A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:
Proof of Concept
Explorations that test ideas and functionality.
Functional Prototype
Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.
Appearance Prototype
Looks like the final product, but is not functional.
Design Prototype
Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.
Production Prototype
Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.
Prototype Gallery
These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.
What does it take to make a truly amazing fitness accessory?
We believe there has to be a NEED. Outdoor sports like running, speed hiking, rollerblading, skateboarding, and more have products, pills, and wearables that meet users’ physical needs.
But none of these needs addressed the bigger question of Safety.
You know what I’m talking about. You have been out running or skateboarding and had to yell ‘Pass’ or ‘On your left’ startling a pedestrian and earning you a mean reaction, an angry glare, or the finger. We hate it. The trail is for everyone of every speed. But we get it. People don’t like being yelled at.
More So: Yelling isn’t safe. It’s reactive.
Yelling startles people. We don’t like startling people. We invented a product to proactively and safely alert pedestrians without startling them. We called it the ‘Runbell’.
We launched a Kickstarter back in 2014 to sell the FIRST proactive fitness wearable for pedestrian safety. It was modern looking and could signal you were behind someone with an easy to hear but clear ‘Ring’. We got funded, and runners around the world and of every path type raved about it.
Replay with sound
Play with sound
The first thing was we got a ton of feedback from users to improve the design. What we heard was great, so we took your suggestions back to the drawing board and reworked the Runbell. Now it:
Rests better on your fingers
Has an easier to use striker
Provides a louder sound for bigger spaces
And is designed and built right here in Portland, Oregon USA
These new elements take the Runbell to the next level and make it a MUST HAVE for trail, path, or paved road runners.
Your feedback also showed us that Runbell had outgrown the ‘Runners Only’ market. As emails came in, we noticed comments came from skaters, rollerbladers, and more. They all used the Runbell for the same reason: They wanted a proactive solution to helping people stay safe.
Runbell has shown us the demand for pedestrian safety is universal. If you move fast, you need a fast solution. That’s why we decided to re-launch the new and improved Runbell on Kickstarter for people who move quickly and need safe, fast solutions.
The Runbell is elegant in design and easy to use. It is a two finger fitness wearable made with
A Specially Selected Highly Acoustic Alloy for the Bell
A Lightweight Aluminum Grip
And A Zinc Striker Heavy Enough To Get Heard On Any Trail
You wear it on your middle and index finger and use your thumb to push down the striker to alert pedestrians with a clear, resonant ‘RING’.
Runbell has an elegant sound that alerts people that you are passing. In place of shouting, grunting, or passing people at the last second-surprising or startling them-you signal that someone is behind them with a clear and loud ‘Ring’.
The Runbell is a proactive solution to a reactive issue.
Get the new and improved Runbell with:
New And Easier To Use Specially Designed Zinc Striker
New Color Options
Better Sizing Options With More Precise Gel Inserts
A Louder ‘Ring’
And Built in Portland Oregon USA
Why We Went Local
We moved from Tokyo Japan to Portland, Oregon. Portland is filled with high-quality makers. Everywhere you turned someone was making something in their garage or small shop. That energy is infectious and we want to be part of it. That’s why we are now having the new Runbell made in Portland, Oregon. By having our product made in America, we provide a higher quality product that keeps jobs in the states and reduces the cost of international shipping.
Get Your Runbell Now
Save 20% now at Kickstarter with a special price of $20.00.
Our new model is designed to help on-the-go enthusiasts with an elegant solution for speed and safety. The new and improved Runbell not only rings louder, we also made it easier to use, and with a better fit for more people.
Reserve yours now and save ‘20’ percent off retail and get the only proactive solution for trail lovers on the go.
Risks and challenges
Risk and Challenge 1: Flaws in Production
We've aimed to reduce this risk by first prototyping with 3D printed samples and now with real production prototypes. We've paid the upfront cost of dies and molding to test and restest our product. The pictures you see are production prototypes. The final product will be the same in appearance, function, and manufacturing methods.
Risk and Challenge 2: Supplier cuts corners during Production
We've aimed to reduce this risk by working with reputable local suppliers who stand behind their product as much as we do.
Risk and Challenge 3: Assembly
Now that we have moved our business from Tokyo to Portland we are assembling Runbell ourselves. We will finalize assembly of the rivet holding the striker as well as packaging. We have great partners at our side as well as the amazing Portland maker movement to guide us through any obstacles encountered during the assembly process.
