The Fidget Shoe aims to help children who are dealing with various mental disorders specifically, giving them a fidget tool and/or distraction to help them cope. There are many different mental health issues, and all have serious impacts on people and make it harder to go about day-to-day life. Sensory processing disorders or ADHD are prevalent diagnoses, whether primary or coexisting with other mental health diagnoses. Both Associations for Children’s Mental Health and MentalHealth.gov provide research that shows that only 40% of students with mental health disorders graduate from high school, compared to the usual 76%. That is usually credited to the classroom environment making it harder to learn compared to other kids. The Fidget Shoe project was designed keeping this in mind. It is a customizable, slip-on sneaker that can change color and has multiple buttons and straps to press, squeeze, pull, and twist while learning.

PROJECT STATEMENT

Kayla Brunner

• Kayla is eight-years-old and goes to a fancy private school on a scholarship. Because of that, she feels like she doesn't fit in among her other rich classmates - especially with her low-quality clothes. She needs a shoe to boost her confidence

• Kayla has ADHD (which means she has trouble sitting still for periods of time and listening) and as a result, is always fidgeting. It's hard for her to listen and sit still. She needs a shoe that allows her to fidget quietly.

• Kayla also has Sensory Processing Disorder (which means she's more sensitive to light, colors, textures, sound, etc.) which makes it hard for her to in school. Also, as a result of her SPD, she is extremely clumsy. She needs a slip-in shoe that is extremely comfortable.

• Kayla is a daredevil that loves to run, climb, and play. She needs a durable, long-lasting shoe for all the adventures she gets into

There are many different types of mental health issues, all making it harder for day-to-day life. Mental health issues can be caused by genetics, stress, harassment or bullying, trauma, substance abuse, and more. Mental Health Issues are serious and real. 1 in 5 adults in America experiences a mental illness, and more than 50% percent of America's population has been diagnosed with various mental disorders. Children also suffer, some arguably worse than adults. Most school truancy comes from students with mental health disorders. In some ways, mental illnesses are worse than cancer. Your brain is against you, telling you lies and you can't help but believe it. With a mental illness, you are fighting against your body and mind. The Fidget Shoe is designed to help children in school deal with mental illnesses and raise awareness of the issue.

Overview of Condition

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DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Precedents

FIDGET TOYS:

The Fidget Shoe will have miniature fidget toys embedded in the sole of the shoe

CROC CHARMES:

The Fidget Shoe will have miniature fidget toys embedded in the sole of the shoe, and the toys can be replaced with new ones - much like Croc Charmes.

TEAR AWAY:

The Fidget Shoe will have velcro fabric that you can rip away and replace, effectively making the shoe able to change color

DESIGN SKETCHES

MORE DESIGN SKETCHES

FINAL SKETCH



SECOND PROTOTYPE

FINAL PROTOTYPES

THIRD PROTOTYPE

Overview

The Fidget Shoe is a slip-in, durable, long-lasting, stylish, color-changing, comfortable shoe that has fidget toys attached to the shoe to play with if you ever feel bored.

Consumer: Young school children - from kindergarten to at least middle school. Specifically children with mental health issues, though not a requirement

Technology: There will be no technology in the shoe, however, you can always easily dismantle and then reassemble The Fidget Shoe, adding tech as you please

Business: This could be a very lucrative market. Shoes are already a decent amount of money, and although fidget toys are cheap, they still stack up more money. Also, young children can replace the fidget toys embedded in the sole with other ones, or some charms that could be sold along with the shoe.

My Next Steps

• Experiment with more prototypes and materials

• Think more about the cost and how to make the shoe more cost-efficient.

• Do more research; such as meeting kids with various mental health issues

• Pursue materials and fabrics to use