This past spring, I participated with three fellow MaDE students in the Ripple Designathon, a 48 hour design competition hosted by Wellesley in Product in collaboration with MIT Design for America. Teams were challenged to develop innovative solutions that empowered individuals to create meaningful, positive ripple effects within their communities.
Our team developed RE.SOLE, a footwear concept designed to promote sustainability by extending the lifespan of shoes and encouraging recycling. The concept featured replaceable soles with patterned treads that leave temporary images on wet sidewalks, transforming an everyday walk into a visible reminder that individual actions, even small ones, can make a meaningful impact through sustainable choices. Through the combination of functional design and social visibility, RE.SOLE was designed to not only extend the life of shoes but also inspire greater awareness, participation, and commitment to sustainable living.
Working under an intense time constraint required rapid ideation, prototyping, and collaboration. One of the most rewarding aspects of the experience was watching the concept evolve from early sketches into a functional 3D-printed prototype in under two days.
Competing against 55 teams, RE.SOLE earned second place overall!
