Footwear Design with Industrial Technology 4.0 and The Supply Chain of the Future Footwear Design with Industrial Technology 4.0 and The

Supply Chain of the Future

Modern design can seem daunting, especially with the advent of 3D design technology and artificial intelligence entering the fray. To help frame some of the challenges and opportunities that come with both, Viktor Taan, Director of Business Development at Futuresole Institute, opened his talk about how these technologies will complement, not replace, human design. Taan googled Dall-e (an AI design program) sneaker designs, and thought they all looked somewhat cold, even sinister. “We can use AI as a tool, but we still need designers, human beings to make it into something that people really want to wear.”

Taan went on to spell out a footwear design paradigm shift that requires key technology to stand apart from the competition. He pointed out the importance of the “Make Less/Make More,” maxim; i.e., building more value into one pair of shoes. “That’s not just materials and longevity, but also excitement.”

Taan also explained how 3D Design and printing can save time in the sample-making process, but also allows for incredible detail and specificity. Other new technologies Taan says we should watch out for are dyeing techniques that provide “quantum spectrum” design opportunities with the ability to not only control the process at a microscopic level, but also cut down on water pollution in the dyeing process.

These sessions were just a portion of the many activities that were available to SOURCING at MAGIC guests in February. Beyond attending seminars, consulting with sustainability experts, and finding new manufacturing and technology resources, perhaps the best part of the show was the ability to connect with other sourcing professionals. Feeling like you missed out? No worries. Sourcing at MAGIC Online presents a wealth of tools and materials to keep the conversation going. Start making plans now for Sourcing at MAGIC Las Vegas this August.