In a recent virtual panel discussion, we explored one of the most pressing topics in footwear creation today: how can traditional craftsmanship and digital innovation work together, rather than in opposition?
Moderated by Michael Ratcliffe, this session brought together Matteo Burzio, Detlef Mueller, and Onur Yüce Gün—three experts in the trenches shaping the future of footwear design. They tackled the challenges of integrating 3D tools, computational design, and automation into a historically craft-driven industry, sharing insights on adoption barriers, workflow evolution, and the role of emerging technologies in enhancing rather than replacing artisanal skills.
From the struggles of industry-wide digital adoption to the opportunities presented by AI, digital materials, and new modes of craftsmanship, this session offered an honest look at the hurdles—and solutions—brands are navigating today.
Don’t have time to watch the full video on-demand? Scroll down for a summary of the session’s key takeaways…
Key Takeaways
1. The Digital vs. Craft Debate is a False Dichotomy
- Digital tools should not replace traditional craftsmanship but complement and enhance it.
- The footwear industry must embrace hybrid workflows that integrate 3D tools and automation while preserving artisanal skills.
2. Adoption Challenges: Designers Still Resist Digital Tools
- Despite years of investment, digital tools remain underutilized in many footwear brands.
- Steep learning curves, time constraints, and fragmented software ecosystems make adoption difficult.
- A bottom-up adoption approach, where designers experiment and showcase value, works better than a top-down mandate.
3. Digital Craft Exists & Needs Recognition
- Computational and digital design require just as much skill, intuition, and artistry as traditional craft.
- The way a designer structures parametric models, scripts algorithms, or sculpts in 3D software is a form of craftsmanship in itself.
4. AI & Computational Design Can Enable, Not Replace Creativity
- AI and computational tools can enhance creativity by enabling rapid iteration, optimization, and customization.
- The key is balancing automation with human input, ensuring technology supports the designer’s vision and expertise rather than dictating it.
5. Digital Material Standardization Remains a Challenge
- Lack of industry-wide standards makes it difficult for brands and suppliers to collaborate on digital material libraries.
- File format inconsistencies mean designers and engineers often rebuild materials from scratch, leading to inefficiencies.
- More collaboration is needed to develop universal standards for digital materials in footwear.
6. The Role of Education & Cross-Disciplinary Influence
- Unlike apparel, footwear lacks widespread design education programs—most designers transition from other fields.
- Architecture, automotive, and gaming industries offer valuable lessons in computational design and workflow efficiencies.
- Schools and training programs need to integrate digital tools early so designers enter the workforce with both craftsmanship and digital fluency.
7. Incremental Change is Key to Digital Adoption
- Full digital transformation won’t happen overnight—brands should focus on small wins and progressive adoption.
- The best strategy is to start with enthusiastic adopters, let them demonstrate success, and create a ripple effect across teams.
Noteworthy Quotes
💬 “Digital craft exists and doesn’t have to fight traditional craft—it’s just another way of approaching design.” – Onur Yüce Gün
💬 “3D tools can feel restrictive at first, but once designers overcome the initial learning curve, they become enablers of new ideas and efficiency.” – Detlef Mueller
💬 “Adoption has to happen organically. If management forces digital tools on designers, resistance builds. When designers find their own way, that’s when change happens.” – Detlef Mueller
💬 “The biggest challenge isn’t the technology—it’s the mindset shift required to integrate digital workflows into an industry built on physical craft.” – Matteo Burzio
💬 “In footwear, designers don’t just work with one tool. They juggle multiple fragmented software solutions, and that’s part of the adoption struggle.” – Michael Ratcliffe
💬 “The footwear industry could learn a lot from architecture and automotive. Those industries have been embracing computational design for years, and it’s time we catch up.” – Onur Yüce Gün
💬 “Success stories are key. Show a designer how 3D can improve their process, and they’ll be more open to adoption.” – Matteo Burzio
💬 “Digital materials are essential for the future, but without standardization, every brand is speaking a different language, and that slows everything down.” – Detlef Mueller