Figma: Tom explains how he uses Figma's FigJam to meticulously plan and design a custom bike build, emphasizing the importance of personalization and detailed research.
Figma - FigJam Stories: Building Your Dream Bike | Figma
Tom, who leads the advocacy team at Figma, shares his process of using FigJam to plan a custom bike build. He prefers building a bike over buying one because it allows for customization and attention to detail. Tom starts by selecting a frame that fits his style and size, supporting small businesses by choosing an independent builder. He uses FigJam to capture his research and thoughts on various bike parts, comparing options based on factors like weight, durability, and aesthetics. Tom highlights the importance of choosing quality components, such as hubs made in California known for their long-term support. He uses FigJam to visualize the bike's design, including color choices, before committing to purchases. This methodical approach ensures that every part is carefully considered and documented, resulting in a bike that meets his specific needs and preferences.
Key Points:
- Use FigJam to organize and visualize bike build plans, capturing research and ideas.
- Select a bike frame that fits your style and size, supporting small businesses if possible.
- Compare bike parts based on weight, durability, and aesthetics to make informed decisions.
- Visualize the bike's design, including color, using mockups before purchasing parts.
- Document and track all components and orders to ensure a complete and cohesive build.
Details:
1. 🚴♂️ Introduction to Bike Building Journey
- Tom, leader of the advocacy team at Figma, introduces the session, emphasizing the use of Figma's Fig JY tool.
- The Fig JY tool is highlighted as essential for in-depth planning and execution in the bike building process.
- Tom's role involves leveraging Fig JY for strategic planning and facilitating collaboration among team members.
2. 🔧 The Appeal of Customizing Your Own Bike
- Customizing a bike allows for tailoring to specific preferences such as aesthetics, weight, durability, and serviceability, which may not be available in store-bought options.
- Engaging a frame builder enables creating a personalized bike frame, providing a foundation for further customization with individual parts.
- The customization process involves extensive research to ensure each component meets desired specifications, balancing pros and cons of each choice.
- The appeal of bike customization is driven by a desire for a unique, personalized product that aligns with individual preferences and requirements.
3. 🛠️ Planning and Researching Bike Parts
- The frame is the heart of the bike, crucial for both fit and riding style; use a geometry chart to select the correct size based on height, collaborating with the frame maker for best results.
- Supporting small businesses by choosing frames from independent builders adds value to your purchase.
- Document and compare different bike parts, such as suspension forks, to make informed decisions; this includes considering the impact of each component on overall performance.
- Understanding each component's role and compatibility is essential for optimal bike performance.
- Researching involves reviewing specifications, user reviews, and expert opinions to ensure the best options are chosen.
4. 🔍 Selecting and Optimizing Bike Components
4.1. Bike Component Selection
4.2. Bike Component Optimization
5. 📋 Organizing the Bike Build Process
- Using sketches with pencil tools helped determine the correct dropper post size for the frame.
- Incorporated manufacturer screenshots to assist in visualizing and organizing bike parts.
- Developed a comprehensive build list to track all necessary components and their purchase status.
- Utilized columns to document whether bike parts were bought, received, or still on order.
- Faced challenges in sourcing specific components, requiring adjustments to the initial build plan.
- Decision-making was influenced by both functionality and aesthetic preferences.
- Regular updates to the build list ensured accurate tracking of the project's progress.
- Communication with suppliers was crucial to resolve supply chain issues and ensure timely delivery.
6. 🎨 Designing the Aesthetic and Final Assembly
- Developed a comprehensive design system for bike design, highlighting the need for consistent and structured design processes.
- Faced challenges in selecting the bike color, initially capturing images from various sources like cars and bikes for inspiration.
- Utilized Figma to create accurate mockups of the bike frame, aiding in the visualization of different paint colors.
- Finalized a bronze color for the bike after evaluating multiple options through visualization.
- Successfully completed the process by acquiring necessary parts and assembling the bike post-design finalization.
7. 🏞️ The Joy and Reality of Riding the Custom Bike
- The custom mountain bike provides a lot of fun and meets the expectations and desires of the rider.
- The initial rides on the bike are exciting and the bike is in pristine condition, but it quickly becomes worn with use, acquiring mud and scratches.
- The emotional attachment to the bike evolves, with scratches becoming less bothersome over time.
- Building a custom bike involves understanding and assembling many complex parts, highlighting the intricacy involved in the design process.
- The process of designing and building a custom mountain bike is likened to creating a design system, emphasizing the creativity and engineering skills required.
- Specific challenges encountered during the bike's assembly include aligning components correctly and ensuring durability, which require both technical skill and patience.
- As the bike becomes worn, the rider learns to appreciate the imperfections as part of its unique character, enhancing the emotional bond.
