This shoe is a specifically designed for children between the ages of five to seven who have sensory Processing Disorder. The goal of this shoe is to make it easier and more comfortable for children to have and keep their shoes on. According to the National Library of Medicine, the developmental peak of Sensory Processing Disorder happens between ages three and seven. 

Project Statement

Sensory Processing Disorder is a disorder that can make people overly aware of their senses. This can affect people when they wear shoes because they can be overly sensitive to the feel of the shoe on their feet. The developmental peak of kids with sensory processing disorder is ages three to seven, I am focusing on the later part which is ages five to seven.

Overview of Condition

User Persona

• James is a 7-year-old boy who lives in California. He likes football, soccer, cars, and playing outside. James has Sensory Processing Disorder

• James Loves being active and outside but doesn't like the way his shoes feel on his feet, and he is not allowed to go outside and play without his shoes on. This makes James favorite activities much less joyful for him

• James wants a shoe that is tight so his foot feels secure, he wants a cushiony insole, a waterproof shoe, and one that has a sleek and minimalistic look

Design Requirements

James needs a shoe that he can comfortably play and run around in. He wants a shoe that makes his foor feel secure so a tight fit, and doesn’t like when his shoes have tags in it, or when the insirt of the shoe is to hard, he likes a soft cushy feel. James also hates when his feet get wet and the wetness soaks into his socks through his shoes so waterpoof shoes are a must. James likes when the outside of his shoes arn’t bulky so he doesnt feel like he is lugging around extar weight on his feet, so a sleek lightweight design is necassery.

Precedents

Nike:

I used Nike's FlyEase shoe opening at the top as a precedent of the style that I liked for the opening

Nike:

I used Nike's Air Force 1 as an insparation of what I wanted the sole for my shoe to look like

Blake Bevin:

this inspired me to pt something on the back of the shoe to provide extra support

Design Sketches

Prototype V1

Prototype V2

Final Design

Final Design

Final Design

Shoe Construction

Next Steps

If this were to be mass-produced the shoe would be made out of waxed leather so it's water resistant. The hook on the back of the shoe would be made out of durable plastic, the sould would be made out of rubber, and the laces would be a perticulare size and shape of bungee cord so it fits with the shoe better.