Seamless transitions. Unstoppable runs.
•Overview
Challenge:Inspired by trail running, this project explores solutions to optimize runners' performance and protection across diverse terrains in a single journey. Approach:By innovating the internal structure, a breakthrough design was developed that allows users to seamlessly adjust frictional transitions to their specific needs, Impact:enhancing running performance and adaptability on the go.
Context
Degree Project at Lund University
Capabilities
Industrial Design, Design Research, Mechanical Prototyping
Duration
2022 (20 weeks)
•Design Challenge
Trail running is known as going for a run at the heart of nature. It exposes runners to constantly changing terrain - from compact soil to loose gravel and wet rock - often within a single run.
While the body instinctively adapts movement and force, outsole friction in footwear remains largely fixed.
How can a single pair of shoes maximize runners' performance and protection across varying terrains in one journey?
•Research
User Research
Validating the need for adaptive traction.
Runner interviews were conducted to validate the challenge and understand when traction becomes a limiting factor during trail runs. Conversations focused on terrain changes, uphill/downhill transitions, and how current shoes perform across these conditions.
"...Steep hills and muddy roads after rain is very challenging compared to flat land...
"...Stable and grippy shoes that won't strain my feet will maintain my running performance well...
"...Grip will mainly determine whether you can turn and stop well to protect yourself...
Key Takeaway 01
Runners often compromise between grip and efficiency - especially during transitions between surfaces and during uphill/downhill phases.
Key Takeaway 02
Traction consistently has the greatest impact on runners’ confidence and performance in mixed and changing terrains.
Scenario Analysis
Understanding friction demand across terrain and movement.
To move from user perception to design-relevant understanding, scenario analysis examined how traction requirements change across different running conditions. By considering factors such as foot contact area, body weight direction, and dynamic posture, the study revealed how friction demand varies significantly between terrains and movement.
Key Insights
01. Different running scenarios result in varying foot contact areas across movement phases.
02. These changes in foot contact lead to varying friction demands, making a single traction profile insufficient.
Opportunity Framing
Evaluating existing solutions through the running journey.
As the design direction became more defined, existing adaptive friction solutions were reviewed through the lens of the running journey.
•
User Journey: Time-consuming adjustments that interrupt the running flow
•
User Feedback: Non-immediate feedback during traction transitions
•
User Experience: Added physical or cognitive burden during use
•
User Interaction: Unhygienic and unfriendly interaction
•Design Definition
How might we design friction-adaptive solutions what that support runners who across diverse terrains, while ensuring a quick journey, intuitive interaction, smooth transitions, and adjustable feedback how?
•Ideation
Concept Exploration Phase 01
Exploring friction-adaptive concept directions.
Guided by the design definition, initial ideation focused on exploring multiple concept directions for friction-adaptive solutions. Through sketching and reference exploration, a wide range of approaches was generated.
Concept Exploration Phase 02
Defining interaction and control strategies.
With a clearer direction established, ideation shifted toward mechanism and technology exploration. This phase focused on how friction adjustment could be mediated through the runner–product interface, prioritizing intuitive control and minimal disruption.
•Concept Development
Prototyping
Validating interaction mechanisms.
To validate the feasibility of the concept, prototyping focused on testing materials and mechanisms through rapid iteration. Physical tests examined how the friction-adjustment mechanism behaves under real-world forces.
Form Exploration
Translating mechanism into form.
Form exploration focused on translating the underlying mechanism and interaction logic into a clear and approachable visual language. The resulting form follows functional requirements while remaining minimal and inclusive.
•Final Design
Innovation-driven, function redefined.
The final design introduces a footwear concept featuring the adjustable outsole friction, allowing traction to adapt across changing terrain conditions and running phases within a single journey.
Smart structure, massive impact.
A friction-adjustment mechanism is integrated into the midsole structure, enabling runners adjust the friction levels based their specific needs without disrupting ground contact or stability.
Simple rotation, robust support.
Rotational input through a rear dial distributes tension across the structure, translating a simple user interaction into precise and stable traction adjustment during running.
•Reflection
1. Exploring through physical prototyping.
This project highlighted the value of physical prototyping as a decision-making tool. Mechanical prototyping was used to test assumptions, reveal limitations, and translate conceptual ideas into grounded mechanisms - allowing physical constraints to actively shape design decisions.
2. Looking ahead: from concept to real-world performance.
(1) While the concept demonstrates structural and interaction feasibility, several critical questions remain for future development: the deeper exploration of material behaviour, durability, and load-bearing performance under use.
(2) In addition, real-world user testing would be essential to validate usability, reliability, and how the interaction performs under varying environmental conditions.
(3) Beyond this project, the underlying principle of adaptable friction points to broader opportunities for products that respond to changing contexts in everyday life, rather than fixed conditions.
