New dominant design and knowledge management; a reversed U curve with long head and tail

Abstract

After more than 100years since the emergence of the dominant design of the bicycle, diverse electronic bicycles are emerging in the e-bike industry. We aim to answer two questions: 1) How is the electronic bicycle evolving and what is its dominant design? 2) What is the difference in the evolution and appearance of the dominant design of the electronic bicycles in Daegu (Korea), Naples (Italy), and Nagoya (Japan)? We used the participatory observation and intensive interview methods for this study. Three cities were located at different points on the dominant design curve with long head and tail. Naples is in the business model-based new market creation step, with the fat-tire electronic bicycle as dominant design. Daegu is in the technology-based new market creation step, with the electronic quick board as dominant design. Nagoya is undergoing technology-based existing market expansion with the electronic bicycle design, which is the same as the traditional dominant design. © Operational Research Society 2021.