adidas Biomimicry Project

Design Brief: The goal of this research was to explore how biomimicry could drive innovation in athletic footwear—enhancing performance, environmental impact, and design methodology. To investigate design solutions for traction, support, and weight. As Adidas had the lightest shoe on the market at the time, we focused on designing a lightweight shoe.

Design Role: This project was a 6 months Biomimicry project with the adidas Innovation Team (aIT) at the adidas North America Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. As an intern and researcher, I developed a footwear concept through biomimicry as both a product innovation tool and a case study for my thesis. The project focused on designing a lightweight shoe upper inspired by the structure of insect wings. Involved in the project was an aIT Sr. Researcher, a Biologist at the Design Table (BaDT) and at various times taking part in the design reviews were a number of aIT members ranging from heads of departments, to designers, developers and engineers.