ON 2040 - MASTER PRODUCT DESIGN - Projects

Under the direction of Christophe Guberan, guest designer of the MA in Product Design and with the support of Thilo Alex Brunner, head of design at On, 7 students present elaborate prototypes exploring the possibilities offered by innovative materials, techniques, and creative processes. A resolutely prospective approach that relies on speculative design to think the sole of tomorrow.

In 2010 On created a new running shoe sole with a disruptive approach: CloudTec®. Built around a set of “flexible elements”, On soles ensure cushioned landing and propulsive take-off for a unique running sensation. This design has since been adopted by running enthusiasts and professionals alike. Nowadays, the search for new materials and technologies encourages the brand to explore the future of soles. It is in this perspective that the collaboration between two leading entities in the Swiss design scene – ECAL and On – was born.

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HOW TO CREATE THE SENSATION OF EFFORTLESS FLOATING DURING THE RUN?

Thanks to new multi-material 3D printing techniques, this shoe sole concept offers the possibility to customize material densities across the entire sole. Each Shoe can therefore be precisely adapted to each runner.

By Tsubasa Koshide

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HOW TO MAKE A WOVEN SHOE SOLE ?

Playing with new possibilities of 3D weaving, this shoe sole concept could be produced in one part allowing for both customizable cushioning and efficient production.

By Stefan Troendle

REIMAGINING THE CARBONPLATE FOR RUNNING SHOES

Pushing the expression of a shoe sole to its limits, this carbon fiber rod sole plays with the elasticity and the resistance of this highly technical material to create a good cushioning and to minimize weight.

By Clemens Neureiter

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HOW TO CREATE THE SENSATION OF EFFORTLESS FLOATING DURING THE RUN?

Inspired by the feeling of jumping on a trampoline, this shoe sole is composed of two elements: a customizable elastic web and a hollow EVA sole. This new construction offers a new running dynamic.

By Paul Rees

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HOW TO CREATE AN ADAPTIVE SOLE?

Composed of recycled TPU, this concept shoe sole is designed to bio-mimic the fin-ray effect whilst being produced by traditional extrusion process.

By Lukas Lüttgen

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HOW TO PRODUCE SOLES WITHOUT MOULDS?

3D printing technologies are offering various new possibilities to the footwear industry; however, processes are often limited by slow production cycles. Instead, this concept uses a heat inflating 3D printed foam to allow for postprinting expansion, making production more efficient and feasible whilst benefiting from the free design constraint possibilities of 3D printing.

By Antoine Jacquat