Poster

Video

Rubram Deux guide

Run freely.

Diagrams

Research for Project 1, part A

Project 1 part B

I've started keeping track of how much fluids I intake on a daily basis by writing down how many ounces. In addition, I got a pedometer[that is not very successful] but is sufficient for the data that I need. With the pedometer, I've kept track of how many steps I take [for example - from Atkinson to my car parked near Tiger Stadium]. I want to have a step count because it is relative to the foot. These are two of the habitual sequences that is necessary for survival. I often don't really think about them - and the intake of fluids is important for disaster/any day.

Almost there...

Since the last update, I've decided to just use rubber tire tubes and use a wrapping technique to create my product. Rubber is a good material to help provide traction for runners but also prevents the spread of the virus that smallpox lesions carry in case a runner/everyday person comes in contact with people in the event of a smallpox outbreak. Rubber is relatively cheap and easy to find. Rain, wind, shine, mud - rubber won't be affected by weather. For one protective device, you need 26 inches of tire tube. It is foot fitted [there are 2 buttons with multiple slits for different sized foot], thus it won't slip off in the middle of running. Originally, I was going to line the inside with canvas, but later found that the addition of canvas makes the tire tube stiff, not as flexible by itself. The way I've wrapped it around the foot, the prototype only covers the heel and the forefront of the foot - the only places that comes into contact with the ground for a barefoot runner. Essentially, the person is making their own shoe - that provides the minimal protection of the heel and forefront of the foot and allows the runner to feel as if he/she is still running barefoot.

Progress Project 1

I am done with the lasercut model of the foot specifically. In going with the narrative, I've decided to use canvas and rubber as my materials (I had a few problems finding the right material.) I believe that rubber will be effectively used in Kenya for barefoot runners - it will provide traction and yet tthe foot will still feel minimal impact from the rubber after researching the topography of Kenya - which is rugged/a lot of rural roads that are unpaved. Keeping in mind that this will also help with the prevention of smallpox - I believe that canvas is a good material for a comfortable shield against the rubber and it is not permeable which lessens the probability of contracting smallpox through someone else's lesions. In addition, I've researched the ways that the foot strikes the ground for barefoot runners - usually the fore foot and heel, in knowing that - I will only create a protective device for those areas but it will be connected by canvas throughout the foot and rubber on the forefront and heel of the foot.

approach to designing the prototypes - the grey for rubber&canvas and black for canvas

Materials - Canvas and Rubber from tire tubes

Model of site

Narrative and definitive...

A smallpox outbreak has occurred – a state of frenzy has begun. In attempting to prevent the spread of smallpox from person-to-person contact through the lesions formed due to the disease, I have created a covering that goes from the knee to the foot. This product will focus on athletes who are prone to smallpox but still might train but the catch is – they are training barefoot. Smallpox + barefoot=not a good idea due to spread of smallpox by its lesions.

Pros and cons of running barefoot…

barefoot

barefoot running - LA Times

barefoot running, pdf

foot posture running barefoot/with shoes

After thinking, there are two ways to about this – a preventive device or a protective walking device. Should it focus on athletes who don’t like shoes and would like to run barefoot? Should it be protecting a person from catching smallpox or already be a device that gives comfort to those who have smallpox while walking? I think the characteristics of this device will be flexible, comfort, and lasting. Some kind of stretchy material that will last and be breathable to the foot will be sought after.

Running barefoot can change the posture of how your foot lands – forefront/rear foot/mid foot
Canvas might be too inflexible, perhaps some kind of rubber material? And also since this device is mainly for walking/running purposes, I will focus on areas of the foot most affected depending upon which of the two ways (mentioned above) I choose.

Perhaps creating a hard yet soft & firm sole on the covering to help support the foot will help. As far as materiality goes, I figured that canvas will be a flexible enough material to use but sturdy and not as permeable as regular fabric. I’m contemplating a second material that will help support the canvas – maybe rubber of some kind, reminds me of Vibram five fingers, pictured below.

In addition, picture of site soon to come...after a visit with gesso to make it smoother (: