In-Store Assembly and Customization of Footwear

Nike, Inc. Engineering, 2008-09

Liaison(s): Ciro Fusco, Amy Gishifu, Bruce Kilgore, David Schenone
Advisor(s): Joseph King (F), Patrick Little (S), Jacqueline El-Sayed (S)
Students(s): Bryan Downs (S), Sarah Nitzan (F), Alyssa Pierson (F), Timothy Sweda (TL-S), Michelle Walker (S), Anthony Wimer-Maniago (TL-F)

One current problem with retail footwear sales is the limited availability of customization options. Consumers strive to achieve a balance among aesthetics, comfort, fit, and performance, but too many compromises will leave a customer not feeling fully satisfied with his or her purchase. Nike has tasked our team with developing a method for assembling footwear products at the point of sale to facilitate customization.