Project Overview
The master's project presents the research and design development of a smart ballet shoe system – a sensor embedded slipper that delivers live, on-body feedback throughout a practice session.
Prior to product development, an understanding of adult ballet classes and the dance shoe industry was established through observational studies, user interviews, and service design tools.
A 3 part system – sock, shoe, and legwarmer – was then developed to monitor basic elements of ballet technique, with pressure sensors and inertial motion units, and deliver real time feedback on the dancer’s body, with haptic motors and lights.
The smart ballet shoe was then integrated with a digital service that aids beginner dancers in identifying goals, understanding data from the shoes, and tracking progress over time.
Preliminary feedback from focus groups and interviews indicates strong interest from the adult ballet community, and suggestions that the system may help prevent injuries, speed learning, and build dancers’ confidence in movement.
Prior to product development, an understanding of adult ballet classes and the dance shoe industry was established through observational studies, user interviews, and service design tools.
A 3 part system – sock, shoe, and legwarmer – was then developed to monitor basic elements of ballet technique, with pressure sensors and inertial motion units, and deliver real time feedback on the dancer’s body, with haptic motors and lights.
The smart ballet shoe was then integrated with a digital service that aids beginner dancers in identifying goals, understanding data from the shoes, and tracking progress over time.
Preliminary feedback from focus groups and interviews indicates strong interest from the adult ballet community, and suggestions that the system may help prevent injuries, speed learning, and build dancers’ confidence in movement.
My Role
I was responsible for identifying, scoping, and executing the entirety of this project as part of the fulfillment of gradation requirements for Georgia Institute of Technology's Master of Industrial Design degree.
This project was completed under the guidance of my supervisor, Jim Budd, and received further assistance from committee members Clint Zeagler and Florian Vollmer.
This project was completed under the guidance of my supervisor, Jim Budd, and received further assistance from committee members Clint Zeagler and Florian Vollmer.
Photo Credits: James Hallam