Balancing a Better Bike.

I partnered with Wishbone Design Studio to reimagine their flagship wooden balance bike — this time using post-consumer recycled materials for a truly sustainable upgrade. As an industrial designer in Auckland, my role focused heavily on early-stage concept design and hands-on prototyping, with careful consideration of design for manufacture as the concept evolved.

The goal was to create a bike that retained Wishbone’s distinctive style while telling a strong sustainability story. The final result is a product that adapts as children grow, reducing waste and the need for multiple purchases — all without compromising on visual identity or performance.

My core responsibility was to define and develop a new frame that could be molded instead of machined. Through extensive sketching, physical mock-ups, and iterative prototyping, I explored form, proportion, and usability while staying true to the brand’s character.

One of the biggest design challenges was rethinking the seat height adjustment. Older models required flipping a frame component — a frustrating task for parents. The solution: a center-pivot system that allows fast, tool-free adjustment with a single fastener. This intuitive update became a standout feature and contributed to the product’s continued international success.