Synthesis & Storytelling
Discoveries:
i.
Runners who don't have a quiver of running shoes are picking from two dramatic ends of a spectrum that force a compromise their experience or risking injury.
ii.
Runners are curious and motivated by novelty in running shoes because the run itself can feel mundane & repetitive.
iii.
Runners talk about their running experience holistically; it expands beyond physical sensations.
Hierarchy of Runner Needs
Informed Hypotheses:
Three attributes were identified that inform a speculative running shoe concept that breaks trend cycles...
...is present in the zeitgeist. Imagine a shoe that is adaptable to different needs; allowing runners to go anywhere they want in a single pair of shoes while simultaneously having the option to disconnect from anything or everything
...is a core desire philosophically & physically. Runners want to feel grounded and are craving a deeper connection with the earth they come in contact with.
...design signals a commitment to honor individual body needs through hyper-intentional choices that maximize comfort & efficiency
essentialism:
a purposeful execution that doesn't sit within maximalism or minimalism, that offers a multitude of ways to prevent pain, and holistically supports runners mentally, emotionally, physically.