Application of design thinking methodology in footwear design for persons with achondroplasia in Colombia

Bone dysplasias are insufficiencies that attack the human bone system, the most common cause for this anomaly is the achondroplasia. The physical characteristics of this condition include, but are not limited to: abnormally short height, and shorter arms and legs, that difficults the interaction and adaptation to the environment of the affected population. Aiming to support social inclusion of persons with achondroplasia in Colombia, this project addresses the design of a footwear system that fulfills form, function and usage criteria. For this purpose, design thinking and investigation-action-participation I-A-P methodologies were implemented within the industrial design framework. Baropodometric and anthropometric equipment were used to characterize the feet of persons with achondroplasia, in order to design footwear that adjust to the morphological characteristics (measurements) and movements during walking. Some academic results have been obtained inside and outside the classroom, allowing to acquire knowledge about the achondroplasia and the design, where actors contribute not only from the technical point of view, but also from the human condition. Also, the following proposals were obtained: design drafts and formal 3D models, as well as shoe lasts prototypes and specialized anthropometric and baropodometric tables.