The Next Best Thing
Concept Summary
SOLEMATE is a user-friendly digital shoe repair app equipped with innovative features to assist users when being confronted with damaged shoes while traveling. Featuring AI-driven image recognition, users can capture images of their damaged shoes for instant analysis. The AI categorizes the damage severity, advising users whether it's a quick fix they can handle themselves or if seeking professional repair is advisable.

Users receive tailored repair solutions, step-by-step instructions and video tutorials. The app empowers users to perform DIY repairs using common household items, such as adhesive tape, rubber bands or spare shoelaces. A unique FaceTime-like feature connects users with live support, allowing real-time assistance from expert technicians or AI-powered assistants. 

In case of severe damage, the app establishes connections with local stores, facilitating the organization of shoe rentals or borrowings, and offers information on purchasing inexpensive shoes as quick alternatives. 
This comprehensive approach ensures that users have immediate solutions at their fingertips, combining technology, virtual support, and practical connections with local businesses to create a seamless and user-centric experience for shoe repair and replacement needs.
The Problem
Ideation
The first idea is to repair the shoe with a quick fix. This involves quickly addressing the issue on the spot to enable the continuation of the journey without losing much time. In this creative approach, one might utilize readily available materials such as adhesive tape, rubber bands, or even spare shoelaces to secure and stabilize the damaged shoe. This quick fix allows one to comfortably explore the city while buying some time to consider more permanent alternatives, such as finding a local repair shop or purchasing a new pair of shoes. The quick fix not only offers immediate relief from the inconvenience of a broken shoe, but it also allows for the fun part of sightseeing or shopping in the city.
In the second idea, the focus is on substituting the broken shoe by either renting or purchasing a new pair locally. One can explore nearby rental services, shops, and locals offering temporary footwear. This option provides a quick and convenient way to secure a substitute pair for the duration of the city trip. Similarly, one may be guided to local stores or markets to find an inexpensive replacement. This approach ensures immediate resolution to the broken shoe dilemma and also allows for the continuation of the city trip.
The third idea involves available transportation options to avoid further walking. One can efficiently utilize public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber in order to go to the different places one has planned to visit. The repair of the shoe can be postponed to later times when one is back at home. This solution is less convenient if the city trip would involve much walking, like shopping or city exploration. Using transportation, one can also go to a nearby shopping district or mall in order to find shops or repair shops.
The Solution  
The Pitch
Reflection on the Project
My reflections on this project. I faced a lot of troubles starting this assignment due to my lack of organisation. I managed to do some work throughout the lessons and could come up with a solution. It was hard for me to combine multiple assignments simultaneously. I learned after this assignment that it is important to write down your ideas because otherwise you get stuck in your head and lose touch.
To avoid stress, I should plan my work more from the beginning and be happy with smaller tasks. So that I have more time to make more appealing work. Now I have to admit it doesn't look good. Which I'm sorry for.
The Next Best Thing
Published:

The Next Best Thing

Published:

Creative Fields