Rear bike lights that also function as brake lights are still a relatively new feature. Why is it a useful idea?
MARCUS WALLMEYER: Brake lights have been around for a long time, but the new StVZO (German Road Traffic Regulations) now requires them to be at least five times brighter. The change is intended to improve visibility, particularly in dense city traffic and low-light conditions. The change is based on automotive standards and makes perfect sense because it means that cyclists will be seen from behind much earlier, especially when braking suddenly. This greatly reduces the risk of rear-end collisions. We knew that if we were going to incorporate brake lights, they had to make a real difference.
The new rear light is available with a wide range of mounting options. Did you consider all of these from the start of development?
MARCUS WALLMEYER: Definitely. The shape of the TL3 MINI isn't a coincidence – its dimensions are the same as the E3 rear light, which we developed around 15 years ago. Many of our OEM customers have built their products around these dimensions, and we naturally didn't want to make their products obsolete. Compatibility is a key issue for long-term usability, particularly when it comes to high-quality bikes. That's why we knew from the outset that the new rear light would have to fit existing mounts.
How did miniaturisation affect your design options?
MARCUS WALLMEYER: The external shape was essentially predetermined by the need for compatibility, although this presented significant challenges for the development of the electronics. We had already decided that we wouldn't release the product unless we could fit all the electronics into the small housing. However, as well as offering technical advantages, the product's compact size opened up new design options, such as integration into seat posts, mudguards and frames. These are the types of solutions that our partners are increasingly keen to adopt.
Is there a Supernova brand design? If so, what does it look like?
MARCUS WALLMEYER: Absolutely. Supernova believes in clear, minimalist design. For me personally, it's more than just a style choice; it's a commitment to making products that are so timeless that you'll still love them in ten years. To ensure that our lighting systems remain in use for a long time, we develop designs that are also aesthetically enduring.
You conducted user interviews and redefined your target groups.
FRANK SCHUSTER: Yes, that was very helpful for the interior design concepts. We were able to identify five user groups, three of which are especially interesting because their expectations and needs hadn’t previously been fully understood. We call the first group the "Mercedes drivers", who leave the comfort and protection of their cars to travel on the light rail network. Not surprisingly, they expect a clean, high-quality, reliable vehicle. The second group are those carrying something with them – a pushchair, a rollator, a bicycle or a wheelchair, for example. For this particular group, we created large multi-purpose areas that are easy to access. And then there was the group of young women who are primarily concerned with safety and space. Having a clear view through the vehicle and safe seating or standing areas are important to them.