# Redefining Mobility with Sketchbattle, From Four Wheels to Flying Skateboards: Part 1

By Ron Stefanski · Published 2023-08-09 · Updated 2026-03-25 · Education Technology on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/education-technology/redefining-mobility-with-sketchbattle-from-four-wheels-to-flying-skateboards

> As cities abandon traditional automobiles, innovators are challenging what mobility truly means beyond four wheels and gasoline

## Key points

- As cities abandon traditional automobiles, innovators are challenging what mobility truly means beyond four wheels and gasoline

Block Field

In the evolving landscape of innovation, nothing is perhaps undergoing a more radical transformation than the concept of mobility. Once, the definition was simple: the automobile. Now, as we veer away from traditional vehicles and fossil fuels, Detroit—the city that once put the world on wheels—is making strides and redefining mobility.

The question looms: what does "mobility" truly mean in the 21st century?

[*DisruptED*](https://marketscale.com/shows/disrupted/), hosted by [Ron Stefanski](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronjstefanski/) and co-hosted by various industry experts, delves deep into this topic. This particular episode, the first of a two-part series, welcomes [**Brook Banham**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/banham/), founder and designer of [Sketchbattle](https://middlecott.com/middlecott-sketchbattle-experiment), and [**Rich Fahle**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfahle/), the Head of Partnerships at [**Newlab**](https://www.newlab.com/). Together, they discuss:

- **Redefining Mobility:** From a simple car to encompass drones, robo-taxis, electric ATVs, and beyond. It's a testament to the evolution of design and transportation.
- **Sketchbattle's Evolution:** An annual event showcasing fierce competition among designers, reflecting the competitive nature of the industry.
- **Mobility as a Magnet for Young Talent:** Today's youth is not as enamored with traditional cars as previous generations. They're more environmentally conscious and attracted to the realm of battery-powered scooters, drones, and more.

**Brook Banham**, with a rich background in design and innovation, founded [Sketchbattle](https://middlecott.com/middlecott-sketchbattle-experiment) as the "Fight Club of Design." It's a platform for designers to showcase their skills, often under immense pressure, with the world watching. These design competitions reflect the fast-paced evolution of the industry and highlight the creative potential of the next generation.

**Rich Fahle**, the dynamic Head of Partnerships at **Newlab**, has been instrumental in transforming urban spaces into innovation hubs, most notably rejuvenating Detroit's book depository into the renowned Michigan Central Innovation Campus, "Jason two." As a recognized leader in urban revitalization and tech collaborations, he seamlessly bridges design, technology, and community engagement.

Tags: design and transportation, edtech, mobility, Newlab, Sketchbattle

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