Thesis

When your own body sees its tissues as foreign material and attacks them to the point where they deteriorate, you develop a condition known as Lupus, or formally SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). Damage caused by bone mineralization which deteriorates the bones can create issues in the foot and even lead to other conditions including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. With 1.5 million people affected globally according to the Lupus Foundation of America*, our solution is to provide a shoe that not only protects the foot, but provides adequate support and quality of life features. The goal is to aid active people suffering with lupus in leading a fulfilling, active life without worrying about fractures.

Name: Kara

Age:15

Occupation: Student

Location:Switzerland

Info

Frustrations

• She participates in physical activities with her classmates
• She can't go on hikes or experience the outdoors in the same way she used to.

• A shoe that can support and cushion her foot.
• A shoe that can reduce the impact on her feet when she walks.

Expectation & Needs

Bio

Kara is 15 years old. She lives in Switzerland. She loves to hike and spend time outdoors. Kara loves to spend time specifically in the mountains and great lakes of Switzerland. Kara got diagnosed with PSLE when she was 14 years old. She tried to continue with her way of life but Lupus kept her from that. Despite all of this, Kara still wants to live a normal, active life.

Lupus is a condition that affects over 1.5 million people in the US alone. However, it is much more sever in kids. Since they have not fully grown the tissue is much more vulnerable to attack. This is especially prevalent in bone density. Which is why we chose to focus on fractures.

Overview of Condition

Design features

• Heavy cushioning, providing comfort, lessening the risk of injuries
• Impact reduction with springs
• A sole designed to form fit and support the foot.

Precedents

Cubedesigners

We were inspired by the way that they reduced the impact caused by running.

Med Spec ASO

We were inspired by the way the Velcro straps were used and incorporated it into our own Velcro strap design

Design Sketches

Prototype V1

Technical Drawings

Diagrams

Early photos of the sole

Final Prototype

Final Design

Next Steps

-Most likely change the Velcro straps and replace them with shoe laces

-We would change some of the materials to make them lighter as our final result wasn't extremely lightweight

-Make the shoe slimmer and less clunky

Thank You for Listening

https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-and-children