'Wacky Pack' by Ye Shen: Innovation in Interactive Footwear

Wacky Pack

Interactive Footwear for Ye Shen

Wacky Pack explores the concept and possibilities of footwear closure, or traditionally speaking, how to tie a shoe. It explores unorthodox construction and fastening methods, creating unique yet diverse interactions between the shoe and the user, providing a new level of improvisation and customization for your day-to-day look. Veg-tanned leather with various thicknesses and metal hardware is used across the pack. Each design was explored and validated through intensive prototyping to finalize the proportion, soling methods, and most importantly, closure system design.

Ye Shen 2023 Professional Silver Press Kit № 150436

Download Press Kit № 150436

Download Press Kit № 150436 Interactive Footwear for Ye Shen by Ye Shen to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.

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Wacky Pack by Ye Shen

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Interactive Footwear by Ye Shen

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. Please check the Image Credits Section for photo acknowledgements.

Ye Shen Wacky Pack

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Leverage the high resolution of this 1800-pixel image for detailed, vibrant prints. At 300 DPI, it's ideal for up to 6 inches; at 150 DPI, it scales beautifully to 12 inches. With press accreditation, enjoy watermark-free, high-res downloads. Low-res images are available immediately for all. To identify photo contributors, visit the Image Credits Section.

Ye Shen Interactive Footwear

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Maximize the potential of this 1800-pixel image: at 300 DPI, it delivers exceptional detail up to 6 inches, while at 150 DPI, it offers clarity for prints up to 12 inches. Press credentials grant access to download high-res, watermark-free images. Alternatively, download a low-res version instantly. Acknowledgements for photographs are in the Image Credits Section.

Ye Shen Interview

Content for Journalists: We're providing an interview with Ye Shen, approximately 1016 words, free for editorial use. Gain access and download instantly. Access Ye Shen Interview Now.

Wacky Pack Interactive Footwear Media Articles

Our Wacky Pack articles are prepped and available in these languages: Italian, Turkish, Korean, Arabic (Standard), Japanese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Indonesian, Dutch, Hindi and English, ready for your use.

Unique Properties

Wacky Pack explores the concept and possibilities of footwear closure, or traditionally speaking, "how-to-tie-a-shoe". It explores unorthodox construction and fastening method, creating unique yet diverse interactions between the shoe and the user, providing a new level of improvisation and customization for your day-to-day look.

Production Technology

Veg-tanned leather with various thickness and metal hardware were used across the pack. All non-leather soft materials were dyed to match the cream color. The hardware selection was custom-tailored to perform the unique closures. Each design was explored and validated through intensive prototyping to finalize the proportion, soling methods, and most importantly, closure system design. All pattern pieces were hand cut, cemented, sewn, then assembled with metal hardwares and hand lasted, finished with various soling techniques and materials, finally sanded and finished.

Project Duration

This Project was created in a 4-month period in Fall 2018, within a shoe-making course taught by Anne Marika Chasse at Rhode Island School of Design.

Operation Flow

Bao Bao: Shoe born inside a shoe cover. Wear it close, wear it open, wear it flipped. O Snap: Turn O-snap on, snap pieces to each other. Snap None or snap all; snap some or snap one, it's up to you. Sticky Fingers: Shoe zipped all the way around. Zip or unzip, front or back. Zip it close, hide inside; Zip it open, reveal yourself.

Research

Gen-Z and Millennials will soon be (if not already) the core consumer of fashion and luxury. With low brand loyalty and contemporary view of value, all they are after is fresh concepts that grab their attentions, concepts that become the pieces and its value. Brands are all playing up to these desires. But with the Millennials’ quick shift of attention, very soon a pure concept won’t attract them anymore, and they would want something more, they would want to be a part of the concept.

Inspiration

What does it mean to tie a shoe? Why does it need to be tied? If all a shoe need to do is to enclose your foot, how differently can a shoe perform this task? Can the mundane action of "shoe-tying" turns into something more meaningful or entertaining? Can the closure dictate how a shoe works, or become a shoe itself? Can it alter the user's experience and behavior?

Project Overview

Wacky Pack Interactive Footwear has been a Silver winner in the Footwear, Shoes and Boots Design award category in the year 2022 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Ye Shen.

Silver Recognition

Ye Shen was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2023, a testament to excellence of their work Wacky Pack Interactive Footwear.

Ye Shen Newsroom

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You are currently viewing Media Showcase № 150436. Navigate Ye Shen's newsroom for a curated selection of their award-winning work, enriched with high-quality media and valuable insights. You are exploring Press Kit / Media Showcase 150436 for Wacky Pack. More resources can be found in Newsroom 342292.