MarilynSun

PDD

Purpose

March2,2015

Project Proposal - Chinese Dance Shoe Redesign

Redesigning the dance shoe used in Chinese Classical dances both aesthetically and functionally
will allow me to learn the process of improving a product to meet the market demand of dancers.

Rationale
Process of Design
- I have always been intrigued by how we can redesign or improve upon a product.
Though I am not experienced in sewing or shoe making in any way, I hope to experiment with applying
this process of redesign to an unfamiliar field. Inspired by IDEO, I hope to become the expert of
redesigning things instead an expert in one particular field.
Market Research/Analysis -
I expect this project to heavily require and rely on research of the current
dance shoe market and the needs of my target audience. Specifically, I would learn to conduct primary
research and secondary research. I also hope to come up with a formal report presentable to actual
clients/suppliers regarding my dance shoe design.
Prototype Modeling -
I dont believe that I would be able to actually make a very accurate physical
representation of my design. However, there are so many other ways to model a product or idea. I hope
to learn about different ways to model my design on graph paper, then on the computer or even with a
shoe maker to portray a prototype as close to my design as possible.

Connections
Human Ingenuity -
I think that redesigning dance shoes for Chinese dancers goes beyond the simple
quick fix of a product however I want to fix it. Instead, it represents something much grander.
Functionally, simple additions or improvements to the current ballet slipper acknowledges the fact
that Chinese dancers have different needs and will provide support and comfort specific to Chinese
dancers. Furthermore, aesthetically, it gives Chinese dancers a brand new identity adds cultural value
to the shoe. The dance shoe is the absolute fundamental piece of equipment for any dancer, and
redesigning it is making major symbolic changes for the dancer.
Community and Service -
I hope that my shoe design would not only appeal to me, but also Chinese
dancers out there like me. In the end, I shouldnt be the only dancer using this shoe. Instead, it should
be available to all Chinese dancers in the community who wish to use it. In this sense, if the shoe is
successful, it is contributing to the community as well.

Audience
Chinese dancers
- The dance shoes would be used by dancers (both foreigners and Chinese) living in
china or out of china who dance Chinese classical dance.


MarilynSun
PDD

March2,2015

Shoemakers -
Shoemakers who earn profits off of and use my design are also an important part of my
audience. They would determine if my design is even worthy of making in the first place.
Dance Teachers
- Dance teachers play big roles in facilitating and choosing the use of certain types of
dance shoes in class. Their approval is crucial in determining the popularity and success of my dance
shoe.

Estimated Timeline
Date

Specifics

Materials/Equipment Needed

March
10th-April
1st

Research:
Surveys,
In-person interviews
Internet research

Laptop
Video/audio recorder
Pre-planned questions

March 23rdApril 1st

Investigation:
Further refined areas of research
Research of target audience

Laptop
Video/audio recorder
Pre-planned questions

April
1st-8th

Design I:
Rough ideas on graph paper
Explore modeling methods using
technology

Graph paper
3d modeling tool/app
Laptop
Research

April
9th-14th

Design II:
Refine design
Peer Review I

Survey
1st Draft

Specifications
1. The shoe design should
differ from dance shoes currently available
on the market
2. The shoe's functional design should be
adequately supported by both primary and secondary
research
3. Elements of the design should show that it is
catered towards the Chinese dancer audience
4. The design (either an electronic model or physical prototype) should be
professionally presented

Resources
Internet
- The internet has a lot of information regarding the demographics of my target audience as
well as the use and history of Chinese dance shoes. Though it is not a very popular topic, there is still
some information out there and the internet will be a worthwhile resource to me.


MarilynSun
PDD

March2,2015

Library -
The library probably has more credible information on dance shoes and shoemaking. Im not
sure if the information will be very relevant and looking for books is indeed more time-consuming.
Therefore, I do not expect to heavily rely on library resources.
Primary Research -
Primary research will be my main method of gathering information. This includes
asking/interviewing the people around me (Ms. Lees, dance teachers, peers) and making my own
surveys. I think that this resource is going to be the most useful and accurate.

Process Log and Reflections

I hope to use written documentation of my process to keep track of how my project is going. Weekly
reflections will still happen in either written or audio form about PDD class in general. Meanwhile,
there will be a separate process log only for documenting this project specifically that is written and
supplemented with photos/screenshots.

Peer Review
Survey

Name:

Date:

Specification

Question

The shoe design should

differ
from dance shoes currently
available
on the market

Can you find this design on

existing shoes?
Do you think it is original
enough?

The shoe's functional design

should be
adequately supported
by both primary and secondary
research

Are my improvements and

redesign elements justified by
research?
Do my adjustments seem
arbitrary?

Elements of the design should

show that it is
catered towards
the Chinese dancer audience

Can you tell that it is designed

for Chinese dancers?
What makes the shoe unique
for Chinese dancers?

The design (either an electronic

model or physical prototype)
should be
professionally
presented

Does the design look

professional?
If you were a shoemaker,
would you consider using my
design?

Additional Comments

Response