SIDEKICK
SIDEKICK
SIDEKICK
SIDEKICK
SIDEKICK
SIDEKICK
SIDEKICK

Arborist rope management system

What we did

Tree surgeons use lanyard ropes to secure themselves to the tree while they work, with lanyards often having excess rope that must be managed. The Notch Sidekick is a small device with minimal parts, that organises excess rope and cleans up harnesses, streamlining the arbor experience.

Concept ideation
Design language development
Prototyping & development
CMF
Rendering & visualisation
Design for manufacture
Manufacturer drawing set

The Impact

Tangle-free effiency

The Sidekick transformed canopy work by enabling one-handed, eyes-free lanyard management, cutting down setup time and eliminating frustrating tangles for smoother, safer operations.

Built for any setup

With automatic adjustment to most lanyards and multiple attachment options, the Sidekick adapts seamlessly to any rigging style, empowering climbers to focus fully on the task at hand.

Minimal parts, maximum reliability

For arborists, robustness and longevity are paramount. Sidekick was engineered with as few parts as possible to reduce failure points, and its simple construction ensures straightforward repair when needed, keeping it in use for years to come.

Small but mighty

Throughout the development process, we focused on reducing the device’s size without compromising its capabilities. By carefully refining each component and gradually refining the design, we achieved a compact device that maximises functionality and reliability.

Field tested

After in-house testing, we took prototypes out into the field with arborists to see how it performed in real conditions. This hands-on feedback helped us fine tune the design and ensure it met the practical needs of users. Since its launch, it’s been used in tough environments and has proven itself as a trusted tool for arborists day in, day out.

Client words

“A fantastic team of problem solvers, innovators and designers! Not just a full service agency but a great partner agency to work with.”

Kyle, Director of Product Development