Abstract: Airwheel, a leading smart transportation vehicle manufacturer, has launched a variety of intelligent electric scooters enjoying an increasingly high reputation all over the world. One of the latest products S8 is arresting a great many of scooter-lovers’ attention.

“Standing without ease, outstanding with difficulty”, the slogan of Airwheel S8 highlights playing for fun that is well received. How does the design concept come into fruition? To answer this question, we are honored to have an interview with Trevor, Industrial Designer of Airwheel S8.

Interviewer: As known to all, Airwheel has become a leading global intelligent vehicles solution provider, would you like to share its development history?

Trevor：I am flattered, as Airwheel is regarded as a leading smart transportation vehicle manufacturer and meanwhile I am honored to be its Industrial Designer and its products get acknowledged. Since its establishment, Airwheel is committed itself to producing a handy and green vehicle as much as possible.

At its infancy, Airwheel is to create a more intriguing and funnier lifestyle and later finds its products need to be an integral part of the public to benefit more. That’s why Airwheel released kinds of self-balancing electric scooters and electric skateboard.

Nowadays, the advancement of high tech sets a new front for the self-balancing scooter sector. Airwheel has made a stride in the riding posture, being responsible for both customers and shareholders. This is Airwheel S8, electric scooter with dual ride mode.

Interviewer: Yes, the design of Airwheel S8 leaves a deep impression on me. What do you think is the most challenging problem during the design?

Trevor：Since the mass production of S6, we have begun to conceive the renovation plan. S8 is derived from S6 and S6 adopts the second generation of balancing scooter technology, transforming 2 points to 3 points control that effectively improves the riding experience. However, there are still some problems, especially in turning and obstacle traffic ability. How to adjust the flexibility of stress intensity and system sensing racked our brains.

Definitely, it is a favorable change altering a sitting posture to ride, allaying tiredness resulted from long time riding. The key is the smart sensor needs to react timely and accurately. Inspired by the oval line, a famous math curve, we designed the operating rod to be a curve, making the force bearing point in golden ratio.

In this way, with lower gravity center, more flexible control and larger bearing capacity, riders are able to enjoy a more comfortable and safer ride in sitting posture. This is one of the main differences between S6 and S8.

Interviewer: And that is also why S8 enjoys larger consumer base. In the design, will you make free-hand sketch first or just produce effect drawing via the three-dimensional software directly?

Trevor：I think free-hand sketch is the most convenient and economical method to express our thoughts. Actually, the opinions about the importance of free-hand sketch vary from designers. Some regard it as an integral part of design and some tend to use other ways to express their ideas.

I will make free-hand sketch first, and then there will be a 2D rendered image that improve work efficiency. The 2D rendered image is able to present all the details of the design products for us to revise. After reaching a unanimous decision, it will enter the three-dimensional production stage.

Airwheel S8 hoverboards adopts 10 inch tubeless tires with a better roadworthiness.

Interviewer: Thanks for your answer. And you must be a great painter. Last question, what do you think of the industrial design of a product or what’s the role of industrial design plays in a product?

Trevor：Industrial design plays an important role. While, the success of product’s industrial design does not lie in the success of a single product, but the design concept and strategy related to its brand. The design concept is a mirror of its core value and commitment to users. And design strategy shows the corporate’s vision and plan of industrial design. From OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to OBM (Original Brand Manufacturer), there is a long way for Airwheel to go.

Interviewer: Thanks for sharing this with us. Hope Airwheel S8 will break the sales record.
Trevor：Thank you.
(The end.)