User-Centred Design Innovation - Developing Smart Insole Solutions through 3D Printing and App Prototyping

Additive manufacturing advances customisation and design flexibility. Increasingly, Rapid Prototyping technology is being used within footwear fabrication applications. This project develops competencies across our university and provides designers and podiatrists with an understanding how 3D printing and app design can modernise existing practice and create a novel solution to more effective and repeatable insole/orthotic therapy and wellbeing of our feet. In a two part assignment product design students have been tasked to design 3D printed custom insoles for footwear that can be fitted with force sensors. Digital personalisation in the form of an app allows users to measure their feet via 3D scanning, or monitor posture, pronation, gait and pressure points. User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) will be investigated to develop a crucial awareness and understanding of the relationship between the human factors, wellbeing and good design. This presentation maps the initial findings of an undergraduate Design Project so to build up interdisciplinary research capacity around health-related customisation, working with colleagues in Health Professions/Podiatry and potentially benefitting our Physical Activity & Life Sciences Research.