Concept | unique bodies

5 Ws who, what, when, where, why

who

My project focuses on personalization for unique bodies, using myself as a case study. I have a leg length discrepancy (also known as limb length inequality). While many people may not even notice this kind of condition, in my case, it began to significantly affect me, causing issues in my hip and spine. This led to severe inflammation in my hip, prompting me to seek medical attention.

The difference in the length of my legs is approximately 1 cm (generally, for discrepancies between 1 and 3 cm, insoles are commonly used). However, since I didn’t address the issue early on, I had to wear a brace for six months and start using custom-made insoles. This was possible thanks to several tests conducted by my orthopedist, which were crucial in accurately diagnosing my condition.

It’s important to highlight that without the guidance of a specialist, symptoms can often be misinterpreted. For example, there is a condition known as "functional leg length discrepancy," which is not caused by an actual bone difference but rather by muscular or postural factors. This is why consulting a professional is always essential to obtaining an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. :)

what

The object to be designed will be comfortable and fully personalized shoes, tailored specifically to my needs. For their development, I will use the concept of parametrization in Grasshopper, a tool that enables automated and efficient design—key elements in the customization of products.

This approach is essential because it breaks away from traditional mass-production methods, adapting to the unique characteristics of each user while maintaining agility in the process. In this way, the design will be not only functional and unique but also practical in terms of time and production.

when

I will carry out the project over the course of three months.

• January: Research and Conceptualization.
• February: Design and Prototyping.
• March: Validation and Presentation.

where

FabLab Puebla México, Puebla.

why

I started with this idea when I realized that my insoles needed a replacement. This project aims to focus on the creation of clothing fully tailored to our individual needs. My goal is to achieve greater autonomy and rethink the concept of customization, not only from an aesthetic approach, but also considering one of my specific physical needs.

References

• The O° project by OXMAN is an innovative design platform that integrates biology, computation, and robotic manufacturing to create fully biodegradable products. Using polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a biopolymer produced by bacteria, they develop footwear and textiles that, after their life cycle, decompose without leaving microplastics, safely returning to the environment.

• Adidas future shoes, 3D-printed in a single piece, inspired by previous concepts like Futurecraft and 4D.

• 3DSHOES.COM highlights the innovative Parametriks Print 001 sneaker, designed by Nathan Smith. This shoe uses parametric algorithms to create a triangular mesh structure that perfectly adapts to the user’s foot. Made entirely of TPU through 3D printing, it offers flexibility and breathability. This approach combines computational design and additive manufacturing, enabling customization and efficiency in footwear production.

• Asymmetric Lower-Limb Malformations in Individuals with a Novel PITX1 Mutation, this study analyzes how mutations in the PITX1 gene can cause asymmetric malformations in the lower limbs. While it does not specifically focus on the use of insoles, it provides insights into the genetic basis of bone asymmetry.

• Understanding Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD), this article from Foot Levelers explains the causes of leg length discrepancy, which can have a genetic origin, and discusses how custom orthotic insoles can help correct this asymmetry.

• Leg Length Discrepancy: Anisomelia Causes & Treatments, the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) provides a detailed overview of the causes of leg length discrepancy, including genetic factors, and explores various treatment options, including the use of orthotic insoles.

• Teachmeanatomy, this page discusses the arches of the foot: two longitudinal (medial and lateral) and one transverse. These arches, formed by the tarsal and metatarsal bones, along with ligaments and tendons, allow the foot to support body weight and absorb impact during activities such as walking and running.

• The page "Anatomy, Pathology and Treatment of the Foot & Ankle" provides a detailed overview of the anatomy of the foot and ankle, highlighting that the foot consists of 26 bones and 30 major joints, bearing up to 1.5 times body weight when walking and up to five times when running. It covers common causes of pain in this region, including soft tissue injuries such as Achilles tendinopathy, ligament sprains, and muscle injuries, as well as bone and joint issues like osteoarthritis and stress fractures.

Moodboard

My concept will be inspired by the human body, from the details of our eyes and skin to the structure of our bones, veins, and blood flow. The idea is to focus on these elements, as the project is centered around unique bodies. For the color palette, I would like to incorporate translucent elements, allowing the skin itself to give color to the footwear. If necessary, the color can also be customized through the sock.

skin texture foot lung human bone Eye Recto-anal junction texture-color