LVLD Balance Shoes
by Ahmed Dana
LVLD Balance Shoe, designed to develop balance training or improve physical rehab.
Project Description
The LVLD Balance shoe is a wearable product designed to develop balance and strength training through haptic feedback. Additionally, the product enhances communication and engagement with ‘virtual fitness’ at home. LVLD stands for levelled, being in complete balance and alignment.
This research-led project is inspired by the perception that balance exists in everything we do — sport, walking, dancing — the list is endless. LVLD is targeted to all ages of people who need to improve their balance for their endeavour, whatever that may be. Designed for easy accessibility, it can be wrapped around any shoe, due to the flexible spandex material. Young children can use blue rubber balls that are smaller and have less compression, hence are safer. There are prescribed balance exercises that target core activation. Athletes who compete in tennis or boxing require a more challenging and sport-specific approach. For example, LVLD can be used while practising tennis swings or even punching a bag. In a virtual fitness class, if everyone is wearing LVLD, then a physical connection has been created. Both students and trainers must strive to keep balance through constant and consistent focus.
Finally, three-quarter cut tennis balls were used to test this product functionally and with a sustainable approach to the design process. LVLD was proven to challenge balance and activate specific muscles.
The balance balls go inside through the top and sit inside firmly with a rim to support them.
The balls’ surface has a friction texture for grip.
User can change the difficulty of balancing with larger red balls or by rearranging the balls as they like.
Bio
I’m a passionate and persistent product designer. My design role revolves around creating fun and functional products that allow people to grow and appreciate the value of design. My design ability has developed through the many diverse activities I do constantly: teaching karate, exploring the world, entering various design competitions, and making the most of the internships I have been lucky with. I aspire to use my 3D printing knowledge and love for teaching to help my future team’s success in design.
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