A functional shoe that is not only unique in style, but also embraces the values of Arby’s team members.
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Design project sponsored by Arby's.
Crimsonville is also a "super hero," highly functional concept that embraces the values of Arby’s team members.
Architecture
Rubber pull loop
Fulgar EVO castor oil fabric upper
Rubber heel counter
Inner lining
TPU coating
Highly breathable lined insole
Drop-in midsole
NBR cup outsole
"Peanut" outsole design
The peanut look was not intentional, it was a result of the combination of ideal safety parameters to accomplish a good level of slip resistance.
-"Hybrid" lug pattern:
•50% flat, 50% micro texture.
-Lugs have draft to better eject gunk normally found in the ack of the house.
-Vertical channels facilitate water evacuation along the angled horizontal channels.
-NBR has an ideal durometer for slip resistance with the designed parameters listed above.
"CoolFlow" cushioning system
The underfoot construction consists of a customizable cushioning system that provides ventilation as you walk.
-The drop-in midsole is cradled by the NBR cup outsole.
-A highly breathable insole sits on top of the removable midsole, this insole is lined with nylon for easy ingress and egress (nylon reduces friction and allows foot to slide in and out smoothly.)
The drop-in midsole has grooves on both medial and lateral sides. These grooves slide into lips on the cup outsole to secure the midsole in place.
The drop-in midsole comes in different foam densities. A common pain point noted in users during research was fatigue, and it was normally due to long periods of standing and walking while not having the proper orthotics for their body mass index. Having the proper cushioning option not only elevated comfort, but also allows the CoolFlow system to work properly.
"CoolFlow" in action
1) Fresh air comes into the midsole through the insole into the midsole perforations
2) As the user walks, interconnected air chambers inside the midsole expand and contract. This motion moves air around and evacuates the hot air through the same holes the fresh air came in. This process happens as the user strides.
3) Lastly, once the hotter air escapes the cushioning system, it then leaves the interior of the shoe through the breathable upper.
In overview, the underfoot's architecture system works as the user walks. It provides an essential level of cushioning while circulating cool air to maintain healthy temperatures for long work shifts.
...is a concept designed for Arby's employees. It was a priority embracing their values by showcasing their inner "super hero" enthusiasm while also protecting their comfort and providing safety.
RESEARCH & PROCESS
Areas of focus:
SAFETY
VALUES
COMFORT
Slip Resistance
Why Slip Resistance?
Slips and falls are a major cause of injury in the workplace.
Each year, around 39% of fatal
injuries are caused by Falls, slips
and trips.
Around 65% of lost workdays in
the US are caused by the slip
and fall incidents, which cost $7
billion according to National
Safety Council report.
Arby's Floor Tile
Arby’s has different types of floor throughout their facilities. From 6x6” to 6x24” with different slip
resistant attributes.
Each year, around 39% of fatal injuries are caused by Falls, slips and trips.
Around 65% of lost workdays in the US are caused by the slip and fall incidents, which cost $7 billion according to National Safety Council report.
Front of the house
Dining area floor tiles: 12”x 12” & 6”x 24”, Larger & more slippery tiles.
Back of the house
Back of the house tiles
Kitchen tile: 6”x 6”, Smaller and grippier tiles
Kaitlyn - “I Slipped when I was running the order out, because the surfaces in
the front are different from the back of the kitchen.”
Insight
An outsole with a hybrid surface that can offer great slip resistance on both types of tiles.
Same shoe can produce different traction on different surfaces.
What are the types of contaminants?
Grease
Water
Dust
Food scraps
Where are the common slip zones at Arby’s kitchens?
The surface is responsible for at least 50 % of the traction outcome
Slip Resistance Features
Arby's workers have a fast work pace
- Mike, "I am constantly moving from front of the house to back of the house."
Understanding slip resistance helped guide our design:
Flex Grooves
Mobility of shoe is improved by defining flex zones
Personal Pain Issues
Understanding what movements cause fatigue during a shift.
VALUES
Why can't our Team Members feel comfortable and be proud of their footwear?
We were looking for something comfortable, built to last, a driven sense of pride and we hope this will influence others to join the Arby's family
Desirability
Brief- "typical crew shoes are highly functional, but embarrassingly ugly."
Lindsey- "we don't want our workers to only wear black and the whole uniform to be dark."
Nini- "the style of the shoe is important because I don't want it to be boring!"
Isaiah/ Bri- "I'm willing to pay more for a good looking shoe."
Longevity
Nini- "my shoes are covered in grease after a shift, so I'd rather drive barefoot."
Nini- "my shoes usually only last for three months just from walking."
Josh- "the heels and toes of my shoe start to get worn out."
Trends
Workwear
Vintage Footwear
Thrifting
Insights
COMFORT
Comfort is the most prioritized aspect of a shoe in the work footwear market.
Performance
Protection
When purchasing work shoes, 34% of people look for comfort before any other aspects of a shoe.
When a shoe does not meet comfort, performance at the workplace is affected.
This also exposes Arby's team members to constant pain and constraint which also lead to health risks.
Some side effects:
•Blisters
•Swelling
•Heel & forefoot pain
•Poor posture
•Leg & back pain
Types of fatigue
Overall performance
Physical
Psychological
What is physical fatigue?
Fatigue can be described as tiredness caused by constant workout without proper relief.
Nini: "If I'm doing a 10 or 11 hour shift, I'm probably standing on my feet 9 of those hours... I get a lot of pain on my arch and heel most of the time"
Focused comfort solutions for fatigue
Appropriate cushioning in shoes depends on the user's body mass index.
A romovable layer that allows users to adjust the level of cushioning according to their needs.
•Appropriate fit
•Appropriate cushioning
•Product performance & durability
Level of cushioning depends on the user's body mass index.
Designing for comfort: opportunities
Another way to achieve comfort is through orthotics
The benefits of insoles improve the lifestyle of a worker in the food industry.
Some benefits include:
•Better fit
•More breathability
•Massage for relief
•Improved shock absorption
Orthotic design studies
Concept key sketches
Evolution of taped lasts
Size 9 US men last
"Blank" mock-up
Mock-up with CMF application
