SolePlay
a playground flooring system made from recycled shoe soles
The SolePlay project repurposes discarded shoe soles donated by Keds into playground flooring using a spiral pattern. It promotes sustainable consumption practices and challenges individuals to rethink their relationship with fast fashion.
Role
Design Researcher, Industrial Designer
Expertise
Design Research, Industrial design, Visualization, Prototyping
Project Focuses
Upcycling, Ergonomics, User Experience
Timeline
Feb 2023 - May 2023 (3mo.)
Image Credit: Adobe Stock
WHY
In 2021, 22.2 billion pairs of footwear were produced around the world according to Statista.
Each year in America, 300 million pairs of shoes are thrown away, taking an average of 30 to 40 years for just one pair to decompose.
While decreasing production and consumption is likely the most direct approach to address the core of this issue, a more pressing question arises: How might we rethink our relationship with shoes to appreciate their quality as a useful material?
WHAT - ANALYSIS OF THE SHOE SOLE
Size: 8” X 3”
Texture: Rigid but elastic
Smell: Plastic/Rubber
Material: Rubber
Color: Various
Relationship and Interaction with Human: Stepping and Supporting
Upon examining the shoe sole, I discovered its distinct connection with humans, an aspect that stood out prominently. This insight sparked inspiration for potential designs, leading to the exploration of typologies such as rugs and playground flooring systems.
IDEATION
SKETCH MODELS
PROTOTYPE – RUG FT. FABSCRAP
The initial mid-fidelity prototype features a playful rug, assembled using bolts and nuts and topped with a layer of fur fabric sourced from FABSCRAP, an eco-conscious organization that gathers excess fabric from fashion brands. However, considering the characteristics of the rubber shoe sole, a rug may not be the ideal choice for ensuring a soft and comfortable interaction with the feet.
PROTOTYPE - PLAYGROUND FLOORING
After a series of prototyping and testing, I came to the final typology, a playground flooring system with great potential for adapting to different circumstances and environments. This design solution not only demonstrates a sustainable approach by reusing discarded shoe soles but also fosters a fun and interactive way to instill the essence of sustainability among children.
WHO
Age: 5-12 years old
Gender: All genders
Why: The playground flooring system is designed to encompass the surrounding equipment, offering optimal protection specifically tailored for children aged 5 to 12 years, a common age group among playground users.
USER TESTING
"It's so much fun!"
"It makes me want to follow the pattern."
"This reminds me a childhood game."
"I like the feeling of slightly bouncy!"
RENDERING
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE
People
People have more reasons to recycle or reuse worn shoes properly
Profit
Upcycling process add value to worn shoes and give them a new life
Planet
Shoe soles’ life span will be extended before going to landfill
PROCESS TREE
LOGO EXPLORATION
