19.   Project presentation
Document a final project that integrates the range of units covered

Shoes have always been considered a reflection of personality and identity. Tip Tap Toes embody not only the physical interaction with the user, but also in the process of fabrication. The premise of the project is to investigate how digital technologies can facilitate in the creation of personalized and customized footwear. These playful shoes are molded to the sole of the feet of the user to create customized insoles for comfort. The final cast integrates electronics embedded within the system that will facilitate auditory responses. The interaction between the foot and the ground surfaces will create a tangible auditory response and will serve as a new interface for musical expression.

To begin the process, feet are scanned using a 3D scanner and imported into Rhino, a 3D modelling software. Within Rhino, the scanned STL file of the foot is used to create a 3D 2-part mold that then gets 3D printed. The material for the upper sold of the shoe was also modeling in Rhino, then flattened and lasercut in fabric. The electronic components are then sewn into the fabric and include a modified Barduino, three force sensitive resisitors, breakout boards, and a speaker. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to create a wireless communication between both shoes, let alone the second shoe! But as a proof of concept, the shoe works and I hope to digitally manufactor the other shoe at some point. Another thing that I didn't get to achieve was the processing interface that will allow the user to customize the auditory output in terms of type of sound and intensity. However, the amount of knowledge that I now know about designing, fabricating and producing electronics, Arduino and sound processing is immeasurable.

How was it done? Have a look at the following weeks:
Computer-aided design
Input design
Composites
Output Devices
Mechanical and Machine design
Project Development

Download the corresponding files here.