moto undone | Aug 2011
From the familiar to the unexpected, moto undone ignores what makes motorcycles interesting.
At jruiter I.D. we want to re-set the definition of a motorbike by stripping away historical attributes that make them so great. It’s hard to image a motorcycle without fancy paint, overpowered motors, exposed mechanical genius, and sweet exhaust tones.
Moto undone is pure generic transportation and by motorbike category definition it isn’t very cool.
There motorbike references are small and when someone is riding they are all you see. The bike almost disappears. The rider just floats along the streets silently.
Powered by a 1000w 48v electric hub motor, moto undone has a range of 90 miles or about 3 hours. All gauges and riding information, like speed and gps, is displayed through smart phones by downloadable apps.
On display at the GRAM, Grand Rapids Art Museum, september 21 – October 9, 2011
photo credits, Dean Van Dis
rider, Pete McDaniel
trumped trial rig,... Buick Estate wagon | Jun 2011
This past Saturday we took our decently built up 2003 Land Rover discovery to silver lake sand dunes in Mi. My wife, kelli, snapped this photo of a mid-90’s Buick estate wagon next to me.
For perspective. Our Disco sits on 33” bfg M/T’s with a 3 inch lift. Not a small truck.
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izzy + neocon 2011 concepts | Jun 2011
Concept vignettes by Joey Ruiter at izzy+ explore deeper meaning of collaboration and inspiration
NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2011: The Merchandise Mart, Spaces 1150, 11-100
CHICAGO – June 2011 – Joey Ruiter of JRuiter + Studio calls it a search for “a tone or a vibe” within a physical space. Chuck Saylor of izzy+ describes it as a quest to provide meaningful places for inspiration and effortless collaboration.
The duo’s shared vision continues to sharpen and develop and a number of new or refined concept pieces will be on display in the 11th-floor showrooms of izzy+ during NeoCon 2011.
The vignettes include quiet alcoves with arbor-like elements, a 12-foot standing-height bar for impromptu meetings, and a grotto that includes sofa-like lounge seating within a semi-enclosed aluminum arbor structure that gives definition to the space.
“We’re designing to lower the barriers to communication and connection.” explains Ruiter, who launched the experimental exploration with izzy+ three years ago. “We’re not thinking about the corner office and wood paneled walls, anymore. People need space to develop and share ideas, along with need for solitude at times.”
The project, code-named Nemo, creates three distinct collaboration zones: extrovert, social and private.
Saylor, the founder and CEO of izzy+, notes that the Nemo experiment “all revolves around explorations into the characteristics of the places that encourage and support collaboration, inspiration and reflection. When you ask the question, ‘Where is the most inspiring space you go to think,’ no one says, ‘My cubicle.’ They respond with answers like, ‘My beach house,’ or ‘The library,’ or ‘Under the tree in the park.’ “
By providing some structure for informal space, says Ruiter, community is created and information can be quickly shared. “This is how real learning and real work happens today,” he says.
Saylor says the time is right for this exploratory project. “We see the emergence of a new social culture being formed within work and learning places,” he says. “Encouraged by easy access to information, transparency, a strong desire to contribute and grow, people are increasingly seeking to leverage each other and looking for inspiring places that encourage spontaneous interaction and reflection.”
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izzy + neocon 2010 concepts, NEMO | Jun 2010
New concepts by Joey Ruiter at izzy+ invite people to explore social dynamics, energy of third space
Why the kitchen island is such a draw, and how posture changes interaction
NeoCon World’s Trade Fair 2010: The Merchandise Mart, Spaces 1150, 11-100
CHICAGO – June 2010 – How do you structure the unstructured space? Good question. That’s why the izzy+ team asked designer Joey Ruiter to conceptualize how people connect at anchor destinations within a lobby, commons or student union.
Two unusual concept pieces during NeoCon at the 11th floor showrooms for izzy+ explore the answers, inviting Chicago visitors to test and provide feedback on third space.
The first concept draws you into a small alcove composed of a table, seating and an arbor-like ceiling resembling woven branches, where you might spend an hour, thinking or talking privately to others, recharging your energy in reflective solitude.
But when you have 15 minutes to check the scores, recharge your phone or debrief after class, head to the second concept piece. You can’t miss this 24 foot bar-like structure, capped off with a semi-enclosed seating area. The entire product creates three distinct collaboration zones: extrovert, social and private.
“We’re designing to support a culture of relevance,” says Ruiter of JRuiter Studio. “People need something to gather around, to share ideas and confidences, or to be alone while they’re standing next to someone else. These two concept pieces show how informal space builds community, where information is shared quickly. And it’s where real work and real learning take place now.”
izzy+ Founder and CEO Chuck Saylor is excited about the “concept car” conversation. “This is experimentation 101. It’s another stage of our research on how people act and use space for collaboration and personal reflection, and how we can best support them,” he says. “Why do you naturally rally around a bar, or kitchen island? In the five stages of posture, from sleeping to standing, the stand-up aspect is so intriguing. The body is completely engaged. Your inhibition is low and your energy level is high. In contrast, in the arbor setting, there’s an element of mystery and intrigue. Who’s in there? Who are they with and what are they saying?”
Mixing open and intimate spaces helps explore threshold barriers, says Ruiter. “How do you decrease these barriers? That’s the idea of a bar-height lounge,” he says. “When you sit in a restaurant booth up on risers, it’s more comfortable when people walk by. You have a visual connection to others but you’re not in their space. Can you mix complete privacy with complete openness? We do it all the time today, in the subway, in a stairwell, sending emails from the cafeteria. Converting that idea into physical products is a new idea.”
About izzy+
The employees of izzy+ (http://www.izzyplus.com) design, manufacture and market office furniture and seating that solve real problems for real people. The focus is to provide designers with the tools to create inspiring work spaces for forward-thinking customers in home offices and small businesses, in executive offices and board rooms, in hospitals and classrooms. Its award-winning products are marketed under the brand names izzy, HÅG, Harter, Fixtures Furniture, Zoom Seating and ABCO Office Furniture. Based in Spring Lake, Mich., U.S., izzy+ is a business of JSJ Corporation of Grand Haven, Michigan.
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inner city bike 36er ! | May 2010
This thing is huge.
Prototype to be shown in September 2010. To see more visit http://www.innercitybikes.com
The Inner City Bike is how I’m starting a conversation about new products and how they change the world. The bicycle is iconic. Throughout its history, its design has evolved. Big wheels, small wheels, even the number of wheels. It’s been made of wood, metal, and plastic. Is there room for another take on the bike? Can we re-define classic objects? I think so.
It is about simplicity in design. The Inner City Bike is the ultimate stripped away piece. So stripped even the chain is gone. Its a statement on bare essential transportation and new ways of thinking about materials, scale, manufacturing processes and function.
For me, the art of design happens when you change the way things are perceived, when a new word is coined to express what you’ve done. It challenges conventionality and creates new stories, interactions and
rarity we strive for.
tufted sofa | Mar 2010
Outdoor seating ready for all weather conditions.
This sofa traces tradition tufted seams, cracks, and buttons, in powder coated steel. Water, dirt, and grime, won’t find their home here.
laser cut steel, formed and welded. available in many colors
74” wide x 35” deep x 28” tall
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inner city bike | Nov 2009
available spring 2010, http://www.innercitybikes.com
Our project, simplicity in inner city bicycling, was at first glance a fun aesthetic opportunity in new trends, color, and materials. Our target lived / worked in an inner city environment with minimal space. Bicycling at this level can be more about fashion and culture than speed and performance.
After the first few brainstorm sessions we knew there were bigger opportunities. The project rethought what a “frame” meant, getting rid of basic key components, and creating a new type of compact bicycling. Inspired by the “hobby horse” from it’s simplicity and the cafe race scene. Each is an exercise in stripping something down to its core.
The final design came down to a frame system and a free-wheeling unicycle rear hub. Everything else is rider preference.
Before all of the bike fanatics get all fired up, we know this bike doesn’t solve everyone’s personal transportation dreams. Performance wise, the bike is on the slow side, quirky, and fatiguing over longer distances. Consider it a cafe racer with the performance of a beach cruiser. The positives are easy quick turns, huge power to the rear wheel to go over curbs and other city scape structures, and great start / stopping / sitting situations.
We rethought everything 2 wheeled with simplicity in mind. This is as stripped as you can get.
Very few parts.
29 × 2.35 tires
29” rims, choice
Fork, shock choice
handle bars, choice
rear hub (planetary internal freewheeling, unicycle through axle)
brakes, front disc only
pedals, choice
The Inner City Bike is how I’m starting a conversation about new products and how they change the world. The bicycle is iconic. Throughout its history, its design has evolved. Big wheels, small wheels, even the number of wheels. It’s been made of wood, metal, and plastic. Is there room for another take on the bike? Can we re-define classic objects? I think so.
It is about simplicity in design. The Inner City Bike is the ultimate stripped away piece. So stripped even the chain is gone. Its a statement on bare essential transportation and new ways of thinking about materials, scale, manufacturing processes and function.
For me, the art of design happens when you change the way things are perceived, when a new word is coined to express what you’ve done. It challenges conventionality and creates new stories, interactions and rarity we strive for.
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power boat | Oct 2009
We need to look forward again-
“First of all, it’s a sculpture, a visual prototype, that explores simple forms and gestures,” says Ruiter. “I think that we should be able to see ourselves in objects. These objects should point us in a direction, and should create situations where we can be inspired.”
“’Power Boat’ has a few simple lines, a wicked sweet surface-drive propeller and some shiny paint,” he adds. “All the nouns you’d associate with a power boat are there and bring it to life. Nothing visually suggests a watercraft, yet its design is all about speed and performance. One can easily imagine themselves driving this, especially since you can see the reflection of your head in the driver’s seat.”
Ruiter used welded aluminum to create the core structure. Surface drive propeller, OEM controls, electric motor, batteries and some trick hydrofoils, make up the rest. “When you connect the lines and arrange the marine type objects in an unconventional way, it doesn’t feel like a boat,” he says. “That’s the whole idea. In reality, it isn’t an abstract version of a vessel, but a small step forward in performance, fuel consumption and natural un-disturbances – low horse power, no noise, no wake and nearly zero intrusion into the water.”
“Power Boat” is intended to raise questions, inspire new ways of thinking and challenge stereotypes of why we do things the way we do today. That is Ruiter the artist and the designer together at work.
Technical details:
width: 60” x height: 72” x lenght: 160”
airboat | Sep 2009
personal watercraft airboat. The ultimate, go anywhere, personal watercraft.
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Pontoon - Huck Finn | Jun 2008
No covering, minimal parts, open to the elements, and useful even at the end of the dock as it is parked. Built with Michigan grown wood deck, 26” aluminum pontoons, 25hp tiller style motor, and solar navigation lighting. This boat needs as much upkeep as your dock.
24ft length, 8.5ft beam, 10” draft
local church | Mar 2008
The Local Church is a way to franchise churches. It may not have a steeple, but it’s yellow door can immediately recognized as a place to get help and get connected. The Local Church is a satellite building that can be built anywhere and everywhere in the city: in strip malls, subdivisions and downtown alleys. The people who need church most can find it when and where they need it most.
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Front Runner | Feb 2008
Imagine the thrill of off-roading, but on the water. Carve. Spin out. Drift a corner. Or imagine packing up your camping gear into a boat and setting off to a deserted island for an overnight adventure.
The boat is the Front-Runner, a full-size hydrofoil watercraft made unique by twin forward-mounted jet-drive motors. More aircraft than boat, it has an airplane-like steering system that allows changes in heading, pitch and bank. The Front-Runner can navigate waters that are usually inaccessible. It is 11’ long and has two 215 horsepower motors, ergonomic crew chairs, a retractable top and ample space for storing gear. On top of it all, it’s made of entirely recyclable materials.
In the boating industry, options for the adventure seeker are limited. But the Front-Runner is one notable exception. Its estimated production cost and selling price are comparable to any typical twin-engine jet boat of its size. This design isn’t far from reality.
Ruiter has designed, engineered, and constructed an innovative watercraft. What makes this boat unique are the twin forward-mounted jet-drive motors.
“You can take the this kind of boat into un-chartered waters.”
The Front-Runner is more aircraft than boat. It has an airplane-like steering system that allows changes in heading, pitch, bank, and a design that allows it to navigate waters usually inaccessible.
The position of the motors, along with the suspension, allow it to pierce the water and carve in and out of turns. The rear hydrofoil lifts the boat body out of the water so the driver can control different aspects of the ride. This design changes the rider’s experience. Because the motor is extended in front of the bow, there is more of a ‘pulling’ feel compared to the “pushing” feel of a traditional boat. “The advantage is this boat can do more, with more control and function, and go so many more places,” comments Ruiter, a local award-winning industrial designer. “This boat will go where most boats can’t because it will run in extremely shallow water, and it’s got a tremendous range.” The boat itself is eleven feet long, and features a robust interior roll cage. Twin supercharged 215 horsepower motors provide a small boat like this with a lot of power.
Ruiter has designed boats, motors, and interiors for the boating industry
before, but this concept boat brings a whole new attitude to small boating.
He calls it the Front-Runner. It is functional yet loaded with design
innovation.
Ruiter describes why he focused on a new design for a smaller boat. “Large scale boats get most of the attention in this industry. Smaller boats for the average weekend boater are often ignored when it comes to new and innovative approaches. I wanted to challenge the thinking about small boats. The Front-Runner takes advantage of new technology, and creates a new boating experience. There isn’t another small boat out there like this.”
Ruiter brought in Spectrum Sand Sports of Holland, MI to help construct the Front-Runners unique tubular frame. They build long-travel sand cars for west coast style Baja racing. Andrew Prinns, owner of Spectrum, was surprised when Ruiter asked him for a tubular frame with full suspension and articulation for a boat. Ruiter and Prinns built the boat’s ‘suspension’ together and both enjoyed collaborating on this innovative concept.
In addition to the forward-mounted jet-drive motors, the Front-Runner features:
Modified four-link suspension and steering for aircraft-like controland feel
Hydrofoil on four-bar linkage to control boat elevation and ride
Environmentally sustainable design
An all-aluminum frame and skin that resists rust, dents, and dings
Materials are easily separated, and recyclable
Retractable California style top
Ergonomic crew chairs for all-day cruising comfort
Spacious cargo area (approx. 30 sq. ft. of deck space) with integrated lash cleats
Tambour rear door that allows for easy loading and unloading
Overall dimensions: 18’2” L x 8’6” W x 5’2” H
Twin 215 horsepower motors
The Front Runner could be produced and sold at a price comparable to a typical twin-engine jet boat. Ruiter would like to see a manufacturer put the Front-Runner into production. “This design isn’t that far from reality. It’s a new way of thinking about small boats. From a production standpoint, I’ve reorganized and repositioned semi-standard components in new ways.
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the thousand dollar club. | Jun 2007
1957 Wagemaker and 1958 Evinrude Lark 35
Could an inexpensive boat that is light-weight to tow, easy to use, very durable, and great to look at, be less than $1000? It turns out yes. Just add 10hrs of polishing, a little paint, new seat covers, and a vintage in-dash eight track player. (some assembly required)