Cole Recovery Prospect 2
Within the current offerings of post-exercise footwear, existing options often fall short, being inadequate, insufficient and lacking efficacy in providing a supportive and assisting recovery experience. Current solutions such as Birkenstocks, thongs and slides provide a momentary respite with their loosely padded designs, but they do little more than that, failing to deliver an effective recovery experience.
For athletes, an effective post-exercise routine will increase athletic longevity, both in the short and long term, and as such, validates this projects focus of the design and development of a product service system that delivers a 3D printed customisable post-activity footwear product that provides sustainable recovery for the foot, ankle and lower leg. This project builds on the foundation of CRP1, completed the year prior, which laid the groundwork for exploring customisation and recovery solutions for athletes.
Unique considerations within this project towards customisation, recovery, breathability, support, aesthetics and comfort assume paramount importance in order to maximise the footwear performance in providing the optimal recovery process.
Via the employment of a data-driven design process, the bespoke exigencies of each athlete can be utilised in the transformation of these requisites into a tailored recovery solution. Leveraging additive manufacturing, the realisation of a recovery footwear product seamlessly harmonised with an individual’s post-exercise idiosyncrasies is now a reality.
Client:
University Honours Project
Year:
2023
Concept
Current solutions are frequently neglecting the specific requirements for athletes within their post exercise recovery. Specialised footwear can be produced through research driven design to eclipse these limitations and provide athletes with elevated levels of comfort, support, and targeted features that are conducive to the recovery process. Consequently, this endeavour facilitates accelerated recovery, reduces likelihood of injuries and optimises peak athletic performance. Customisable solutions, tailored to the idiosyncratic needs of individuals, can further elevate the recovery experience by embarrassing and designing for both the physical and psychological aspects that come with the post exercise period.
Development
The development of this recovery footwear prioritises a research-driven approach, utilising advanced design methods and ergonomic principles to enhance post-exercise recovery for athletes.
This product development is divided into three interrelated sections: Digital Developments, which focus on computer software, Physical Developments, which employ additive manufacturing and clay modelling, and Theoretical Developments, found within the creation of the conceptual accompanying service system. Although distinct, these sections intersected throughout the development process.
These developments followed five design guidelines that guided this project:
Digital
Development of this recovery footwear at a digital level utilises advanced technologies and data-driven methodologies to optimise the post-exercise recovery process for athletes. Through the use of advanced software for biomechanical analysis, 3D modelling, and prototyping, the digital workflow facilitates precise design refinement.
Physical
Development of this recovery footwear at a physical level employs cutting-edge materials and research-driven methodologies to enhance the post-exercise recovery process for athletes. By incorporating ergonomic analysis, material testing, and iterative prototyping, the hands-on development process ensures precise refinement of the design and optimised performance.
Theoretical
The goal of the product service system is to gather detailed data from athletes, including 3D foot scans, pressure distribution, and gait analysis, along with their preferences, to create customised recovery footwear. This system focuses on data collection and its application for customisation. Ideally, all data-gathering tools would be housed in one facility, with input from podiatry professionals, potentially partnering with clinics for accessibility and sharing profits. An AI system would process data from four key areas: gait, pressure, anatomy, and preferences, to tailor the footwear. Recycling and repurposing materials are also considered, with advances in restoring certain components like the TPU cage for reuse.
Final Design
This study culminated in the design and development of a 3D-printed, customisable post-exercise recovery footwear product, complemented by a service system that utilises athletes' data for personalised customisation. The final design features a form-fitting cage and a lattice insole, meticulously crafted to enhance the recovery experience by addressing individual needs. Key attributes such as breathability, injury prevention, strain relief, comfort, and support are integrated into the product’s aesthetics and structure. The comprehensive service system engages athletes in the customisation process, adapting to their unique recovery requirements. Utilising cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology allows for precise control over design, ensuring optimal performance. Overall, this customisable recovery footwear represents a practical solution for personalised athletic recovery, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and transformative experience for athletes.
Dissertation
This project is supported by a comprehensive dissertation, offering an in-depth analysis and detailed development framework. The dissertation complements the recovery footwear design through extensive research, material exploration, and ergonomic insights, ensuring a meticulously refined product tailored to optimise post-exercise recovery for athletes.
Video Media
This project features a showcase video that highlights the final recovery footwear product, emphasising its design and innovative features. The video serves to visually convey the extensive research and development process undertaken, demonstrating how the footwear effectively addresses the needs of athletes during post-exercise recovery.