With new 3D plus size body scan data available through surveys like Size North America and manufacturers investing in their own data, there was an opportunity to study the shape of modern female plus sized bodies to inform the fit of products for this emerging business demographic. The researchers partnered with a leading apparel company to analyze 3D plus size body scans with the Female Figure Identification Technique (FFIT) for apparel developed by Simmons, Istook, and Devarajan (2004), using mathematical representations of the FFIT body shapes created by Lee, Istook, Nam, and Park (2007). However, during the project, it was discovered through visual inspections there were opportunities to modify the FFIT mathematical formulas to be more inclusive of plus size women. The inspections indicated that some scans were inaccurately classified or not sorted into any shape category. Since plus size women often have larger abdomens than bust or hips, the formulas were modified to include a check for that condition. By understanding shape, manufacturers can have a better idea of how to design, fit and grade products for this market throughout a size range, as opposed to relying on only 2D measurements or linear grading rules from a sample size.

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Knowing that healthy aging lifestyles are connected to mobility and independence, the researchers wanted to examine how industrial design could be utilized to support this demographic. This research examined the traction performance of key footwear styles, to make recommendations on how to improve outsole design, to reduce the risk of outdoor falling. Falls are the leading cause of death and disability for the aging population. A footwear traction test method adapted from ASTM F2333-04 was used to collect data from six footwear styles with four common outdoor walking surfaces (wet and dry) and foot contact directions (normal and shuffle). The data determined that although the footwear tested were marketed for traction and safety, they greatly decreased performance in wet conditions and performed inconsistently across all flooring surfaces and outsole contact directions. Results from the work determined that better care with outsole design could improve footwear performance for aging users and potentially reduce the risk of injury for this growing demographic.

Falls are the leading cause of death and disability for the aging population. The goal of this research was to understand the traction performance of key footwear styles to make recommendations on how to improve outsole design, to reduce the risk of indoor falling and enable mobility for aging users. Dry and wet traction tests were conducted on three common flooring materials, with six footwear styles. The data collection method was adapted from ASTM F2333-04, as a more attainable, student-led version of a linear traction test without the need for expensive lab equipment. Results determined that although the footwear tested were marketed for traction and safety, they greatly decreased performance in wet conditions and performed inconsistently across all flooring surfaces and outsole contact directions. From the findings opportunities exist to redesign shoe outsoles and flooring to improve safety.