Department of Design · Sem I

Design Methods (DD 504)

Topic given:

“Redesign

a

shoe

for

flooded terrain

.”

About the project

There are limited dedicated footwear designed for flooded areas, leaving communities vulnerable during monsoons currently. This project aims to design affordable, durable footwear for flood-prone Assam, reducing risks of injury and infection during monsoon floods.

Team members

Ankita Dhanke

254205002

Shital Bhise

254205023

Vanikalyani Rapelly

254205030

ADD IMAGE · pencil-sketch of wading feet

Design Process.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Discover

This stage helped establish context and gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by people in flood prone regions.

Secondary Research: Literature review of articles and surveys, websites, stakeholders. Secondary Research insights.

Market Research: Existing innovations, SWOT analysis, competitor analysis.

Primary: User interviews (indirect research), field observation, Critical Incident Technique. Primary Research Affinity Mapping.

Define

We tried to make connections between the stakeholders and the users while keeping the external factors, pain points in mind.

Users: Primary, secondary. User Persona – Goals, Pain points, wants.

Experience Journey Mapping

Insights

MoSCoW Analysis

Develop

Explored and refined footwear concepts through sketches and prototypes to improve grip, comfort, and protection in floods.

Brainwriting based on Design Criteria.

Ideation: Quick sketching of ideas based on different design criteria.

Morphological Chart: Combining different ideas and sketching them out.

Ideation Sketches

Pugh Chart

Concept Development

Deliver

Final concept prototyped and tested for performance, comfort, and usability in flooded conditions.

Prototyping: Creating scaled prototype based on selected concept.

Testing Prototypes

Final Product Delivery

Design Brief

01 Setting the context

Setting the

Context

ADD IMAGE · flooded street, rickshaw

What is a

flooded terrain ?

For the scope of this project, we defined flooded terrain as,

• Areas where water (stagnant or gently flowing) remains for 4–5 days

• With a water level up to knee or thigh height (around 2–3 ft)

Why not more than 3ft level?

At extreme flood levels, people are evacuated or rescued by boats.

Our design focuses on those who are forced to live and move through floodwater in their daily routines.

01 Setting the context

1.1 Identifying

Terrains

We focused our study on Assam — one of the most flood-prone states in India.

ADD IMAGE · Assam map with Guwahati marked

SELECTED TERRAIN - Guwahati City (Concrete + Mud)

• It is densely populated, providing a larger user base.

• Studying this terrain helps address a wider range of usability challenges within a single context.

• Research Feasibility.

Areas in Guwahati with flooding water level upto knee level

• Adabari, Maligaon

• Lakhotia

• GS road

• Anil nagar, Nabin Nagar, Lachit Nagar

• North Guwahati Abhaypur

01 Setting the context

1.2 What is a

Concrete/Mud terrain

• Mixed Surfaces: Concrete/cement roads + muddy/unpaved patches.

• Flood Behavior: Water pools on concrete; mud becomes slushy.

• Grip Challenges: Alternating slippery and sinking surfaces.

• Residential Prevalence: Dense neighborhoods with mixed ground.

• Changing Conditions: Floodwaters shift, making movement tricky..

ADD IMAGE · flooded road

ADD IMAGE · narrow lane

ADD IMAGE · muddy road

01 Setting the context

1.3 What the

hazards

in a

Concrete/Mud terrain

Uneven Surfaces

Floodwater covers potholes, open drains, and debris

Slippery Surfaces

Wet concrete, mud, algae-covered surfaces, oil slicks, smooth tiles

Sharp Objects

Glass fragments, metal shards, nails, broken construction materials

Biological Contaminants

Sewage, animal waste, dead animals, bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella), viruses

Traffic hazards

Vehicles splash or displace water, through which people wade increasing accident risks.

Animal Encounters

Snakes, rats, insects, ; bites and scratches

Water Currents

12 inches of moving water can sweep away vehicles

Electrical Hazards

Live electrical wires, submerged outlets, downed power lines

• Safety Risks: Slippery surfaces, sharp objects, currents, and electrical hazards increase the chance of accidents and injuries.

• Health Hazards: Contaminated water and animal encounters expose users to infections and other biological threats.

01 Setting the context

1.4 What are people

currently wearing

here?

ADD IMAGE

• The users are middle and lower-middle-class residents of Guwahati who often navigate waterlogged streets during the monsoon. They depend on affordable, easily available footwear like chappals or sandals for daily commuting.

01 Setting the context

1.6 Context

Summary

Problem background

During heavy rains in Guwahati, streets often get flooded with water levels reaching up to the knee. Daily commuters, especially those walking or riding two-wheelers, struggle to move through waterlogged roads.

Current challenges

People slip on wet surfaces due to less traction

Shoes get heavy and uncomfortable when soaked

Poor protection from sharp objects and insects

Slow drying of footwear causes odour and discomfort

Straps to wear or remove quickly in floods.

User context

Our primary users are working individuals in Guwahati who commute daily through concrete and mud roads that become slippery and unsafe during floods.

ADD IMAGE

02 Talking with potential users

Getting

User Insights

After setting the context, we moved forward with our study by interacting with potential users to understand their experiences and challenges during floods.

ADD IMAGE · interview at a shop

02 Talking with potential users

2.1

Questions

Asked

General Background

Can you tell me a bit about yourself? (Age, occupation, family, daily routine)

Have you experienced heavy waterlogging or floods in this area?

CIT

When did the last flood occur? / When was your worst experience with floods?

What were you doing when the flood started?

Did you have to walk through floodwater? If yes, how was that experience?

What footwear were you wearing at that time?

• Why did you choose that particular footwear?

• Did it help you or cause difficulties while walking?

Additional Questions

• Where did you purchase your footwear?

• What was the approximate cost?

2.2

To whom

did we ask?

20 Participants

Age : 20 - 60

Males / Females

Area :

• Adabari, Maligaon

• Lakhotia

• GS road

• Anil nagar, Nabin Nagar, Lachit Nagar

• North Guwahati Abhaypur

02 Talking with potential users

ADD IMAGE

02 Talking with potential users

So, what

answers

did we get?

Footwear lasts max 3-6 months

Most of them were wearing the same footwear they wore in water.

Many people preferred chappals/ barefoot when walking in water

Mud getting stuck to footwear difficulty in lifting foot.

Difficulty for uniforms with shoes. They held it in hand & walked barefoot.

Blisters and rashes caused by floodwater.

During monsoons, schools allow any footwear as school shoes are not comfortable.

People arent scared of walking barefoot. Instead preferred.

WHY?

Easy to feel the ground surface.

People dont know if rain will fall that day, and if they need to carry/wear specific footwear

Gumboots/Rainboots hold water when water level is higher than boot height

Unaware about specific footwear available online made for walking in water.

More resistance when walking against flowing water and rain direction

02 Talking with potential users

2.3 Some

critical incidents

recorded

ADD IMAGE · pencil sketch, slipping sandals

Pankaj Deka, Driver, 40

I was going home after work, the road was flooded and slippery. I unknowingly stepped into a pothole and slipped. After that, I removed my chappals and walked barefoot, trying to grip the ground with my toes and the surface of my foot.

Shivam Bora, Shopkeeper, Mid 30’s

It was raining heavily, but I had to run out for something. I was splashing through the floodwater when my sandals totally slipped off. Suddenly, I stepped on something really sharp and started bleeding right there in the street.

ADD IMAGE · pencil sketch, splashing foot

ADD IMAGE · pencil sketch, walking in a saree

Debarchana, Shop Owner, Mid 30’s

“I was wearing a saree and walking to my shop after the rain. The water was up to my calves, and my chappals kept slipping off because they had no back strap or grip. I finally carried them in my hand and walked barefoot through the dirty water. It was uncomfortable and risky, but I had no choice.”

02 Talking with potential users

2.4 Synthesizing

data

Flood duration

6−7 Days

Water level

1.5 - 2 ft

Problems faced

80%

Slipping / Getting Stuck

Health issues

77.8%

Skin Infections

ADD IMAGE · affinity map photo

Avg drying time

1 Day

Shoe cleaning time

Half Hour

Average price

₹250

User wants

45.5%

Comfort & Ease of Use

02 Talking with potential users

2.5

Everyday Activities

of people

Shopkeepers / small business owners in Guwahati

Shopkeepers walk through flooded lanes with their belongings, pants rolled up, and feet submerged in dirty water. They reach their shops and continue work despite the challenging conditions.

ADD IMAGE

Roadside vendors / stall owners in Guwahati

Roadside stall owners walk through muddy, waterlogged paths carrying supplies for the day. They serve customers in the rain, standing in puddles as they continue their work. After a long day, they return home and clean their feet, worn out from constant contact with water.

ADD IMAGE

School going in Guwahati

Students walk through flooded paths wearing school-allowed sandals. While the straps and grip offer some support, the constant contact with dirty water leaves their feet wet, uncomfortable, and at risk of slipping.

ADD IMAGE

03 Market study

Next we scoured the market to find

Shoes/ Footwear worn in water.

For the scope of the project, we decided to conduct a market study in Guwahati to understand existing footwear options and user preferences in flood-prone conditions.

ADD IMAGE · pile of footwear at the market

03 Market study

3.1 Guwahati

market study

ADD IMAGE

• No Grip • Straps might break

ADD IMAGE

• Thick sole • Good foot arc support

ADD IMAGE

• Sole lacks adequate traction

ADD IMAGE

• Flow lines channel water away

ADD IMAGE

• No toe hold - foot slips forward in water

ADD IMAGE

• No arch support; poor outsole grip

ADD IMAGE

• No arch support; poor insole grip

ADD IMAGE

• Cushioned outsole ensures better shock absorption and grip

ADD IMAGE

• Cushioned outsole ensures better shock absorption and grip

• People prefer wearing footwear that does not retain water.

• Chappals with toe grip or back fastening are commonly used for better hold and stability.

• No cloth or fabric materials are observed, as they tend to absorb water and take longer to dry.

03 Market study

3.2 What are people

currently wearing

here?

• People are wearing footwear that dont hold water

• Use chappals which have toe grip/ back fasteing

• No cloth/fabric materials seen

Online study

Footwear preferred in rain by locals.

ADD IMAGE · product card

03 Market study

3.3 Footwear worn in

Indian flood prone cities.

Kerala

ADD CHART

Mumbai

ADD CHART

Delhi

ADD CHART

Bangalore

ADD CHART

source : www.reddit.com

03 Market study

3.4 Waterproof footwear

around the world.

Model

Type

Primary use

Key materials

ADD IMAGE

AMPHIBIOUS WATER SANDALS

WADING BOOTS

Casual water sports, beach activities, light hiking, travel

Synthetic upper (mesh, synthetic overlays), rubber outsole (Contagrip)

ADD IMAGE

TACTICAL/MILITARY BOOTS

MILITARY SNEAKERS

Military personnel, law enforcement, tactical professionals, rescue operations

Cordura nylon, leather reinforcements, breathable mesh panels, drainage grommets, Vibram or military-spec outsoles

ADD IMAGE

SIMMS FISHING BOOTS

FISHING BOOTS

Fly fishermen, river guides, outdoor enthusiasts

Synthetic mesh/fabric upper, Vibram or sticky rubber outsole, TPU reinforcements

ADD IMAGE

SIMMS FORENSIC BOOTS

HYBRID FORENSIC/RESCUE BOOTS

Emergency responders, rescue personnel, hazmat teams, industrial workers

Full rubber or PVC waterproof upper, steel/composite toe caps, puncture-resistant midsole plates, insulated linings

03 Market study

3.5 Footwear worn in other

water contexts

ADD IMAGE

Paddy Field farmers

Prefer walking barefoot

ADD IMAGE

fishermen

Prefer walking barefoot

ADD IMAGE

Beach Sports men

Wear Chappals/ barefoot

Key Takeaway

• Tactile Awareness: Walking barefoot helps them sense the ground better, allowing quick reaction to uneven or slippery surfaces.

• Visibility & Control: Being barefoot lets them see and feel what’s beneath, reducing the risk of tripping or stepping on harmful objects.

03 Market study

3.6 Additionally we checked for

innovations/patents

ADD IMAGE · patent

• Footwear needs a firm hold mechanism such as a toe grip or strap to stay secure in water.

• Traction zones under the heel and forefoot improve stability on wet terrain.

• The outsole uses a textured rubber surface to ensure strong grip on wet and slippery surfaces.

• Side panels use a mesh material with small apertures - this allows water to flow in and out, prevents heavy absorption, and allows quick drying.

• Textured rubber outsole to provide strong grip on wet surfaces.

• Drainage/perforation in the rubber and allowing entrapped water to escape.

• Use of durable sole materials that maintain grip even when wet and muddy.

• A design focus on foot retention so the shoe stays securely on the foot in challenging terrain.

• A heel cavity or recessed area can help reduce water retention and speed up drainage.

• Structured toe/forefoot area designed for better articulation and secure contact with irregular/wet surfaces.

• The concept emphasises both moisture-repellency and active water displacement rather than just a high-friction sole.

• There are perforations and lateral channels in the sole structure that allow displaced water to be funneled away, improving traction even on a film of water.

03 Market study

3.7

Key innovation

in India

Dwarka Prasad Chaurasia, an Indian innovator, developed unique "Water Walking Shoes" designed to help people navigate flooded areas. In rural parts of India. The shoes utilize the principle of buoyancy to allow individuals to walk on water, rather than propulsion, according to the National Innovation Foundation-India.

What is working well?

• Cost effective solution

• Locally sourced readily available materials

• No contact with water - no waterborne risks

What doesn’t work?

• Multiple parts causing Storage problems

• Many required for each person in a family

• Too long process to wear and go out

• Difficult to navigate/ turn

• Difficult in balancing/ chances of toppling

• Wont work in city, when multiple people are there in less space

• Steeper learning curve

ADD IMAGE · Water Walking Shoes

Construction

two floats made of thermocol, bonded to a rexine sheet, and attached to metal straps with back foot support.

Control

Users utilize hand-held oars (also filled with thermocol) for balance and navigation

Stability

The two shoes are tied together to maintain their proximity

04 Revisiting the brief

Revisiting

the brief

Based on all the research, we realised that restricting ourselves to a “shoe” wouldnt solve the users problems.

Redesign a

Footwear

for flooded terrain.

//Footwear is a broad category includes anything worn on the feet. It has many types — shoes, sandals, boots, slippers, clogs, flip-flops, skates, even specialized gear like flippers or snowshoes.//

02 Footwear study

Footwear

Study

We carried out a footwear study to understand how different types perform in flooded conditions. The focus was on grip, material behavior, and overall usability on both concrete and muddy terrains.

ADD IMAGE · exploded shoe illustration

05 Footwear study

5.1

Top footwear

identified

ADD IMAGE

Chappals

ADD IMAGE

Clogs

ADD IMAGE

Barefoot

05 Footwear study

5.2

Footwear

for Self

task analysis

ADD IMAGE · clogs and slippers

ADD IMAGE · sandals

ADD IMAGE · footwear lineup

05 Footwear study

5.3 Self

task analysis

We then tried and walked in water with the identified foot wear to gather more insights and understand the painpoints better

Chappals

ADD IMAGES · 9 test-walk photos

• Gap between the foot and footwear makes walking unstable.

• Slider chappals slip off easily while walking in water.

• Loose straps increase the risk of the foot twisting.

Clogs

ADD IMAGES · 9 test-walk photos

• Thick sole reduces ground feel, creating fear of hidden obstacles.

• Rounded front design increases resistance when moving through water.

05 Footwear study

5.3 Self

task analysis

Sandals

ADD IMAGES · 9 test-walk photos

• Felt heavy while walking through water.

• Provided a good hold on the foot due to the last strap design.

• Straps absorbed water, making them uncomfortable over time.

Comparing footwear

ADD IMAGES · 6 comparison photos

Final Comparison

• Chappals with an insole grip offered better foot stability.

• Back fastening in clogs improved foot hold and security.

• Initial hesitation to step into dirty water barefoot, but acceptance increased once immersed.

05 Footwear study

5.4 Studying

Materials

Natural Rubber

ADD IMAGE

Pros

Excellent wet grip, durable, flexible, water-resistant

Cons

Heavy, slow drying, limited breathability

Suitability

High – good for outsoles

Synthetic Rubber/ Neoprene

ADD IMAGE

Pros

Chemical resistant, flexible in cold, durable

Cons

Heavier than EVA, traps heat

Suitability

Moderate – outsole layering

EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate)

ADD IMAGE

Pros

Lightweight, waterproof, cushioning, quick-drying, moldable

Cons

Cushioning degrades over time

Suitability

Very High – ideal primary material

Gore-Tex

ADD IMAGE

Pros

100% waterproof, breathable

Cons

Poor in submersion, costly

Suitability

Low – unsuited for floods

Sympatex

ADD IMAGE

Pros

Breathable, sustainable, durable

Cons

High cost, adds manufacturing layers; poor drainage.

Suitability

Moderate – best for high-end waterproof boots.

Polyester/Nylon Mesh

ADD IMAGE

Pros

Quick-drying, breathable, lightweight, cheap

Cons

Limited protection, absorbs dirt

Suitability

High

05 Footwear study

5.5 Studying

Forms

1. Drainage-Focused Forms

ADD IMAGE · perforated shoe

a) Drainage ports in outsole for rapid water evacuation

b) Perforated uppers for airflow and faster drying

c) Perforated insoles to prevent internal water accumulation

2. Sole Geometry Optimized for Wet Conditions

ADD IMAGE · lugged sole

a) Deep lugs (6-8mm): Enhance traction and self-clean by shedding mud

b) Siped outsoles: Fine cuts in rubber improve grip on slick surfaces (borrowed from tire technology)

c) Multi-directional patterns: Provide stability on varied terrain

3. Toe Separation and Split-Toe (Tabi) Forms

ADD IMAGE · split-toe shoes

a) Tabi / Split-Toe Design: A separation between the big toe and other toes increases ground contact, agility, grip and balance

b) Enhanced proprioception: Better sense of ground beneath feet

c) Improved balance: Allows natural toe splay and muscle activation

4. Shoe form

ADD IMAGE · shoe heights

a) Low-cut/Sandal: Better drainage, everyday use, maximum breathability

b) Mid-cut: Balance of coverage and drainage

c) High-cut: More protection for prolonged exposure, agricultural/rescue contexts

d) Velcro and elastic: Quick to put on/remove, adjustable fit

05 Footwear study

5.6 Studying

Ergonomics

1. Proper Fit and Shape Adaptation

Footwear must adapt to dynamic changes in foot volume caused by swelling and moisture absorption.

2. Heat and Moisture Management

Continuous immersion raises skin humidity and temperature.

3. Shock Absorption and Cushioning

Walking on submerged hard surfaces increases joint stress due to unstable footing.

4. Slip Resistance and Traction

Outsoles must maintain high friction in both forward and lateral motion on wet concrete and mud.

5. Flexibility and Support

Flexibility at the ball of the foot allows natural gait, while midfoot support ensures control.

6. Stability and Balance

Ergonomic stability is critical when walking against water currents or on uneven ground.

05 Footwear study

5.7

Lifecycle

of a Footwear

Research and Need

• Understand the real conditions of flooded terrains, user pain points, and context.

• Field Researchers / Designers

Design

• Design footwear that can resist water, provide grip, comfort, and durability.

• Designers, Ergonomics Experts • Prototyping Technicians • Potential Users

Material Sourcing

• Obtain raw materials for manufacturing.

• Suppliers / Vendors • Quality Inspectors

Manufacturing

• Mass-produce durable, water-resistant footwear.

• Factory Workers & Machine Operators • Quality Control Team • Packaging Team

Distribution

• Get the footwear to people who need it.

• Retailers / Local Shops • E-commerce Platforms • Government / NGOs

Maintenance

• Ensure users can care for and maintain footwear for longer use.

• Local Cobblers / Repair Shops • Designers (Indirectly)

Recycling or Disposal

• Manage worn-out footwear sustainably.

• Recycling Facilities • Local Waste Collectors

05 Footwear study

5.8

Insights

from Footwear Study

The material, form, and ergonomic studies led to clear design directions:

a) Material: EVA body with rubber outsole combines lightweight comfort with necessary grip

b) Form: Low-cut design with drainage features, split-toe sole for balance, and secure elastic fastening

c) Ergonomics: Focus on flexibility, ground awareness, and quick drainage while maintaining protection from hazards

These findings formed the foundation for our design criteria in the next phase.

IMAGE

02 Footwear study

Define

phase

6.1 Users

Who are our Users?

In this phase, we identified our users and developed personas reflecting their everyday experiences in flooded conditions. By mapping their journeys and studying their challenges, we uncovered key insights into their needs and behaviors, which ultimately led to the phrasing of the design brief.

6.2 User

Persona

Shopkeeper

ADD IMAGE

Name - Mr. Sheikh

Age - 27 years

Location - GS Road

Income Level - Lower Middle Class

“If the soles could just grip properly, I wouldn’t be so scared of slipping.”

Needs

• Wants visibility and awareness of the ground surface while walking through murky, flooded water for safety and confidence.

• Needs footwear that enables quick, unhindered movement through flooded streets to reach home safely and on time.

• Requires footwear that securely grips and supports the feet, preventing slippage or discomfort while walking in wet conditions.

Goals

• Easy-to-clean materials — rinse and dry fast.

• Stay comfortable and safe while walking to work in flooded or wet conditions.

• Spend within a modest budget without compromising on durability.

Expectations

• Footwear should provide strong traction and stability on wet and slippery surfaces.

• Footwear should offer tactile or visual feedback that helps the user sense or perceive the surface beneath the water.

• Own one reliable pair of footwear that works for both wet and dry seasons.

Frustrations

• Fear of slipping

• Mud getting stuck to feet and ruining the footwear.

• Not able to lift foot inside flooded water and walk forward.

06 Define

6.3 Experience journey -

shopkeeper

Stage

Morning – Opening the Shop

Afternoon – Regular Work Hours

Evening Tea Time – Rain Intensifies

Late Evening – Returning Home

Context

Rain from last night has left shallow puddle. The shopkeeper starts his day early, wearing his regular rubber slippers

The ground is still damp, and small puddles remain outside the shop.

Heavy rain begins again, and the lane in front of the shop slowly turns into a stream of brown, murky water. The shopkeeper pauses his routine tea break, watching the water rise.

After heavy rains, and waiting for a while He decides to head home through knee-deep, muddy water.

Interaction with Product (Slippers)

The slippers feel comfortable and familiar.

The slippers are still usable but feel slightly slippery inside.

As water starts to rise, the slippers begin to slip on the uneven, muddy ground. The sole catches dirt, and he feels them lose traction. He hesitates to step into the dirty water.

When the water gets deeper, the slippers become unreliable. His feet slide with each step. Instinctively, he removes them — walking barefoot to feel what’s beneath and to find steadier ground.

Emotions

🙂

😐

🙁

😢

Pain Points

Water easily seeps in; slight dampness.

No proper grip when wet; feet slide inside.

Slippers lose traction completely; no drainage; trapped mud adds weight.

Product becomes useless in flooded water, difficulty in finding the grip on ground

Design Opportunities

Retain the lightweight familiarity but improve water resistance.

Use materials that prevent slipperiness on wet skin.

Develop soles with deeper grip and drainage for muddy terrain.

Design footwear that allows ground awareness, traction, and hygiene in flooded conditions — something between barefoot comfort and protective coverage.

06 Define

6.4 Insights

Mind mapping connected key insights from all research, linking user needs, environmental challenges, and design opportunities to guide the footwear concept for flood-prone regions.

ADD IMAGE · "Insights from Research" mind map

Primary Research Inputs

Non Slippery – No plastic footwear

Waterproof – Safe to wear, Sealed

Easy to Dry – Rubber material, Strong grip

Non Slippery – Strong grip

Comfortable Grip – No shoelace, Easy carrying

Market Analysis

Water sandals – Synthetic webbing, Nylon uppers

Classic Rubber Wellingtons – Vulcanized rubber

Tactical/Military Boots – Breathable mesh panels

Map Study & Soil Typology

Urban/Concrete – Hard surface

Clay – Dense, sticky; Slip risk very high

Alluvial – Soft and slippery; Slip risk medium

User Activities

Slippery surfaces – Lack of grip, Mud accumulation

Walking through water – Navigating debris, Lost balance, Delayed commute

Waterborne hazards

Safety risk – Torn shoes, Torn shoes

Limited mobility – Long distances

Natural Hazards Proof

Contaminated water – Accessibility challenges

Cold, wet conditions – Health hazards, Torn shoes

Water logging – Poor drainage

Innovation Study

Control – Hand held oars

Stability – Shoes tied together

Construction – Bonded to Rexin sheet, Thermocol floats

06 Define

6.5 MOSCOW

analysis.

MUST HAVE

• Strong grip sole to prevent slipping on wet and uneven surfaces.

• Water-resistant or quick-drying material to prevent water absorption.

• Protection from sharp objects and animal bites

• Easy to wear and remove, even when wet or in a hurry.

• Lightweight and flexible for comfortable long-distance walking in water.

SHOULD HAVE

• Adjustable fastening system for secure fit.

• Drainage channels or holes to let water flow out easily.

• Anti-bacterial or easy-clean inner sole to reduce infection risk.

• Affordable material choice

COULD HAVE

• Reflective strips for visibility in low-light, rainy conditions.

• Custom sizing for men, women, and children.

• Aesthetic design variations meant for fashion appeal.

• Replaceable or washable inner soles.

WONT HAVE

• Eco-friendly materials

• Thermal comfort layer to prevent cold feet during long exposure.

07 Brief

7.1 Redefined

design brief.

To design a

footwear solution

that addresses the problem of

safety and usability

waterlogged areas of Guwahati,

to enhance

comfort, grip, and mobility,

while

walking through floodwater.

Problem — safety and usability

Users — waterlogged areas of Guwahati

Impact — comfort, grip, and mobility

Time period — walking through floodwater

08 Ideation

Ideation

Phase

In the Ideation phase, we generated multiple concepts addressing grip, material, and form through techniques like brainwriting and sketch exploration, aiming to develop a functional yet comfortable footwear solution for flooded conditions.

ADD IMAGE · footwear concept sketches

08 Ideation

8.1 Design

criteria.

• Strong grip to prevent slipping on wet and uneven surfaces.

• Water-resistant or quick-drying material to prevent water absorption.

• Protection from sharp objects and animal bites

• Easy to wear and remove, even when wet or in a hurry.

• Lightweight and flexible for comfortable long-distance walking in water.

• Secure fastening system for secure fit.

• Drainage channels or holes to let water flow out easily.

• Anti-bacterial or easy-clean inner sole to reduce infection risk.

• Affordable material choice

08 Ideation

8.2 Brain

writing

We circulated our idea sheets among four groups. Each participant individually sketched concepts for the given design criteria, leading to a diverse range of ideas.

ADD IMAGE · "Criteria for Footwear" idea sheet

08 Ideation

8.3 Morphological

chart

Design criteria

Option 1 · Option 2 · Option 3 · Option 4 · Option 5

Footwear should not slip

ADD IMAGE · option sketches

Protect from: animal bites, sharp objects, electric shocks

ADD IMAGE · option sketches

Should not absorb or collect water

ADD IMAGE · option sketches

Should hug the foot

ADD IMAGE · option sketches

Water dynamic / streamlined form

ADD IMAGE · option sketches

08 Ideation

8.3 Morphological

chart

Design criteria

Option 1 · Option 2 · Option 3 · Option 4 · Option 5

Easy to wear (fastening)

ADD IMAGE · option sketches

velcro · sandals · mules · flip-flops · plastic sock + elastic

Lightweight

ADD IMAGE · option sketches

rubber chappal · flip-flops · plastic cover wrapping

Thick material to protect foot

thick rubber/neoprene · polyurethane (PU) · ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) · cork nitrile

Form should follow foot shape / foot should feel the beneath surface

ADD IMAGE · option sketches

barefoot shoes · wide space for toes

Reduce pressure on knees

ADD IMAGE · option sketches

metatarsal pad/support bumps · arch support · spongy insole

08 Ideation

8.4 Concept

ideation

ADD IMAGE · concept sketch sheet

08 Ideation

8.4 Concept

ideation

ADD IMAGE · concept sketch sheet

08 Ideation

8.4 Concept

ideation

ADD IMAGE · concept sketch sheet

08 Ideation

8.4 Concept

ideation

ADD IMAGE · cover ideations

ADD IMAGE · concept sketch sheet

In the Ideation phase, we generated around 60 concept sketches exploring various combinations of grip, material, and form. From these, the best 10 designs were shortlisted based on key functional features and evaluated using a Pugh chart to identify the most promising direction for further development.

08 Ideation

8.5 Pugh Chart of

top concepts

Design criteria

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Option 4

Option 5

Option 6

Option 7

Option 8

Option 9

Option 10

Footwear should not slip

−1

Protect from: animal bites, sharp objects, electric shocks

−1

Should not absorb or collect water

−1

Should hug the foot

−1

Water dynamic / streamlined form

−1

Easy to wear (fastening)

−1

Lightweight

−1

Thick material to protect foot

−1

Form should follow foot shape

−1

Reduce pressure on knees

−1

Contact area with water

−1

Total

−1

08 Ideation

8.6 Concept 1

This flood-terrain footwear features a roll-down elastic collar, breathable micro-grip holes, and toe-separation pockets for better ground grip, with a cushioned arch, impact-absorbent sole, and adjustable band for comfort in waterlogged conditions.

ADD IMAGE · Concept 1 render

08 Ideation

8.6 Concept 2

A croc-like flood footwear designed with drain holes for quick water flow, a split sole for enhanced grip, and toe protection for safety. It features breathable pores, an elastic fastening system, arch support, and a textured insole–outsole grip for stability in wet conditions.

ADD IMAGE · Concept 2 render

08 Ideation

8.6 Concept 3

This convertible crocs–slipper system includes a removable insole and lockable toe post that transforms it into a secure slipper for flooded terrain. The crocs shell minimizes water contact with drainage holes and protective coverage, while the slipper mode offers flexible grip and comfort in wet conditions.

ADD IMAGE · Concept 3 render

09 Develop

Develop

phase

Pointers to be considered for finalising the concept

• Use of flexible materials for adaptability.

• Design that follows natural foot dynamics.

• Ensure breathability for comfort in humid conditions.

• Huggability of footwear through secure fastening.

• Enhanced arch support for stability.

• Split-toe sole for improved grip and flexibility.

• Drainage holes for quick water release.

• Hardened front cap for toe protection.

• Maximum foot coverage for protection in flooded conditions.

• Convertible footwear length for adaptability to varying water levels.

09 Develop

9.1 Final

Concept Generation

ADD IMAGE · final concept sketch

09 Develop

9.1 3D

Model

Material

Outsole : Rubber. Properties : Traction, Durability, Hard Wearing

Body & Insole : EVA. Properties : Lightweight, Moves with foot, Waterproof

ADD IMAGE · side view

ADD IMAGE · back view

09 Develop

9.1 3D

Model

ADD IMAGE · top view

ADD IMAGE · bottom view

ADD IMAGE · isometric view

09 Develop

9.2 3D

Exploded View & Features

Outward-sloped insole for drainage

Drain holes near sole for quick water release

Arch support for comfort

Small top vents for breathability

Toe cover - protects foot from sharp objects

Toe grip, insole and outsole grip for better walking in water

ADD IMAGE · exploded view

Elastic fastening on the sides

Small top vents for breathability

Body Material - EVA

Foot-shaped grip marks on insole. Material - EVA

Drain holes for the flowability of water

Circular outsole treads for water flow. Material - Rubber

Flexible sole material

Toe grip for better control

09 Develop

9.3 3D Usage

Scenarios

ADD IMAGE · usage scenario sketches

Waterproof inside flooded water

Split sole offers better thumb grip and flexibility.

Drain holes near sole for quick water release

Durable toe guard offers protection against bumps and debris.

10 Deliver

Deliver

phase

In the Deliver phase, a prototype was created using foam sheets as a substitute for the EVA body material and a rubber sole for traction. Grip patterns were incorporated to replicate real-use conditions and test stability, comfort, and water resistance.

ADD IMAGE · prototype photo

10 Deliver

10.1 Prototype

making

ADD IMAGE · prototype making photo collage

10 Deliver

10.2 Prototype

Prototype was created using foam sheets as a substitute for the EVA body material and a rubber sole for traction. Grip patterns were incorporated using clay to replicate real-use conditions and test stability, comfort, and water resistance. Arch support was developed using rubber soles. Elastic is used as fastening mechanism. Drain holes and small pores for breathability are also shown. Split sole and a toe post is also shown in the prototype.

ADD IMAGE · prototype 1

ADD IMAGE · prototype 2

ADD IMAGE · prototype sole

10 Deliver

10.3 Prototype

Testing

“The grip on both the insole and outsole was good. I could feel the toe grip while walking, and the elastic fastening made it easy to wear. The arch support gave added comfort.”

- Pranavakshari, 23 F, College Student