Danish footwear brand ECCO is launching the QUANT-U project to make 3D-printed footwear accessible to the average consumer via its concept store in Amsterdam.
Since the inception of additive manufacturing, there have been dozens of inventive shoe designs that make the most of the custom manufacturing process, as well as some services that aim to revive artful, bespoke footwear. With QUANT-U, ECCO takes a data-driven approach to mass customization, stating that its solution is "no more complicated than trying on a shoe in the store and walking for a few minutes."
The three-step process of creating a custom, 3D-printed shoe involves real-time analysis, a data-driven design and in-store printing. To ensure the best fit possible, ECCO creates a digital footprint for each customer, which is a process that takes only about 30 seconds.
In-Store Printed Footwear
ECCO's QUANT-U Makes Custom Footwear Accessible at Retail Shops
Trend Themes
1. 3d-printed Footwear - ECCO's QUANT-U project brings 3D-printed footwear to the average consumer through in-store customization.
2. Mass Customization - QUANT-U's data-driven approach offers personalized and bespoke footwear options to customers at retail shops.
3. Real-time Analysis - QUANT-U uses real-time analysis to create digital footprints for customers in just 30 seconds, ensuring the best fit for their 3D-printed shoes.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear Manufacturing - The footwear manufacturing industry can explore the adoption of 3D printing technology and mass customization to offer personalized products at retail locations.
2. Retail - Retailers can leverage QUANT-U's in-store printing and data-driven design to provide consumers with customized 3D-printed footwear, enhancing the shopping experience.
3. Additive Manufacturing - The additive manufacturing industry can partner with footwear brands like ECCO to develop innovative solutions for mass customizing and producing 3D-printed footwear.