Pedagogical guidance to educators in teaching sneaker design: the effectiveness of sketchbook practice

ABSTRACT

This pedagogical project aimed to implement a new sneaker design course and better develop sneaker design content to integrate 3D printing application technology into an apparel design programmes curriculum. The study further investigated the effectiveness of students’ skills in sneaker design sketching through a series of practice tasks in in-class activities and assignments. A total of 12 undergraduate students attended a shoe design course consisted of three main sections: (a) sketching, (b) patternmaking, and (c) 3D printing, to complete a shoe prototype. A questionnaire consisted of demographic information, students’ reflection, sketching practice evaluation, and open-end questions. The findings revealed the overall course content provided a positive experience in which students honed practical competencies and learned problem-solving and critical skills. This study also suggests effective ways for educators to improve a current or future shoe design course for learning outcomes and for students to enhance their sketching skills.

KEYWORDS:

• Sneakers
• pedagogy
• 3D printing
• shoe design
• sketchbook practice

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.