push the brand aesthetic that has been carefully molded to this point. Considerations for suspension kinematics were put aside during these first explorations.
Initial Ideation
Initial Ideation
These initial sketches drove the functional conversations. two primary suspension layouts were chosen for further development. after kinematics were worked through, we chose to stick with the Beamer configuration for further development.
During development we ran exploratory generative design simulations to better understand where material is essential and how far rocker forming could be pushed. While we learned a lot this for the time being remains a conceptual exercise.
Rocker development sketch that builds on elements from the Process 134.
Frame Protection
Frame Protection
Chain stay protection development.
Frame Protection
Frame Protection
Frame Protection
Bump stop for dual crown forks.
2020 Process 134 Aluminum + Carbon
The start of the second generation for the Process Carbon bikes.
Seeing a product through a full development cycle allowed for new and considered perspective when the time came to begin this second generation.
The design sharpens frame lines and brings a faster more aggressive form language to the Process range.
Process 134 Aluminum model development followed the carbon 134 and was largely guided by the carbon silhouette. A large emphasis during development though was place on celebrating the frame material in lieu of creating a carbon copy.
Rocker development with consideration for sagged-in position as well as static unweighted position.
A rework of the front triangle was initiated after several focus groups with the sales team. Our primary objective was to align the front triangle aesthetic more closely with existing brand form language, Specifically Kona trail bikes. This experience was used to advance the product development process with a greater focus on intended end
Iteration
Through development the consideration for many different accommodations necessitated several rounds of iteration to develop a cohesive aesthetic package for the frameset.
Looking at the whole
The structure of the Kona product line has been a constant within each and ever frame design project. With this generation of bikes I was able to institute a related but defined form language throughout.
Brand Form Language
Within this design process the specific aesthetic elements of the Kona Process were established. With angular swooping features lines drawn across a pointed frame silhouette this design is refined and singular in its portrayal of fun speed.
2018 Process 153 Carbon
A rebirth for the process line. This project was my first project with Kona. Throughout development there were many discussions surrounding the deviation from existing suspension layout. I facilitated a balance of engineering kinematic suspension performance with brand form language while remaining cognizant of the current and future product ranges. This project was Kona's first carbon dual suspension development project with new vendors, which came with a steep learning curve for the development team. Throughout this process I explored, consulted, and developed form languages for the Kona brand that balanced aesthetic, manufacturability, and functional performance.
2018 Process 153 - 165
The aluminum Process model range was developed in tandem with the carbon Process 153 model.
While establishing a consistent form language between the Process frames a conscious decision was made to honor each frame material with designs that lean into each respective manufacturing techniques and material qualities.