Project Title: HURCN SWAPS – Modular Footwear System
Designer Bio:
I’m Bobby Spano, originally from Long Island, New York. I’ve been an avid sports enthusiast my whole life, always curious about the gear that enhances athletic performance. This curiosity about how things are made led me to a passion for creating. Whether it was a childhood craft or a complex project, I was the kid who couldn’t wait to build something new.
This enthusiasm for making and sports naturally drew me to industrial design, where I found a profound love for the entire design process. While studying at Syracuse University, I’ve focused on merging my interests by exploring sports design, particularly how design can optimize performance and safety for athletes. My education has deepened my understanding of product design, emphasizing user-centered solutions and sustainable practices that benefit our environment.
Project Description:
HURCN SWAPS, tackles the problem of excessive waste in the footwear industry by introducing a circular modular footwear system that eliminates the use of harmful glues. This design allows users to customize and replace individual parts of their shoes, significantly extending the lifespan of a single pair. The soles and insoles are crafted using 3D printing technologies from recyclable TPU filament.
To ensure a perfect fit and enhanced arch support, which can help reduce injuries, users can utilize an app to 3D scan their feet. Another major advantage of this system is the affordability and convenience of the swappable parts. When a part becomes worn out or goes out of style, it can simply be exchanged.
The returned part is then recycled to create new components, effectively minimizing waste. This thesis is targeted at sneaker enthusiasts ages 16-32, who are deeply embedded in hypebeast culture and fast fashion. The customization of this modular system allows the product to adapt to current fashion trends and align with user needs. Moreover, by offering an alternative to traditional fast fashion practices, HURCN SWAPS actively encourages young consumers to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives.
