Weave as a method of sandal design: Innovation through the integration of a hands-on woven textile approach

As digital design methods make increasing contributions to creative practice, the role of hands-on form-giving continues to be challenged. Due to this digitisation progressing, it is timely to reflect on the significance of craft-based approaches. The paper investigates the opportunities afforded by craft-based woven textile approaches for the design of ‘ready-to-wear’ sandals. The research questions for the study are: what is the associated sandal market and current status of footwear/woven textile design; what are the benefits and drawbacks of a hands-on/craft-based approach to footwear design; and does the approach have the potential to facilitate innovation in sandal design? Current processes, products and markets are outlined and approaches discussed via a literature review. The benefits, drawbacks and potential for innovation are discussed and evaluated with regards to the literature. This is supported by empirical evidence gained via an action research case study that incorporated design practice. The findings indicate that there are benefits associated with a craft-based approach to footwear design, including those for mass manufacturing. Key advantages include facilitating an in-depth understanding of construction and materials, which has potential to lead to innovation. However, the research findings also indicate difficulties that must be overcome including but not limited to, timescales, cost and access to equipment/materials. It is also noted that the use of such approaches is not always viable, especially in extremely low-cost markets