Basketball


 * __Hypothesis__**

In this assignment, one will identify a problem that is found in the sport shoes industry, and will apply a solution to solve this unique problem. Sport shoes, such as soccer shoes, badminton shoes and basketball shoes function mainly to provide a player with both comfort and safety. Each year, people spend large amounts of money purchasing quality basketball shoes, hoping to get better support, comfort and design. Generally, these shoes should be lightweight (for more air on jumps), but also provide maximum ankle support. In most of the designs, basketball shoes choose to have better air cushions to support the feet in order to decrease the tension created between jumps. This acts as a safety feature as it reduces stress on the legs upon landing.

However, an aspect that is often neglected in the design process (leading to minor injuries) are the toe areas themselves. Oftentimes the only thought that is given to this area is to make it snug enough to keep the foot stable and unmoving within the shoe. While this helps to avoid the many major injuries, it does not provide the maximum comfort that could be achieved. People who enjoy basketball may encounter this problem before. During a game, they may feel some discomfort in the front of their shoes. After playing for a few hours, they take off their shoes to find their toes in rough condition. Possible results being their skin peeling, bleeding, or they may discover bruised nails. This caused by the constant friction through hours of running and jumping motions. Their feet are moving in the shoes and their toes being more pliable than the heel is easily squished to the front of the shoes. When this occurs it may cause discomfort, or even injuries such as flipping a nail. And because of this problem, we decide to give a solution and take actions to prevent injuries.


 * __Theoretical Concepts__**

· Place a triangular shaped cushion in the shoes to act as an added layer of protection for the toes. · A sponge or foam type material cushion would be a suitable material to reduce friction and pressure on the toes. · Care has to be taken to choose a suitable material that can also ventilate allowing airflow to reduce moisture and discomfort on the feet. · We would not only help avoid discomfort, which can stop a player from utilizing their full potential, but also decrease injuries to the toes such flipping a nail, which could sideline a player for quite some time. · This cushion idea is not only useful to the player, but is easily implemented by the shoemakers. · This idea can be modified to include external cushions, sold separately for use in other basketball shoes not equipped with the same features. This small addition could be the solution to much discomfort and pain to basketball players everywhere.


 * __Breakdown of roles__**

February 23: Research on different basketball shoes’ design and start thinking of the cushion’s material March 2: Start the design process, aim to design three different models and choose one. March 9: finalize the design and started 3D rendered animation March 16: finish up the 3D rendered animation and prepare for the presentation March 23: Deadline


 * __Description of the final deliverable__**

Our final deliverable will be: · A 3D basketball shoes model · A 3D triangular shaped cushion as an added layer in the shoe · A final report for the presentation

Reference Hall, G. (2006). //Some Tips You Need To Consider When Choosing The Best Men’s Athletic Shoes.// Retrieved from http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/some-tips-you-need-to-consider-when-choosing-the-best-mens-athletic-shoes-54233.html

Hiner, M. (2009). //5 Tips on Buying Basketball Shoes.// Retrieved from http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/5-tips-on-buying-basketball-shoes-1235256.html