2024
Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design
Duration: six months
Master thesis, Design ecologies, Design fiction, Footwear design, Design research, Concept development, Material exploration, Digital and physical prototyping, Exhibition design
Designing for Biotech Futures
What would biofootwear for running look like? How could we enhance athletic performance with biotechnology? What consequences would it have on the human-tech relation? What are the ethical implications of this practice?
Skin Autografting
Uses tissue engineering to transfer a person’s own healthy tissue to damaged areas, promoting healing and restoring appearance and function after injury. It is envisioned in this context to create tissue layers that temporarily fuse with the foot structure.
4D Bioprinting
Involves the production of artificial tissue and organs. This includes 4D printing, where the organic materials change shape in response to stimuli. In this context, it is intended for the production of personalised skins that enhance the feet.
Material and Concept Exploration
Investigating collagen, keratin, gelatin, and other materials, experimenting with various application methods for optimal customization.
Relations of Aesthetic Signs
Research revealed aesthetic connections among materials that inspired the design: Similarities between shoe lasts/meat/skin, mesh/stockings and cheese/calluses.
Design Development
The concept enhances the natural anatomy with heel cushioning and two front paws. The additional bone structure improves stability and force return.
3D Modeling and Prototyping
3D scanning, digital modeling, and 3D printing models with stretchable mesh and latex, filled with a custom gelatin blend.
Final Prototypes
The last was adjusted to match the original feet, ensuring a precise fit. Smaller details, separation lines and mesh structures were refined.
Concept Procedure
The process includes collecting biomaterial samples, bioprinting custom-fit skins, and injecting cushioning. Users wear the enhancements temporarily, allowing their bodies to physical connect with it.
Bioreactor
The bioreactor represents the future of personalized biological enhancements and serves as a storytelling element to immerse you in this future.
Design Scenario
A future design scenario for 20XX envisions biotechnology integrated into everyday life. Personalized bioproducts and customized body enhancements empower individuals to take control of their bodies.
Scholarship: Konstfack Foundation for meritorious students. Financial award for honorable students.
Scholarship: Beata Brummer & Ulla Fröberg Cramér Foundation. Financial award for projects that promise high artistic quality.
Sweden’s largest national television channel SVT covered the Konstfack spring exhibition, featuring this project
in the news programme.
SVT — Konstfack Spring Exhibition: “Shoes that grow together with your skin”
The project is currently featured in the exhibition 'Hyper Human' at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Stockholm. It was also showcased in the exhibition 'Interdependence' at the Milano Design Week.
Tekniska Museet Stockholm — Hyper-Human
Politechnico Milano — Exploring Interdependence opposites
iF Design Student Award 2025 Winner from around 7000 entries. Global Footwear Award 2024 Overall Winner, Core77 Design Award 2025 Notable. FIT Sport Design Award 2025
Global Footwear Awards
iF Design Awards
Core77 Design Awards
FIT Sport Design Awards