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Committee Members

Design and Evaluation of Functional Gear for

Protection, Fit and Mobility

Ruchireeka Rath School of Design and Community Development

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design

704E Allen Hall | P.O. Box 6124

Morgantown, WV 26505

Craig Nelson, MID, Advisor

Cindy Beacham, Ph.D.

Kerry Odell, Ph.D.

November 16, 2016

Thesis Defense for Degree of Masters in Science

Introduction

Purpose & Objectives

Conceptual Framework

Methodology

Thesis Structure

Planning Phase

Overview of Literature

Establishment of Design Criteria

Research Phase

Market Reviews

Comparison between different type of Closures

Concept Development Phase

Ideation and Technical Sketches

Concept Selection: Questionnaire response

Concept Selection: Data Analysis

Concept Detailing Phase

Different component of Design in detail

Evaluation Phase

Decision Matrix and Results

Conclusion

Potential Applications

Contents

Introduction

Importance of innovative tools in product use is of primary importance to both

consumer and the design industry1

More than 140 million Americans make outdoor recreation a priority and over

$646 billion was spent on outdoor products in 2012.2

Despite progress by industry, 25% of the shoes Americans own are too

uncomfortable to wear3

Comfort factor is claimed to be of utmost importance in wading boots – one of

the most important pieces of angler’s fishing gear4

Anglers commonly prone to sprained or broken ankle due to tumbling into the

river unexpectedly.

Injuries can be prevented by wearing wading boot that provides solid protection with wet, slippery rocks5

Anglers endure safety and fit issues with their footwear because of their unique

conditions posed during fishing

Functional and aesthetical innovations in fastening systems of wading boots

yet unknown and worth in-depth research

1 Justel, D., Vidal, R., Arriaga, E., Franco, V., & Val-Jauregi, E. (2007). Evaluation method for selecting innovative product concepts with greater potential market success.

International Conference of Engineering Design. Paris: Iced. 2 Outdoor Industry Association. (2012). The Outdoor Recreation Economy. Boulder, Colorado: Outdoor Industry Org. 3 Kelton Research. (2009). The Eneslow Survey. New York: Business Wire. 4 Guide to Wading Boots. (n.d.). Retrieved February 2, 2016, from Bigskyfishing.com: http://www.bigskyfishing.com/fly-fishing-articles/wading-boots-guide.php 5 Brown, R. H. (n.d.). personal communication.

http://www.bigskyfishing.com/fly-fishing-articles/wading-boots-guide.php









Purpose & Objectives

To design a novel, utilitarian fastening concept in fishing footwear,

conceptualized to offer optimum protection, fit and mobility to anglers.

Understand

Functioning requirements of fishing footwear

Identify

Design issues through user reviews and market research reports

Find

A conceptual design-solution through innovative ideations and expert selection

Transform

The product concept into a design-for-manufacturability prototype

Conceptual Framework

Planning

Research

Concept

Development

Concept Detailing

Evaluation

1. Problem Finding (Planning & Research)

2. Problem Selecting (Reframing & Needs Establishment)

3. Solution Finding (Converging & Conceptualizing)

4. Solution Selecting1 (Experimenting & Screening)

CONTEXT

INSIGHT

IDEA

SOLUTION

1 Owen, C. (1998). Design Research: Building the Knowledge Base. Design Research , 19, 9-20. 2 Barry, M., & Beckman, S. L. (2008, July). Developing Design Thinking Capabilities. Step Inside Design .

The Iterative Design Process Cycle2

A project based research was conducted based on the

Iterative process cycle in order to aid in engaging design

process.

The project structure describes the focus points of the

project divided into the respective parts of the process.

Methodology

Project Structure

Process Model: Problem solving process

Research

Practice-led and exploratory in nature

Knowledge produced through creative practice with a novel concept

Planning Phase

Closures in other functional gears

Constant engaging/disengaging of the fastener eventually weakens

Velcro

Velcro Closure – unpleasant and disruptive 4

Overview of Literature

Project is defined:

Conceptualization of closure systems in

fishing footwear

Literature Reviews

Establish Design Criteria

Initial Problem Area

Goal/Purpose

Activities Output

Types of Fishing Shoes and Boots

Fly fishing- Waterproof, Great Choice for hikers 1

Shore Fishing - High breathability, Great for getting in/off water,

Potential risk for fungus activity, low protection

Boat fishing- Similar to Kayak shoes,

Ideally lightweight, Drains water quickly 3

Canoe and kayak fishing shoes- Designed to quickly drain water,

Lightweight 2

Velcro loosens during wear. Shoe is discarded when the Velcro fails 4

Thus, replacement cost of Velcro is higher than shoelace

Conventional Fastening Systems

Tying laces is time consuming, involves manual dexterity

Lacing loosens, increasing the risk of

tripping 5

1 Hudson, S. (2016, May 17). Fishing Footwear. Retrieved from Sports Fishing: http://www.sportfishingmag.com/fishing-footwear. 2 Outdoor sports gear reviews. (2015). The Best Kayaking Shoes Reviews Guide For 2016. Retrieved from OutdoorSportsGearReviews.

3 Afsar (2016, August 10). 10 Best Fishing Shoes 2016 – Buying Guide and Reviews. Kayakbase .

4 U.S Patents. (2013). "shoe closure device" in patent application approval process. Chicago: Politics & Government Week.

Closure should enhance the shoe’s fit & function, optimizing

performance 6

Buckle & button systems provide a crude discrete circumference

length adjustment

Lacing systems are still preferred closure 7

Shoe closure configurations have not changed over last 50 years 7

Hook/loop, lacing & cleat-based buckles have variable adjustment

Velcro strap system & buckle/ratchet system is mostly

used in Cycling sports 8

5 Neale, T. (2012). Patent No. 343801. U.S.

6 Conenello, R. (n.d.). Personal Communication. New York, US. 7 Burke, M. (2010, Novemeber 15). The Best Fly-Fishing Gear. Forbes 8 Hughey, J. (2013, February 27). How to Choose the Best Mountain Bike Shoes. Retrieved from Singletracks:

http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/how-to-choose-the-best-mountain-bike-shoes/

Fitting issues

Lacing provides greater strength

than zippers or hook and loop fasteners, but it can cause

pressure on the instep of the foot

User's foot may swell slightly during the course of the day and the

user may accordingly loosen the laces a desired amount to

accommodate the swelling 11

Protection issues

Exposed laces ends may be

stepped on/ become caught/ entangled on another object

Exposed recess for the spring or rigid element would tend to

collect dirt, mud, other debris, thereby increasing the weight of

the footwear 12

Hardware items also tend to catch on other objects on the ground,

thereby causing safety issues

Mobility issues

Buckle, straps or laces require

manipulation by a user, by

loosing or tightening the laces

or by stretching the elastic, to

provide for foot

insertion/retention and/or to

release the foot 13

14 Patent invention

(Gasparovic, Dieter, & Dalton, 2001)

Planning Phase

Great fit and support

Superior Protection

Water and corrosion resistant

Easy maneuverability

Establishment of Design

Criteria

9 Owl, J., Marin, I., & Enriquez, A. (2015). Laced with uncertainty: The impact of shoe gear fastening on dorsal shear stress. American Podiatric Medical Association annual meeting. Orlando, FL.

10Fraser, K. (n.d.). personal communication. Winnipeg, Canada 11 Neale, T. (2012). Patent No. 343801. U.S. 12 Nike. (2012). Patent No. 552120. U.S. 13 Frydlewski, G., Waingarten, M. R., & Reeb, D. (2014). Patent No. 20150082587. U.S.

Overview of Literature Continued…

Medical Perspective in Shoe Closure Systems

Clutch Reel Technology - only to turn

the knob to the set level of tension

Causes pressure if shoe opening is too narrow or user has high arch 10

Useful for wearer with circulatory restrictions 10

Clutch reel system would theoretically eliminate the guesswork that goes with

adjusting laces 9

Best Fishing Shoes (all types)

Best Wading Boots for Fly Fishing & Hiking

Test Results and Ratings of Best Overall Fishing-Hiking Shoes for men

Test Results and Ratings of Best Overall Fishing-Hiking Boots for men

Existing shoelace and fastener materials

Shoelace Technology & Specialized Systems

Research Phase

To research user problems related to closure systems in fishing footwear

Market research - Product reviews

and Editor ratings

Assembling collective data

for existing closures,

drawbacks & benefits

Need establishment of innovation

in closure systems

related to fishing

footwear

Goal/Purpose

Activities Output

The central problem definition

Gain understanding of utility of closure

systems pertaining to consumer’s

protection, fit and mobility

Case studies on bestsellers

Market Reviews

Test Results and Ratings of Best Overall Men’s fishing-hiking Boots (Lampley, 2015)

Other Footwear

Categories

Cycling Shoes

Running Shoes

Walking Shoes

Sandals

Boots

Utilitarian products

Bag-packs

Clothes

Helmets

Luggage Mount

Belts and

Diabetic and

Medical Products

Research Phase

Popular Forms of

Closures

Collective data for existing closures, drawbacks & benefits


Shortlisted design solution

To apply research findings in ideation and brainstorming

Concept ideation & technical sketching

Concept elaboration

Goal/Purpose

Activities Output

Develop concepts that tries to solve the

central problem Concept screening by market experts

To evaluate and select concept for

detailing

Concept evaluation

Ideation - Design 1: Buckle with Dial System

Technical Sketch

Inspiration: Helmet & measuring tape

Convenience features:

Dial offers greater degree of micro adjustability

Dial provides fit consistency across the entire shoe- ensures

perfect fit every single time

Padded strap not only holds the threaded mount for passage of

wires, but also evenly spreads pressure across the arch area

No more hassle of loose shoelace ends, as the wires wind up

inside the reel

Tightness can be fine-tuned by dialing in perfect closure force.


Ideation - Design 2: Four-point lock Magnetic Harness

Technical Sketch

Technical Sketch


Advantages of two tried-and-tested fastening concepts –

Magnetic and Mechanical fastener

Magnetic closure complimented by mechanical locking securely

and reliably fixes the fastener in its closed state.

Magnets are held together securely by attractive force, allowing

for high closure force

Inspiration: Seat Belt

Functioning features:

Use of slidable magnets combined with stable mechanical locking

Opened through lateral sliding

Enables virtually automatic closing by 4 magnetic touch points

2 straps on each side of the shoe has quick release Cam buckle,

which is slided by each tooth


Ideation - Design 3: Tightening Dial System

Technical Sketch


Independent wings are attached from the bottom side of a

stretchable neoprene liner that offers flexibility and moving space

with apt adjustments

Due to the unique lace guides and precise closure, pressure points

are eliminated

Tightness can be adjusted instantly to dial in the perfect fit every

time

On-the-fly adjustments like this are impossible with shoelaces

Ideation: Positioning of dials to optimize flexibility in fit

adjustments


Simply loosen the dials and unhook the cables to reroute them and

find the perfect fit

Toe box’s length & width can be adjusted independently with

several ways of lacing for achieving best fit acc. to width and shape

Flexible side and outer “wings” can be adjusted to the foot’s width

and let the anglers fine tune the length with the pull of cable wire


Ideation - Design 4: Calibrating Buckle with Micrometer Gauge

Technical Sketch


Micrometric closure called “calibrating buckle” ratchets allows

for precise, incremental tightening and loosening of the closure,

for easy on-the-fly micro adjustment

Design allows grit to be cleared easily for reliable function on-

and off-trail

High security Velcro is a double secure closure at the back of

the shoe for further holding back of heel during rigorous

movement activity

Ideation: Attempt to create an ultra-minimalist, yet an innovative

fastening system


Simple functionality and user interaction describes the uniqueness of

this model

Maximum freedom of flexing with cross over straps all over the foot,

with which one could accommodate all the extensions during the

activity

Push the center button to slightly loosen one tooth at the time; an

outward pull on both side levers completely releases the buckle


Ideation - Design 5: Double Closure system

Cord Lace Inner Closure Zippered Outer Closure

Technical Sketch


The inside boot closure to focus on comfort and fit and the

outside boot to focus on protection and water resistance

Design allows grit to be cleared easily for reliable function

on- and off-trail

Inner boot are kept snug by a draw cord

Outer shell closes with a zipper and Velcro flap to keep out

the dirt, debris, gravel and mud from the river

Could be a good choice for transition seasons as this model

keeps light snow and water out

Ideation: Integrated gravel guards


Boot is actually made of an inside boot within an outside boot,

although they cannot be taken apart

Inner boot with traditional cord lace closure, outer boot functions as a

mid-calf gaiter with a zippered closure and a hook-and-loop flap

Inside part has a pull-up for inserting the foot

Concept Selection: Instrument

Opinion rating using a linear 5-point Scale matrix

“Concept 1 is very viable, it also offers the cleanest look and the

easiest entry system.”

“Concept 2 was also interesting, I like the seat belt reference and

the overall ability to be able to customize fit with this design”

“Concept 2 was most interesting, especially the seat belt

reference and the overall ability to be able to customize fit with

this design”

“Concept 2 has an external fixation system and anglers may run

the potential for the fishing line and hooks getting caught on the

loose straps”

“Concept 3 would be my personal favorite and it has infinite

possibilities in its uses and adaptability in fit, comfort and

technical ability.”

“Concept 4 has excellent use of a system with an adjustable

tension and release on a shoe or boot design.”

“Concept 5 utilize a few too many closure systems while workable

requires the wearer to execute too many steps.”

“Most trout fisherman wear waders. These concepts could be a

great solution for surf fishing, could also have some potential for

commercial (long liners, blue fin fishermen, sine netters)”.

Additional Reviewer Comments

Part I: Protection

Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4 Design 5 Secure 4.0 4.5 4.5 5.0 4.5

Clean look 5.0 4.0 4.5 4.0 3.0

Powerful lock 5.0 4.5 5.0 4.5 4.5

Lightweight 5.0 3.5 4.5 3.5 3.5

Durable 4.5 4.0 4.0 4.0 5.0

Fight water retention 5.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 5.0

Sturdy mechanism 5.0 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.5

Reliable 4.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 4.0

Fail-safe mechanism 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.0

No transport of aquatic invasives 5.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.5

Water protection 4.5 4.0 3.5 4.0 4.5

51.0 44.5 45.5 45.5 46.0 Part II: Mobility Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4 Design 5 Fast on/off transition 5.0 4.0 4.5 4.5 3.0

Convenient 4.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 3.0

Freedom of movement 5.0 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.0

Less user-engagement 4.0 3.5 4.5 4.5 3.0

Easy maneuver 4.5 3.5 4.0 4.0 2.5

Cushioning and motion control 4.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 3.5

Easy opening 4.0 3.5 4.0 3.5 3.0

31.0 26.5 30.0 29.5 22.0 Part III: Fitting

Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4 Design 5 Micro-adjustability 4.5 4.5 5.0 4.5 4.0

Snug fit 4.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.0

Custom fit comfort 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.0 4.0

No pressure points 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.0

16.5 17.5 19.0 18.5 16.0 Part IV: General

Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4 Design 5 Most innovative 4.5 5.0 4.0 3.5 2.5

Diverse area of applications 4.0 4.5 4.5 4.0 3.0

Commercial stand-point 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 3.0

Easy maintenance 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 4.0

16.5 17.5 16.5 15.5 12.5 Weighted Average

Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4 Design 5 Protection 51.0 44.5 45.5 45.5 46.0

Mobility 31.0 26.5 30.0 29.5 22.0

Fitting 16.5 17.5 19.0 18.5 16.0

General 16.5 17.5 16.5 15.5 12.5

30.5 27.8 29.4 28.9 25.8

Mean Average Scores of Questionnaire Responses

22%

19%

19%

20%

20%

Protection

Design 1

Design 2

Design 3

Design 4

Design 5

22%

19%

22%

21%

16%

Mobility

Design 1

Design 2

Design 3

Design 4

Design 5

19%

20%

22%

21%

18%

Fitting

Design 1

Design 2

Design 3

Design 4

Design 5

21.4%

19.5%

20.6% 20.3%

18.1%

Overall (Weightage Average)

Design 1

Design 2

Design 3

Design 4

Design 5

21%

22%

22%

22%

13%

Commercialization Potential

Design 1 Design 2 Design 3 Design 4 Design 5

23%

26%

20%

18%

13%

Innovation


20%

22%

23%

20%

15%

Diversity in Application


20%

20%

20%

20%

20%

Ease of Maintainance


Concept Selection: Data

Analysis Results

Pie charts showing average design ratings related to various miscellaneous parameters

Criterion Weightage

Factor Weight

Percentage

Protection 2 28.57%

Mobility 2 28.57%

Fit 2 28.57%

Innovation 0.25 3.57%

Diversity in Application 0.25 3.57%

Commercial Standpoint 0.25 3.57%

Easy Maintenance 0.25 3.57%

Total 7 100.00%

Hig

he

st R

ate

d

avg

weight pointW

weight

Design 1

Design 4

Design 3

Design 2

Design 5


Technical specifications

To clarify the concept mechanism

Design-for-manufacturability solution

Instruction manual of the mechanism -

Technical sheet

To iterate/modify according to

feedback from the reviewers

Feature modification as

needed

Goal/Purpose

Activities Output

To clarify the concept details

Design features:

Upper and sole - molded rubber that offer significant

resistance towards rough terrains, so that anglers do not

have to deal with unpleasant mishaps

Waterproof materials featured in the upper provide

protection in wet conditions

Sealed seams onto the molded toe covering ensure that

no water/dirt/debris or invasive species can enter the boot

Large back loop of the boot helps easy foot insertion

Highlighted features of wide, soft, thermo-foamed

EVA padded strap :

Increased cushioning and comfort Increased

cushioning and comfort

Distributes pressure evenly over the arch area

Adjustable from both sides for perfect centering

Your logo here


Technical features:

Simply turn the dial, to tighten

the wires and form a

comfortably stable envelope

around the foot

To remove, simply pinch both

side small surfaces around the

dial and the cables instantly

release

The red button releases the

ratchet lever making

adjustment

Lifting up the buckle flap then

adjusts the fit along the entire

length of the shoe


The soft instep strap is adjustable from both sides, to perfectly center

the EVA pad over a high or low instep

Collecting data

Evaluation Phase

Final design solution

Validation of the concept

for solving the purpose

To evaluate final

concept

Taking feedback decision from market experts

Goal/Purpose

Activities Output

To conclude on central problem, ensuring that the

fastening concept provides optimum protection, fit and

mobility Documenting

feedback/revision from experts

Analyzing data to verify the

results

Decision Matrix

Performance Assessment Criterion

Weight A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 Total Min. Max.

Secure & Sturdy mechanism 1.0 1 -1 1 0 1 2 -5 5

Fight water retention 1.0 1 1 0 1 1 4 -5 5

No transport of aquatic invasives

1.0 1 1 1 0 0 3 -5 5

Fast on/off transition 1.0 1 -1 1 0 1 2 -5 5

Convenient & Easy opening 1.0 1 1 -1 1 1 3 -5 5

Less user-engagement 1.0 -1 0 1 1 1 2 -5 5

Micro-adjustability 1.0 1 1 1 1 1 5 -5 5

No pressure points 1.0 1 0 1 0 1 3 -5 5

Diverse area of applications 0.5 1 1 0 1 1 4 -5 5

Commercial stand-point 0.5 0 1 1 0 1 3 -5 5

Weighted Sum 27.5 -45 45

Normalized Weighted Sum 0.61 -1 1

Conclusion from Decision Matrix

Additional reviewers (B1, B2, B3) prevent population bias

Developed design has net positive utilitarian value

Agreed upon by experts w.r.t. major design parameters

Protection

Mobility

Fit

Summary

Conceptual development of a fastening system in fishing

footwear - by assimilating utilitarian-design values in a

product-design model

Achieved through project-based research methodology

Extensive review conducted towards establishing a need for

research around fastening systems for fishing footwear

Five illustrative design concepts for fishing footwear fastening

systems created based on iterative ideation process

One fastening concept selected using feedback from

footwear design experts

Selected fastening concept refined and detailed using

intricate 3-D models and detailed technical specification

Verification of the final-design solution based on decision

matrix technique was done

Other Potential Applications

Could be theoretically used in inter-disciplinary for future

development of other functional wearable products

Concepts can be translated into any realm of product design /

outdoor sports

Application in other significant utility products like bag packs,

helmets, sports equipment

Advisor – Prof. Craig Nelson

Dr. Cindy Beacham

Dr. Kerry Odell

Industrial Experts / Reviewers

Dept. Administration – Pam, Joy

Friends – Angie, Kristina, Hanna, Pariya…

Acknowledgement

Committee Members

Design and Evaluation of Fastening Systems in

Functional Gear for Protection, Fit and Mobility

Ruchireeka Rath School of Design and Community Development

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design

704E Allen Hall | P.O. Box 6124

Morgantown, WV 26505

Craig Nelson, MID, Advisor

Cindy Beacham, Ph.D.

Kerry Odell, Ph.D.

November 16, 2016

Thesis Defense for Degree of Masters in Science

Documents

RR_OralDefensePPT_New