Balancing a Better Bike.

I partnered with Wishbone Design Studio to reimagine their flagship wooden balance bike using post-consumer recycled polymer. My role focused on early-stage concept design and hands-on prototyping, with design for manufacture considered from the first sketch rather than bolted on later.

The goal was a bike that retained Wishbone’s distinctive silhouette while telling a strong sustainability story. The resulting product easily adapts as children grow, reducing waste and the need for multiple purchases, without compromising visual identity or performance.

Available globally since 2013, Wishbone was a pioneer for sustainable product innovation.

I was responsible for defining a new frame that could be gas injection moulded efficiently. Through extensive sketching, physical mock-ups, and iterative prototyping, I explored form, proportion, and usability while staying true to the brand’s character.

The hardest problem was seat height adjustment. Older models required flipping a frame component which was a frustrating task for parents. The final concept used a centre-pivot system that allows adjustment in seconds via a single fastener. This became a standout feature and carried through to the production tooling.