Dino Stride Adaptive Sneakers by Eric Paskach |
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| DESIGN NAME: Dino Stride PRIMARY FUNCTION: Adaptive Sneakers INSPIRATION: Children with disabilities are often disregarded in the world of design. Most equipment designed for these children is simply downscaled versions of technology made for adults. This practice neglects the fact that these users are children and that their wants and needs are far different from those of adults. Therefore, children with disabilities need products designed specifically for them. I was inspired to make a change in the orthotics-friendly footwear market which suffers from this exact problem. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 1 in 345 children are born with cerebral palsy. That is a huge number of children that not only need lower-limb orthotics, but special shoes as well. In the orthotics-friendly footwear market, there is a massive disconnect in communication leading to a final product that completely neglects the user's needs. Dino Stride solves these issues with an orthotics-friendly shoe that is functional, stylish, and fun, making orthotics more engaging for children, and aiding rehabilitation. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The upper is made of a breathable mesh knit to mitigate the heat generated from the foot against the orthotics. A deep sole provides space and support for the orthotics while maintaining the typical height of a kid's shoe. Side zippers allow the front of the shoe to fold open for fast and easy donning and doffing while wearing the orthotics. The dinosaur details and camo pattern add necessary character and fun to the shoe to help with acceptance of the orthotics and self-confidence. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: This project started in January 2024 and finished in May 2024. It was exhibited in Ames Iowa at Iowa State University in May 2024 FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Social Design |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Empathic design is an approach that brings critical insights into the design process. Throughout this project, I did not only gather data from interviews, surveys, and secondary research. Through firsthand experiences, I immersed myself in the world of those who rely on orthotic-friendly footwear. I understood their frustrations and felt their desire for something better. Every choice was driven by what I had learned, ensuring the final design truly serves the children who need it most. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The physical model was designed for the average three to four-year-old boy using an ankle-foot orthosis to keep fit while wearing the orthotics a top priority. The shoe itself is approximately 100mm x 200mm x 125mm TAGS: adaptive, shoes, orthotics, AFO, children, dinosaur, footwear, cerebral palsy, kids, friendly RESEARCH ABSTRACT: For Dino Stride, I conducted surveys and interviews of caregivers of children with lower-limb orthotics, empathic role-play of the child and orthotist, and studied research relating to gait, orthotics, and footwear for orthotics. The objective was to identify which issues were most prevalent for children with lower-limb orthotics. Style, fit, and width were the most prevalent issues. The surveys and interviews conducted provided the most critical insight for design decisions. CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge of this project was reshaping the shoe form to comfortably accommodate an orthotic without sacrificing the look and feel of a typical kids' shoe. Every child deserves to feel confident and included, so it was crucial to design something that blends in seamlessly with their peers' footwear. Through several iterations, the final design emerged, one that works comfortably with orthotics while prioritizing style, comfort, and the joy of simply being a kid. ADDED DATE: 2025-01-10 19:39:45 TEAM MEMBERS (1) : IMAGE CREDITS: Image #5: Photographer Bjorn Iverson, 2024 PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Copyrights belong to Eric Paskach, 2025 |
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| Visit the following page to learn more: https://tinyurl.com/ewv3uxt6 | |||||
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NAME: Iowa State University of Science and Technology PROFILE: Iowa State University (ISU), located in Ames, Iowa, is a public land-grant research university known for its strong programs in science, engineering, agriculture, and design. Founded in 1858, ISU serves over 30,000 students and is recognized for its beautiful campus, cutting-edge research facilities, and commitment to innovation. |
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Dino Stride Adaptive Sneakers by Eric Paskach is Winner in Social Design Category, 2024 - 2025.· Read the interview with designer Eric Paskach for design Dino Stride here.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Eric Paskach. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Eric Paskach. |
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