Creative Design: Graduate

Adaptive Casual Shoe for Ankle Foot Orthotic Users

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Abstract

The purpose of this creative exploration was to design casual shoes that allow for easy donning and doffing for an adult ankle foot orthotic (AFO) user and to create a do-it-yourself (DIY) manual to meet the expressive, aesthetic, and accessibility needs of the user. A semi-modular design was created to accommodate the width of multiple styles of AFOs for different users. The design featured a fixed toe box and upper segments that separate from the toe box for entry and wrap and secure to the toe box for closure. Durable outdoor canvas material was chosen for the shoe upper and was selected from a fabric store chain to ensure access and options for design patterns and colors. Wear testing revealed that the shoe was able to donned and doffed quickly and easily, and methods of fabrication are accessible for individuals in the community by following the DIY manual. 

Keywords: Shoe, Adaptive, DIY, Functional Clothing, User-Centered Design

How to Cite:

Orlando, J., Gorea, A., Orlando, K. & Lobo, M., (2020) “Adaptive Casual Shoe for Ankle Foot Orthotic Users”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 77(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.11719