Sole searching: Designer is on the front foot

Myshell256 is made from 16 modular components that can be assembled together to make 256 different pairs. The shoes are put together in four parts strapped to the foot by a silicon band. The thermoplastic pieces then move independently as the foot flexes.

‘The idea is that you can mix the shells together to create one shell,’ says Golan. She was inspired by the ancient techniques of shoe-making, and the basic forms found in terrestrial crusts. ‘I was not interested in making a pretty product,’ she explains. ‘I wanted appeal to consumers who want to express their creativity and are not afraid to stand out.’

This is a great example of how designers are giving consumers the space and the tools to add meaning and knowledge to build their own creations. For more, read our 3DIY Culture report.