Case Sudy - Oliver
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The document describes the world's first "sociable shoe" created by William Lam and Oliver Bennet. The shoe is designed to help people digitally detox by disconnecting them from mobile distractions through an app-based system. It allows the wearer to manage and block notifications to minimize interruptions when socializing. The creators brought the classic brogue shoe into the 21st century with an electronic blue rubber sole and Bluetooth connectivity. They now have a working prototype and are preparing for a Kickstarter campaign. Oliver believes this "wellbeing wearable" addresses the real issue of how technology can distract from relationships, and uses technology to disconnect technology.
Case Sudy - Oliver
- 1. William Lam & OLIVER BENNETt THE WORLD’S FIRST EVER SOCIABLE SHOE
- 2. William Lam & OLIVER BENNETt THE WORLD’S FIRST EVER SOCIABLE SHOE. The world’s first sociable shoe that helps people digitally detox by disconnecting them from mobile distractions. Anatomic & Co’s new mission is to ‘make the world a more sociable place to live’ by designing shoes with the fit, freedom and flexibility allowing people to enjoy life without distractions. Our aim was to create a new concept, a ‘smart shoe’, as the antidote to an “always on” world by celebrating and enabling people to be ‘In Good Company’ without modern day distractions. Task: To create the world’s first “sociable shoe” that doesn’t connect you to the Internet - it disconnects you. Inspired by the digital detox movement, the ‘In good company’ shoe allows people to socialise without constant mobile and social media distractions. The wearer can manage, and even block notifications to minimise interferences when they are amongst ‘good company’. As a team of computer scientists we brought the classic brogue into the 21st century, the shoe features an electric blue rubber sole made with ANATOMIC & CO Gel Technology and an app-based system connected via Bluetooth Review: We now have a working prototype that will soon be market ready as a beta collection on kickstarter. The announcement created global exposure with over 110 pieces of coverage reaching over 130 million people across Europe and the US. Gaining positive reviews from some of the most credible media and influential blogs, key highlights included Fastcodesign, PSFK, Metro, Vice Creators Project, Fashion United and Balance magazine.
- 3. Q&A WE SAT DOWN WITH OLIVER AND ASKED HIM A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS PROJECT AND ASK WHAT HE THINKS THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR HIMSELF. What makes this project unique? It marks a shift change in wearable technology, as the first ‘Wellbeing Wearable’ that brings tech together with mindfulness for positive human and societal impact. It addresses a very real issue around how technology and social media can distract us from what really matters – real-life relationships and being in the company of good friends and family without interruptions. Overall, what makes this project wholly pioneering is that it uses technology to distract technology. A paradox that will only become ever more important as our world advances. How inolved were students in the project? VERY! They led the technical R&D from start to finish. Without their dedication, proactiveness and management skills the project wouldn’t be as far along as we are now. What’s the next project your working on? Developing a new shoe concept that uses algorithms and machine learning to inspire the design process. What was the moment you realised you wanted to do what you’re doing today? There was no defining moment, but instead a series of events that made it a no brainer to get into Computer Science. What’s your biggest career higlight? As my career only just started, this project being featured in some prominent magazines and online sites is probably the biggest highlight so far. What advice would you give your 18 year old self? Learn more. There was a lot of time I could have spent learning new technologies that would have helped me today. What motto do you live your life by? “The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain What excites you about the opportunities with data today and in the future? The amount of data being created is increasing exponentially, so at least there won’t be a shortage of it. I’m excited to see where this leads. ////