Mass customization methodology for footwear design

Abstract

Nowadys consumers are sophisticated and want better quality personalized products at lower prices. In order to satisfy consumers, footwear companies have to predict consumers' trends and produce huge varieties of designs using mass production technologies. This results in wastage and high inventory cost. Recently mass customization methodologies have been proposed. Mass customization enables the design and production of an almost custom made product at almost mass production costs. This can be achieved by reducing the wastage and inventory cost. The products are designed specifically for the consumer, eventually improving consumer satisfaction and the companies' market share. Many researchers have discussed the framework of mass customization; however, there is limited study on the system details, especially for footwear design. The main purpose of this research is to propose a methodology for the mass customization of footwear - both style and fit customization. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.