Home Ask the Experts How is the Footwear Design Role & Skillset Evolving in the Era of Digital Transformation?

How is the Footwear Design Role & Skillset Evolving in the Era of Digital Transformation?

by Michael Ratcliffe
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Last week, we had the pleasure of having Michael RatcliffeDirector of Content at PI Apparel, lead a panel discussion on ‘How Does the Role & Skillset of the Footwear Designer Need to Evolve in the Era of Digital Transformation?’

Joined by industry experts Nico van Enter, Bo Lupo and Chad Knight, the discussion focused on the transformative role of digital technologies and AI in footwear design, highlighting how these tools are reshaping designer skill sets, workflows, and collaboration. Panellists emphasized the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and strategic integration of 3D tools with emerging technologies to drive innovation and enhance creativity in the industry.

Don’t have time to watch the full video on-demand? Scroll down for a summary of the session’s key takeaways…

Key Takeaways

The Evolving Role of Designers:

  • Designers are moving beyond visualizing individual products to contributing creatively to larger collaborative systems.
  • AI and automation are enabling designers to focus more on conceptual creativity while handling repetitive tasks like tweaking existing designs.

The Importance of Lifelong Learning:

  • Success in digital transformation depends on adopting a mindset of continuous learning, humility, and curiosity.
  • Designers need to understand the tools they use and their role in the larger system to maximize their impact.

AI in Footwear Design:

  • AI is emerging as a collaborator, aiding in ideation, inspiration, and visualization.
  • Ethical considerations arise with AI adoption, particularly in maintaining originality and human oversight in creative processes.

Key Skills and Tools:

  • Proficiency in 3D modelling, visualization tools, and AI applications is critical for staying relevant.
  • Designers should understand parametric design, manufacturing integration, and material science to complement their digital skills.

Cross-Industry Learning:

  • Footwear design can benefit from lessons in 3D applications across industries like gaming, manufacturing, and medical technology.
  • Terminology and methodologies need to align across sectors to accelerate innovation.

The Future of 3D Design:

  • 3D modelling will adapt, becoming easier and more collaborative, but a foundational understanding will remain crucial to influence AI-driven processes.

Noteworthy Quotes

On the Designer’s Evolving Role:
“Designers will be used much more for their creativity, not necessarily drawing the shoe, but thinking about what goes into the system—what data, how we use it, and the creative direction behind it.” – Nico

On the Importance of Adopting Technology:
“In today’s world, the overlap between design and technology is undeniable and inescapable. Designers can no longer opt out of using advanced tools and processes.” – Bo

On Lifelong Learning:
”It’s about humility and curiosity. Anytime something foreign and uncomfortable comes around, it’s about learning—not resisting. That’s how we stay ahead.” – Chad
“You don’t need to wait for the perfect tool to start learning—just start somewhere. Sitting on the sidelines isn’t an option anymore.” – Bo

On AI in Design:
“AI helps you break out of your own mental box, but it should serve as inspiration rather than replace your work.” – Bo
“AI iterates from existing things; it doesn’t understand true innovation or creating what doesn’t exist.” – Nico

On Cross-Industry Learning:
“We need to look across industries to develop a perspective on what all of this is. Right now, solutions are scattered and mislabelled, making it harder to leverage their full potential.” – Chad
“Some industries and companies are moving faster in digital transformation because leadership is aligned with the teams solving these problems. Investment and support from leadership are key.” – Bo

On the Future of DPC:
“3D modelling isn’t dead—it’s going to adapt and get easier. Designers will tweak base designs instead of building from scratch.” – Nico
“We’re at a clunky stage of development where tools and systems are fragmented. The next step is bringing everything together into a coherent, logical framework for better collaboration.” – Chad

Want to learn more and meet our panellists in person? In the form of panels, workshops and interactive roundtable discussions, Stride 2025 will be the event where these insights come to life, helping to drive the next wave of innovation.
The agenda is now live – access it here!

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