Bonjour everyone, and welcome to another Blue Sky Project, the very last one that there will be (pretend I’m pretending to sulk). This time around it was a bit different, instead of creating something kinda random and not relevant to everyday life, we focussed on problems or dilemmas that we find ourselves facing on a daily basis.
For me, this problem was that whenever it starts to rain when I go hiking, golfing, etc, I always get annoyingly uncomfortable, wet shoes, and then my outdoor experience is drained into the gutter. I decided that I wanted to find a solution, and come up with a product that keeps your shoes dry and comfortable.
“The Ugly Duckling” was my first attempt at creating a shoe protector that was lightweight, easy to put on and take off, and was dynamic for hiking and golfing. I got the idea from existing shoe cover designs, and an old canvas bag that I found.
Then I needed to think of a way to support the bag-like structure around the shoe. I used rubber snowshoe attachments, which I attached to the cover, to stabilize it. When it was complete, it was a good idea and gave great coverage for your shoe, but it was very bulky and wasn’t really what I wanted my product to look like.
Quick Video Of “The Muddy Duck” While I Am Wearing It
After “The Ugly Duckling” prototype, I had to revise my plans and design, and alter it to become my a better version of the product. This is when I created “The Muddy Duck”.
“The Muddy Duck” is my final prototype of my shoe cover and protector. As you can see, it’s name was inspired by the name and shape of duck bill, and the fact that it will unavoidably get muddy as it protects your shoes from moisture and dirt.
The canvas material is waterproof and will keep your shoes and socks rain free, while the duck bill at the back will keep the back of your legs free of dirt flicking up from the back of your shoes. The Muddy Duck is pretty easy to put on and take off, and is a lightweight option to keep your shoes comfortable while you enjoy your outdoor activities, rain or shine.
If I were to change something about the product itself, I would attempt to make the area around the ankle more waterproof by adding a rubber attachment of some sort. I think I could have worked on getting started on the whole process earlier, as near the deadline, I was rushing to make sure everything about my project was finished and ready to go for the exhibition.
Overall, this Blue Sky Design Project was an enjoyable one, full of shoes, laughter, popcorn machines, and rain… lots of rain.
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