Human evolution, technological advancements, and our environment play a huge role in driving one’s design inventions in the field of mobility. Using these three factors and breaking them down further into varied subcategories, namely 19 factors, for the case of this project, post-2000, the developments and advancements that have happened were studied and analysed. This includes a wide variety of inventions and innovations, right from textile levels all the way to nanotechnological levels. For instance, one of the most evident changes happening in the recent past is the onslaught of electric-powered vehicles. We can see here that although these are primarily to target the issues of rising population and better economic output, they have also resulted in a new aspect of looking at vehicles because of the absence of a gasoline powertrain. Hence, one innovation can be connected to multiple factors.

Samudra Shipyard (P) Ltd. is located around the Kollam-Kottapuram Waterways.

The project assigned was to design a new form for the deck of a water scooter or micro-boat made by Samudra Shipyard. In its initial stage, the project had three factors linked to it: not altering the hull of the boat; changing the propulsion from the outboard engine with an inboard engine with jet propulsion; and a sporty character sitting as a pillion rider with adequate storage space for freebies and life jackets.

After going through and studying the water scooter that Samudra Shipyard makes, a brief study on an existing Yamaha Jet-Ski was done. The Jet-Ski that was in the shipyard is a Yamaha SuperJet. It is categorised as a PWC (personal watercraft).

The Advent of road transport in modern Guwahati as elsewhere in India, has developed during the British period. The first form of a vehicle used in Assam, was in the year 1942, at the WWII time; a military bus used to run through the heart of the city for their own use. Post-independence, new roads were constructed and major repair happened. 1947, the first city bus was placed on the roads of the city. It was a Ford-L Land Bus, named ‘Shuttle Service’, later renamed as ‘Navayuga’. By the year 1975, there were 8 city bus routes spawning over the entire region.

A decade ago, the popular means of transportation within the city were cycle-rickshaw, Auto-Rickshaw and City buses, city buses being the most widely used mode. It was however found that, even though the bus routes were widespread, it did not connect the localities thoroughly. There was still a large section which remained unconnected; narrow lanes were primarily the reason prohibiting the entry for buses. To tackle this issue, in 2003, Assam government came up with a new transport system – by use of a stripped-down Tata Sumo, naming it the ‘Trekker’ system. It received an overwhelming response from the crowd.

Over the course of development, the transport system in the city has developed a giant leap, with the government recently launching a fleet of 400 AC Volvo buses. Trekker service, has seen considerable changes since its establishment. But this hasn’t been addressed in depth, one of major concerns is overcrowding of the vehicle.

This project deals with the acute problems faced in the trekker segment and redefining it from grounds-up to make it stay updated to the current aesthetic and safety norms that ply on the road globally keeping the routes of Assam preserved.

As per the research, brief was set to design a new four-wheeler vehicle with ease and quick ingress/egress capability, weather protection and safety and humbleness in the design to suit to the Guwahati city context. Safety, modern, humbleness and welcoming were the keywords in shaping up the final design.

Motorcycling is one of the last freedoms available to those who want the total view, the total sound, and, very importantly, the total smell of our planet. Once an avid rider, he remains an avid rider. Also, with time, owning a motorcycle becomes more of a lifestyle statement. However, motorcycling and age don’t go hand in hand. As one ages and gets closer to retirement, motorcycling becomes more challenging.

The main intention of this project, was to design a motorcycle for such riders who can continue riding their passion, experiencing the same motorcycle feel minus the risks and certain difficulties that come with it. Another intention of this project was to style a trike, i.e., a three-wheeled motorcycle, as it provides a broader spectrum of safety and comfort. Secondly, the product was designed throughout to be viable in the very near future. And thirdly, it must connect to the emotions of the prospective users.

A brief study of the motorcycles of the classic era in India was researched, along with global trends happening in the three-wheeled motorcycle segment. A thorough user research helped in finding out what the prospective users really wished for while going motorcycle riding.

As per the research, the design brief was set to ‘Styling of a three-wheeled motorcycle for avid elderly users’, with certain parameters to work around: ease of access, luggage bags, and a new riding experience. The challenge was to design it in such a way that it doesn’t look as if it is a differently abled motorcycle. As the keywords that came out of the survey grand, classic,larger-than-life," and road presence, the final design helped in portraying these characters.