IF RUN
RUN HARDCORE
Design for Santa Monica
Beach Running
Footwear Innovation
Project Brief
Target Market
Project Timeline
To design innovative performance wearables for Santa Monica that provide the athlete with a competitive advantage. Key product and brand insights will reflect a 3-year timeframe until production
The running category of athletic footwear and apparel is the largest, yet is constantly evolving to serve existing and new consumers.
January-April 2019
14 weeks
user research
concept development
prototyping
CMF
Unlock new terrain for Santa Monica enthusiastic runners.
Santa Monica’s
sand trail
is Nature’s gift to runners.
Unlock New Terrain
Distance: 22 miles, one way
Elevation: flat
For enthusiastic runners
who have
special attachments
to the sea, the sunset,
and the spirit.
Two great opportunities for running experience
Dry Sand Running
Spirit Training
" Tough Training is super fun, it's like training the spirit."
-running on soft sand further away from the beach line can decrease a runner's risk of injury and increase endurance
Low Tide Running
Recovery Run
-running on low tide wet sand offers natural cushioning and protection for joints
He loves running on the sand.
" I love it! It's torture.
Tough training is super fun. It's like training the spirit."
find insights from my perfect user TED
We ran into Ted during our field research.
-He is an enthusiastic runner that grew up next to the beach.
-runs 5 times per week.
-He thinks running is a lifelong investment. He developed his own philosophy toward running.
How might we introduce sand terrain as an option for casual runners as "spirit training"?
Running on sand surface offers extra challenge for runners
What do enthusiastic runners need when running on sand?
Check Out design iteration by the end of the page!
running on the fluid surface of sand
biomimicry
learned from ostrich feet geometry, modular outsole creates a better movement for runners to fit in sand terrain
feet sinking
3D printed rubber grid to encourage more contact between the feet and the sand. The material creates more friction and durability as the runner's second skin
side sole balance
extra side-sole for protection of most weary parts/ balance
"barefoot " with crucial protection
natural toe-spread
spread toe for a more natural position ( biomimicry of sea bird feet)
skin protection
3D printed rubber grid to protect from friction high top to prevent sand
sand proof with breathability
sock-like upper offer breathability and freedom of feet form
Colorway 01
Inspirit
Colorway 02
maker of verses
Colorway 03
Play Solo
Colorway 03
futura afloat
Location
Study
study local terrain and culture
Previous
Next
interviews with local runners
Aspirational
User
Ted McGinley
He loves running on the sand.
"I love it; it's torture. Tough training is super fun.
It's like training the spirit."
Enthusiastic Runner
-He is an enthusiastic runner that grew up next to the beach.
-runs 5 times per week.
-He thinks running is a life-long investment. He developed his own philosophy towards running.
-He likes to use a specific shoe for one particular run. "I don't ever walk on them until I'm ready to get on the go." "The moment I leave my house, I'm ready for running. It is a ritual, and the shoe is my path."
Study
Pros & Cons of
Running on Sand
Studying the pros and cons of sand is challenging.
Three resources are mixed in understanding the terrain:
-secondary source online ( yellow&blue )
- Ted's opinion&feedback ( pink )
- first-hand testing & analyzing ( orange )
Woodaloop
Design
Process
testing existed wearables to create feet map
ideation and mock-up testing
further development of concept
Form Development & Fabrication Process
Rhino, 3D sketch, Pattern Making
use 3d sketch pen for quick mockup before digital modeling
Rhino model ready for 3D printing
