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
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.
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.
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.
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