LoveFrom, the design powerhouse established by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive, played a pivotal role in developing Rivian’s inaugural electric bike. Multiple sources confirmed that the firm provided critical design expertise for the project, which originated within a clandestine skunkworks program at the electric vehicle manufacturer.
Inside the 18-Month Collaboration
The partnership spanned approximately 18 months, concluding in the fall of 2024. During this period, a dedicated team from LoveFrom collaborated closely with Rivian’s internal design and engineering departments. The initiative was spearheaded by Chris Yu, the former chief product and technology officer at Specialized.
While both LoveFrom and Rivian have officially declined to comment on the collaboration, the project represents a significant intersection of high-end industrial design and micromobility innovation.
The Evolution into “Also”
What began as an internal Rivian skunkworks program—eventually scaling to 70 experts from companies like Apple, Google, Tesla, and REI—recently spun out as an independent startup named Also. The new venture secured $105 million in funding from Eclipse Ventures.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe, who serves on the board of Also, has remained guarded about the vehicle’s aesthetic. However, he confirmed that the product will be “bike-like,” featuring a seat, two wheels, a display, and integrated computing power. The company is expected to debut its first designs later this year.
Jony Ive’s Expanding Transportation Portfolio
This collaboration marks another chapter in Jony Ive’s transition into the automotive and transportation sectors. Beyond his iconic work on the iPhone, Ive’s firm has previously consulted for Ferrari on next-generation vehicles and was deeply involved in Apple’s now-defunct autonomous car project.
Sources indicate that LoveFrom’s relationship with Rivian extends beyond the bike project. The firm has previously provided consultancy on Rivian’s infotainment systems and retail design strategies. However, the work on the micromobility project was described as a more structured and intensive engagement.
Design Challenges and Aesthetic Goals
The skunkworks program launched in early 2022 with a clear objective: shrinking Rivian’s EV technology into a more accessible, compact form factor. When LoveFrom joined the effort in early 2023, they focused on refining existing prototypes to align with Rivian’s signature premium aesthetic.
The collaboration was characterized as a “tight” integration between LoveFrom’s industrial designers and Rivian’s Irvine-based team. The design process was comprehensive, covering everything from hardware packaging to the bike’s user interface and overall user experience. By leveraging LoveFrom’s interdisciplinary approach, the project aimed to solve the core challenge of modularity without sacrificing the elevated design standards associated with the Rivian brand.