While on holiday, Render Weekly (@renderweekly) was running a challenge to design and render an object where the main form gesture is built using a 'sweep' command. Sitting by the pool, I had only an A5 notebook and a pen, so I used my holiday time to explore ideas for this interesting challenge. This was rather liberating, with no computers, no client meetings, just back to design basics. After a few days of sketching, I had the idea for the bike and couldn't wait to get back to the office and start visualising.

Sweep is a concept for a children's balance bike with a wooden fluid sweeping form to entice kids to jump on and ride.

We were at a crossroads with materials. Metal, plastic, or wood could achieve the bike form, but with such an organic flow to the form, we decided on wood because of its aesthetic finish. The wood grain would guide your eye through the sweep, making the fold more pronounced and not lost behind its casted shadow.

Steam-bending plywood would be the manufacturer of choice and would be practical for a balance bike because you remove the need to steer.

If the wood used in production is sourced correctly, then sweep could be an eco-friendly bike, and its unique look could make it an alternative in the market for balance bikes that kids could enjoy.