Abstract
Sneakers are a popular fashion item, due to their stylish design and functional versatility. The sneaker industry in South Africa is facing a significant challenge with a growing demand for local footwear designs and the influx of imports from international brands. This has resulted in a lack of locally designed and manufactured footwear in South Africa. The study aim therefore was to develop a model through Design Thinking to guide the design and manufacture of sneakers locally and sustainably. As the study was guided by the Design Thinking framework, the objectives that aided in achieving this aim were linked to feasibility, desirability and viability. The objectives included gaining an in-depth understanding of the challenges, limitations, and problems faced in designing and manufacturing footwear in South Africa (feasibility), identifying a common theme within South African sneaker culture (desirability) and identifying the challenges local footwear brands face in South Africa, and how they manage to remain competitive in the footwear market (viability). The guiding theories that aided the design process were Design Thinking, Designing for Sustainability, and Appropriate Technology.
The study followed a Human Centred Design process which included the phases Inspiration, Ideation and Implementation. Following this methodology, the study incorporated a holistic review of literature about footwear design, the narrative of “local is lekker” within an urban context, the perspective of what it means for a sneaker to be considered a successful local sneaker brand, and finally what the ideal process of designing and manufacturing a sneaker in South Africa entails. The design process involved conducting in-depth interviews and surveys with consumers to understand their needs, preferences, and values pertaining to sneakers designed and manufactured locally. The study also involved interviews with a selection of experts within the culture, fashion, manufacturing and business sectors of footwear in South Africa. The study also explored various sustainable materials and production methods that can be used to manufacture sneakers locally. This study intended to create a model for designing and manufacturing footwear that would have minimal environmental impact while still being of high quality and affordability. The study considered factors such as production processes, branding and marketing and business practices to ensure that the model to guide the design and manufacture of sneakers locally meets the sustainability criteria.
Overall, this study intended to contribute to the growing movement of sustainable fashion by creating a process that would produce locally made, environmentally friendly sneakers that meet the needs and preferences of South African consumers. By utilising the Design Thinking framework, this study provided a comprehensive model for the design process that can be used in future sustainable fashion initiatives