PROMOTING LONGEVITY IN FOOTWEAR DESIGN through aesthetic approaches.

Abstract

An exploration of sustainability through longevity from an aesthetic perspective in the context of designers in the footwear design industry. This paper explores an approach to promoting longevity in footwear through the principle of developing an attachment to the object. An approach through psychological theory and existing philosophy to promote longevity, such as the concepts of Patina and Wabi-sabi, has been explored to build a framework on how to create attachments through aesthetic and object attachments through psychological factors in product design defined as pareidolia. This project submission is based on building attachments through this effect as a foundation and concept for the final product. The project employs a variety of methods and mediums, including sketch design, clay exploration, and 3D modeling software. To enhance and promote the effects of pareidolia, inspiration from other elements of automotive design has been used to explore a form of communicating a final product to audiences.