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Bubblic Public
Bubblic Public is a project that was birthed out of the class ID430 Mobility Design that Prof. Hyunjoon Park teaches at ID KAIST. It was one of the best projects in terms of creativity and design impact, we chose to further develop the project as an inter-lab collaboration. The two post-graduate researchers Jungwoo Kim and Geunyong Park from ID+IM lab worked under the direction of Prof. Park at Move Lab with Prof. Sangmin Bae's kind approval.
* Independent case study
Inspired by bubbles that appear and disappear without leaving any trace, Bubblic Public is an on-demand public transport, designed to provide the most flexible experience to all stakeholders while leaving the least impact. Without a heavy infrastructure, its unique single-module design, made of extendable chassis and bubbles, can serve as a passenger transport, a delivery vehicle, and a mobile smart farm, cleverly adjusting to the size and needs of end users and service providers throughout different time periods and the entire product lifecycle. It’s more flexible, versatile, and sustainable than existing ones thanks to its modular design.
A bubble-like
On-demand Public Transport
Because current public transport is inherently rigid due to heavy infrastructure, not everybody or area gets the benefits. As more diverse lifestyles and work options emerge, one-size-fits-all solutions can’t satisfy different users today, creating systematic accessibility problems. BP is flexible on many levels. Like bubbles that appear out of nowhere, it shows up to different users in different areas as ordered. It adjusts to a desired size, offering versatility of space. The same module can deliver parcels or turn into mobile smart farms by swapping interior components, offering a truly versatile and circular ecosystem in its lifecycle.
Flexible
Modular
Versatile
Bubblic Public consists of a bamboo stem-inspired chassis and airbags - bubbles. Just like bamboo, BP’s gently swooping profile blends in with any place, while its pure form adorns the environment with minimum visual interruption. Like children’s bubbles that bring delight, BP’s inflatable bubbles are designed to add a whimsical surprise to busy citizens. Made of TPU, they provide military-grade durability, but if damaged, can easily be replaced thanks to their modular system. They fill all the human touch-points and non-structural members - the wall, seat cushions, and the protective package units, providing emotional and physical comfort.
Bamboo-like chassis Bubble-like seats
Through its app, one can join a rideshare group or hop on the nearest available BP. It goes to a passenger like a taxi or to a predetermined location. Depending on the cohort size and purpose, the seating layout can be easily rearranged thanks to the seat matrix on the floor. The inflated bubble seats provide both comfort and robustness. BP boasts the easiest ingress and egress - front, back, and side rows of bubbles all open up at the stop as the air suspension lowers the car and ramps slide out. When used for delivery, the reusable package bubbles replace seat modules, improving space efficiency while protecting the content and the planet.
Flexible application flexible layout
Positioned between existing public transport and PBVs, Bubblic Public sits uniquely on its own. At the operational level, compact size and autonomous tech enable localised on-demand service, offering a much higher level of flexibility. At the systems level, the versatility of functions and use cases - passenger transport, logistics, smart farm, etc - are virtually limitless. At the product level, the flexibility of size and layout utilising bubbles and foldable chassis is another metaphoric and practical innovation. The uniquely timeless aesthetic provides a perfect canvas for any brand, establishing itself as an icon of a delightful future.
Versatile Operation, system, and product
Flip through the slide above to find out more details about the overall project and each variant.
There was?
There wasn't.
Bubblic Public is a public transport that travels on normal roads. Without the need for heavy infrastructure, it adds little impact on the existing system. The simple chassis and modular components ensure easy maintenance and longevity of the parts, forming a sustainable product life-cycle. Clever part-swapping means more business done in less time and less investment in manufacturing for more use cases, resulting in improved profits and protection of the planet. The same components for passengers are used for BP stops, which can also host micro-delivery points and smart farms, achieving truly sustainable use of components and circularity.
No heavy infrastructure Circular life-cycle
No heavy infrastructure Sustainable life-cycle
Bubblic Public is based on thorough research on the current usage and accessibility of public transportation systems. Jungwoo and Geunyong performed in-depth user research and future context research to find out pain points and opportunity areas before coming up with innovative solutions.
Click the button to the left to find out the user and context research.
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