THE PROMISE OF SELF LACING SHOES REALISED
Driving the creation of shoes that lace themselves was one of the most ambitious works I have ever undertaken. Gamechanging technology and a rush to be first set the tone.
A behind-the-scenes view of the Fit Intelligence Hong Kong tech reveal event.
A beta tester program for sneakers?
Fit Intelligence is more than a sneaker. It is a connected consumer electronic product with a new technology and unique experience. In that way the Fit Intelligence Technology development program was similar to that of a tech startup. So we initiated a validation program just as a tech startup would do. Puma's first ever Beta Tester program made it possible for a select group of consumers to try out Fit Intelligence technology and give feedback to Puma Innovation. Our methods for administrating the program were also unique. Signup for the program was made possible through the Pumatrac app. Spark Hire was used to conduct online video interviews of potential testers. In app technologies such as Intercom and Instabug were used so users could channel communication directly to product developers and to give immediate feedback on the product and the app. 29,000 people signed up to get the chance to test the Fit Intelligence shoes.
Fit Intelligence received special mention in Time Magazine’s “The 100 Best Inventions of 2019”.
Fit Intelligence was awarded a 2020 IF Design Award for excellence in form, aesthetic quality, user-focused, ergonomic and efficient design.
Unwire.HK Review
智能波鞋能夠自動綁帶鬆帶，又能夠同 App 連動，真是非常吸引，只是價格太貴一直是它不能在市場流行的最大原因。如今平民版自動綁帶鞋 Puma Fi（Fit Intelligence）預計在明年量產，我們 unwire 就得到 Puma 協助獲得一對穿上街做實際測試。就來看看如何用手機 App、Apple Watch 控制綁帶鬆帶，還有其他好用功能吧！
Project Profile
What is it?
A sport shoe that features an automated lacing system. A tiny servo motor adjusts a cable system inside the shoe, which enables the user to adjust fit. The shoe is connected to an app via Bluetooth.
Why is it innovative?
Fi was developed not as a shoe so much as a microchip enabled consumer electronic using industrial grade suppliers common in the drone, toy and household goods industries. This configuration is the first of its kind in the sports industry. In addition we ran a public Beta Tester program in which we got product in the hands of selected users (from 29,000) who tested the product and gave feedback using digital platforms never before used in a footwear testing program.
What were the biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge was scaling the product once we got past the prototype stage. We had to find competent and suppliers outside of the traditional footwear industry supply chain who were willing to something that had never been done before.
What was your role?
Project Owner, Strategy Lead, Creative Director, User In Chief
After shaping the vision I lead a team of designers, engineers and software developers toward realization.
Why was it succesful?
We managed to deliver on an industry-wide dream before any other brand. We created a complete new footwear experience and used state-of-the-art hardware and software to shape a holistic technology platform.