Shoe Last Customization: A Systematic Review

In recent years, there is an increase in research into shoe last customization and topic analysis methods. The work aims to systematically review the literature on the customization of shoe lasts. The method used in this work is to perform a five-phase systematic review algorithm. Data on the research performed are extracted and synthesized from each study: main research objectives, authors, date of publication, journal, or conference in which the article was published, and the quality of each article. The studies included in the review are published between 2018 and 2022. The results of the review are nineteen papers about the process of customization of the shoe last. The conclusions of the analysis indicate that the quality of research has not changed over time, in 2020 there was a decrease in work. Most often, researchers analyze the impact of anthropometric factors on the correct shoe last modeling and methods of shoe last parameterization

Adapting robot task planning to user preferences: an assistive shoe dressing example

The final publication is available at link.springer.comHealthcare robots will be the next big advance in humans’ domestic welfare, with robots able to assist elderly people and users with disabilities. However, each user has his/her own preferences, needs and abilities. Therefore, robotic assistants will need to adapt to them, behaving accordingly. Towards this goal, we propose a method to perform behavior adaptation to the user preferences, using symbolic task planning. A user model is built from the user’s answers to simple questions with a fuzzy inference system, and it is then integrated into the planning domain. We describe an adaptation method based on both the user satisfaction and the execution outcome, depending on which penalizations are applied to the planner’s rules. We demonstrate the application of the adaptation method in a simple shoe-fitting scenario, with experiments performed in a simulated user environment. The results show quick behavior adaptation, even when the user behavior changes, as well as robustness to wrong inference of the initial user model. Finally, some insights in a non-simulated world shoe-fitting setup are also provided.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Predictive modeling of die filling of the pharmaceutical granules using the flexible neural tree

In this work, a computational intelligence (CI) technique named flexible neural tree (FNT) was developed to predict die filling performance of pharmaceutical granules and to identify significant die filling process variables. FNT resembles feedforward neural network, which creates a tree-like structure by using genetic programming. To improve accuracy, FNT parameters were optimized by using differential evolution algorithm. The performance of the FNT-based CI model was evaluated and compared with other CI techniques: multilayer perceptron, Gaussian process regression, and reduced error pruning tree. The accuracy of the CI model was evaluated experimentally using die filling as a case study. The die filling experiments were performed using a model shoe system and three different grades of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) powders (MCC PH 101, MCC PH 102, and MCC DG). The feed powders were roll-compacted and milled into granules. The granules were then sieved into samples of various size classes. The mass of granules deposited into the die at different shoe speeds was measured. From these experiments, a dataset consisting true density, mean diameter (d50), granule size, and shoe speed as the inputs and the deposited mass as the output was generated. Cross-validation (CV) methods such as 10FCV and 5x2FCV were applied to develop and to validate the predictive models. It was found that the FNT-based CI model (for both CV methods) performed much better than other CI models. Additionally, it was observed that process variables such as the granule size and the shoe speed had a higher impact on the predictability than that of the powder property such as d50. Furthermore, validation of model prediction with experimental data showed that the die filling behavior of coarse granules could be better predicted than that of fine granules

Design and evaluation of functional gear for protection, fit and mobility

Functional wearables are a growing field at the intersection of fashion and technology. This research centers on the conceptual development of a fastening system in a functional wearable - fishing footwear - by assimilating utilitarian design values in a product design model. A project-based research methodology utilizing an iterative design process was used to create a multifunctional and technologically enabled closure system in fishing footwear. As part of the planning phase, an extensive review was conducted. This exploration substantiated the need for research centered around fastening systems for fishing footwear. A thorough investigative study was conducted as part of research phase including elaborate market reviews, hands-on test findings, analysis of various shoe closures and existing technologies. Five illustrative design concepts for fishing footwear fastening systems were created based on various ideations from outdoor products such as helmets, bag-packs, gaiters, etc. One fastening concept was selected using feedback from footwear design experts. The instrument (questionnaire) was developed emphasizing fit, protection and mobility parameters with a retail perspective for the proposed design concepts. As part of concept detailing phase, an intricate 3-D projection model and detailed technical specification sheet was developed adherent to design standards used in the footwear industry. This detailed design was henceforth validated through decision matrix analysis utilizing feedback from experts. In addition, an extended application of the shortlisted design solution in other outdoor gears was illustrated for demonstrating its generic utilitarian significance

3D Foot Scan to Custom Shoe Last

Today’s customers not only look at aesthetic beauty but also quality, comfort and fit. New technologies such as digitization and virtual 3D tailoring are providing more options to consumers and designers in designing different styles with the least possible time. Next to the shoe fashion and style, good fit and comfort are the second important determinant in the purchase of footwear. Although there is a need for better fitting, there are no techniques for fit quantification. In traditional shoemaking, the shoe is categorized by the length and width (or girth), hence there is always a mismatch between the complex foot shape and shoe shape. For the industry in order to meet the demand for better footwear, new techniques for fit quantification is required in order to have a direct mapping form foot to shoe-last (a mold for making shoes). In recent years, with the rapid development of computer technology and advanced design and manufacturing technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), the manufacturing of customized shoe lasts is becoming possible. Still research is needed to find the best shoe-last. This paper discusses the basic concepts and current methods being followed to convert foot to shoe-last, retrieve the best fitting shoe last based on the 3D foot scan of the customer, and to obtain customized shoe last

Developing a collaborative design toolkit for the personalisation of running shoes

Sport footwear is an area where collaborative design is already happening with consumers able to personalise the aesthetics of their footwear using the internet. Aesthetics do not appear to be the consumers’ primary interest when purchasing running shoes; a need was identified for better fitting and performing running shoes than is currently available; a large number of consumers are also reluctant to purchase online, preferring to purchase from specialist running stores. In this paper the development of an in store personalisation service with a primary focus of delivering better fitting and performing footwear is detailed. Experts in biomechanics and additive manufacturing were consulted, and focus groups, interviews and surveys were conducted to ensure implementation of an effective service that empowered the consumer, putting them at the centre of a collaborative design process. A design toolkit was developed for the service (www.yourstep.co.uk) and tested online. The results are discussed and future developments defined. This research forms part of the Elite to High Street project, a five-year multi-million pound IMCRC-funded interdisciplinary project run by Loughborough University with industrial partners including; New Balance, UK Sport and 3D Systems

The success story of NOBRAND : a case study on strategy

The following thesis, presented in the form of a case study, aims to report the successful story of NOBRAND, a Portuguese company within the footwear industry, whilst serving as pedagogical tool for exploring and reflecting on strategic frameworks. For this purpose, the case-study is written in a way that it may serve as a proper analytical tool for developing the strategic topics of resources and capabilities, the importance of clusters for competitive advantage and modes of internationalization based on strategic alliances. NOBRAND functions as a good example of a company that has worked on its resources and capabilities as a way to establish competitive advantage, whilst also taking advantage of its presence within the Portuguese Footwear cluster. By establishing international collaboration agreements and diversifying on their nature and conditions across different markets, the Portuguese footwear brand managed to expand its brand and products overseas. With a strong international focus, more than 90% of NOBRAND’s production is exported to international markets. Taking into account the resource-based view of the firm, a critical reflection on the most important resources and capabilities of NOBRAND is explored and considerations about the contribution of the synergies of the footwear cluster to NOBRAND’s distinctive resources and capabilities is also taken into account. Finally, there is a reflection on NOBRAND’s international strategic options, which leads to the conclusion that modes of internationalization are very much affected by the resource-commitment that a firm wants to pursue and also on its aversion to risk.A presente tese de dissertação, que toma a forma de um caso de estudo, tem como objectivo dar a conhecer a história de sucesso da NOBRAND, marca portuguesa de calçado, servindo ao mesmo tempo como uma ferramenta pedagógica para explorar e reflectir sobre tópicos de enquadramento estratégico. Com este intuito, o caso de estudo é escrito de forma que possa ser utilizado como uma ferramenta apropriada para desenvolver os temas estratégicos relativos a recursos e capacidades, importância dos ‘clusters’, e, finalmente, formas de internacionalização e alianças estratégicas. A NOBRAND funciona como um exemplo de uma empresa que procurou desenvolver os seus recursos e capacidades por forma a estabelecer vantagem competitiva, e, que, ao mesmo tempo, tirou proveito da sua presença no ‘cluster’ de calçado português para suster esta mesma competitividade. Com um foco internacional muito forte, a marca portuguesa estabeleceu diversas alianças estratégicas para penetração nos mercados externos, explorando diferentes tipos de colaboração, e, consequentemente, mais de 90% da produção da NOBRAND é exportada para mercados internacionais. A presente dissertação apresenta uma reflexão crítica sobre os mais importantes recursos e capacidades da NOBRAND e explora ainda de que forma a contribuição de sinergias criadas pelo ‘cluster’ contribuíram para este desenvolvimento interno da marca. Finalmente, é feita uma análise das decisões estratégicas da NOBRAND no que toca à internacionalização, que leva à conclusão de que os modos de internacionalização escolhidos tem muito que ver com o investimento em recursos que a empresa pretende seguir e também com sua aversão ao risco

Embrace

A conceptual modular skate shoe system, for personalized protection and styl

Design in Motion: The Everyday Object and the Global Division of Design Labour

The practice of design has become obscured by global networks of production, circulation, and consumption. Traditional design studies tend to focus on high-profile products, presenting heroic designers as the primary authors of works of design. This approach is inadequate for understanding design in the late-twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Contemporary design is better understood as an iterative and distributed process of give-and-take among actors, human and non-human, including people, tools, places, and ideas. It is a process that is influenced by conditions along the commodity chain that fall outside of the designers traditionally recognized sphere. This research demonstrates that commonly held conceptions of designers as sole authors and of design work as a largely intellectual, creative activity distanced from manufacturing, misrepresent the real practices and relations of design labour in the current global economy. Two object ethnographies follow the production, circulation, and consumption of everyday, mass-produced goods: the Vanessa steel-toe boot by Mellow Walk and the Non Stop flatware by Gourmet Settings. These case studies map networks of design labour across continents, countries, cities, and generations. Primary research includes 18 interviews, observations of environments and practices, and the analysis of material evidence. This process reveals actors whose contributions have typically been omitted from design history, and describes practices of design that contest traditional depictions of designers, design work, and evidence thereof. This research contributes a fuller and more accurate understanding of the range of creative labour and labourers involved in the design and development of goods for global markets while challenging the view of these goods as placeless and culture-free. I respond to the call by design historians to extend the scope of designs histories beyond the West, and I build on the work of design and creativity scholars who identify design thinking outside of recognized design roles. My work challenges established hierarchies of design, including who is permitted to design, which countries are perceived as superior sources of design and manufacturing expertise, and the hand-head dichotomy that underwrites how we think about design and that has been entrenched in traditional conceptions of manufacturing and the global division of labour. Understanding how the work of design is distributed and how it has changed in response to globalization gives insight into the politics of production and consumption