Startup ShiftWear, has come up with a concept that promises wearers the ability to art-direct their footwear via a mobile app with an endless stream of HD-quality images and animations. Powered by the wearer’s movements via a “walk and charge” system, the shoes, which are still in the prototype phase, use HD color-flexible e-paper displays and Bluetooth-enabled software that allows them to communicate with the ShiftWear mobile app, the founders say. The idea seems novel, but it’s part of a larger trend toward mass-customization in the fashion and design worlds: Consumers are given a smidgen of control over the look of the final product that might appeal to their desire for self-expression but often adds up to nothing more than a gimmicky nod to co-creation
Fashion trends come and go, but a new shoe concept is intended to keep you up to date with the latest style, or let you coordinate your footwear with any outfit, without requiring an Imelda Marcos-sized shoe collection. The ShiftWear sneakers are designed with flexible E Ink color displays that can be customized with images or animations directly from a smartphone or tablet. Each pair of ShiftWear sneakers features always-on E Ink displays, similar to those found in e-readers. The built-in batteries are designed to last up to 30 days, depending on the type of visuals set. Static images will consume little-to-no power, while animated graphics would be expected to drain batteries much faster, especially with increased complexity or frequency. But the team creating these kicks plans to incorporate wireless charging capabilities, as well as “Walk-N-Charge” technology that lets the shoes charge up with every step.
The ShiftWear sneakers are designed to pair with a mobile device running the companion app (iOS, Android, Windows), which will let users browse, download, and program designs for the shoes. Art can be created for personal use or offered up to the marketplace for others to purchase. It’s also worth noting that the displays aren’t front-lit, so images and animations will have limited visibility in low-light conditions. For those concerned about wear and tear, the ShiftWear sneakers will be waterproof and machine washable. Although there are no plans for the soles to be replaceable, they will be coated with Kevlar fiber in order to last longer.
For more information please visit: www.shiftwear.com
