Human Centered Design: Prototype Proposal

HUMAN CENTERED DESIGN PROTOTYPE PROPOSAL:

THE CONVERTIBLE BOOT

DESCRIPTION

There are a number of “convertible” articles of clothing on the market that use zippers to attach and detach sleeves, pant legs, and hoods from clothes, making them versatile apparel options. The convertible boot takes this innovation a step further by applying it to footwear and expanding the wearer’s options.

The convertible boots are structured a pair of black leather ankle boots whose soles detach and reattach using a heavy-duty zipper, similar to other convertible clothing. However, unlike its predecessors, the wearer can choose from a variety of soles to attach to their boot; some examples are low-rise or “standard” heels, platform soles, and block heels. They can switch one style out for another whenever they want, allowing them to customize one pair of convertible boots to fit multiple outfits or occasions rather than buying three separate pairs of shoes.

There are also two extension options. Made of the same black leather and heavy-duty zippers, they zip onto the top edge of the boot to lengthen the shaft to either mid-calf or knee length. The three sole options and three length options compound the total number of available styles to nine, all for a significantly lower price than nine pairs of boots. When not in use, the individual components are also smaller and therefore easier to store than several shoes.

AESTHETICS

Customizability is the core of the convertible boot, but physical comfort is just as important. If the boot is uncomfortable or awkward to wear, it is no longer convenient. Therefore, the leather used is soft and supple to prevent blisters and other irritations. The leather also needs to be flexible enough to allow movement when walking, especially in the extensions so they can wrap around the wearer’s leg. However, the material is still rigid enough to hold its shape and withstand wear and tear. In addition to construction material, the interior of the shoe provides comfort and support for the foot using padded inserts. The shape of the boot has a rounded toe, rather than a pointed one, so as not to pinch or constrict the feet.

Black is the color of choice because of its versatility. Black shoes go with virtually any outfit and can be worn to any occasion. Stains, scuffs, and dirt are also less apparent on black. The zippers, on the other hand, are metallic silver. Making the zippers visible gives the boots their own unique flair without being too drastic.

The zippers are also a crucial part of the boots’ design, so I have chosen to embrace them rather than try to hide them. Silver compliments the black and is also relatively neutral. Furthermore, this project is influenced by alternative fashion trends, which favor black and silver color schemes. They also tend to emphasize or exaggerate the heels and fasteners (zippers, buckles, laces, etc.) of shoes. Brands such as Dr. Martens, Demonia, Hot Topic, and Dolls Kill are some of the most popular for this type of fashion. The convertible boot is more neutral and understated than many of the shoes sold by these brands, but maintains their general attitude.

MATERIALS

The convertible boot is meant to be worn in all types of situations. Therefore, it must be durable and comfortable at the same time to provide maximum wearability. In order to achieve the desired flexibility, softness and smoothness, cowskin leather is used for the construction of the boot and its extensions. The leather pieces are sewn together with upholstery thread, which is very tough and specifically designed to withstand wear over a long period of time. The zippers are made from nickel, a light and strong metal. The large teeth prevent the zipper from breaking or becoming stuck. They are sewn to the boot with upholstery thread. A heavy-duty sewing machine is necessary to sew the leather, but it will ensure that the stitching is strong.

The soles consist of two different grades of polyurethane resin. The main part is made of resin that measures at 75D on the shore hardness scale, or about as hard as a hard hat. This rigid material will bear the wearer’s weight and remain durable. The treads are a slightly softer grade of 60A, about as hard as a tire tread. This will prevent damage to flooring, provide traction, and keep a spring in the wearer’s step. For the manufacturing of this prototype, the resin is poured into a silicon rubber mold to form the soles. The material for the treads is poured in first and allowed to set, and then the harder resin is added.