The rising incidence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) presents a significant healthcare challenge, leading to severe complications such as infections, amputations, and in some cases, death.
Despite many diabetic foot ulcers being preventable, patients continue to experience complications due to gaps in monitoring, preventative care, patient engagement and access to effective treatment. High treatment costs, limited healthcare resources and barriers to patient trust further contribute to the challenge.
DFUs also disproportionately impact young, minority and indigenous populations, highlighting the need for more accessible and culturally sensitive approaches to prevention and care.
PEDRO LESTON MARTINS
INDUSTRIAL / PRODUCT / COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN
SENSING
PRODUCT / RESEARCH3D Printed Diabetic Footwear
Research work in partnership with Peke Waihanga - New Zealand Artificial Limb Service
Jeongbin Ok & Eilish Marra & Pedro Leston Martins
This is an ongoing project and some information cannot be shared.
In this project the team developed a custom 3D printed footwear solution aimed at improving diabetic foot ulcer management. Our goal was to create a personalised system that offers enhanced comfort and support for individuals with diabetes. The footwear integrates advanced technologies such as 3D scanning, computational design, and 3D printing, ensuring a precise fit and reducing pressure on the foot, ultimately promoting better foot health.
Research work in partnership with Peke Waihanga - New Zealand Artificial Limb Service
Jeongbin Ok & Eilish Marra & Pedro Leston Martins
This is an ongoing project and some information cannot be shared.
In this project the team developed a custom 3D printed footwear solution aimed at improving diabetic foot ulcer management. Our goal was to create a personalised system that offers enhanced comfort and support for individuals with diabetes. The footwear integrates advanced technologies such as 3D scanning, computational design, and 3D printing, ensuring a precise fit and reducing pressure on the foot, ultimately promoting better foot health.
THE PROBLEM
OUR SOLUTION
Our solution is to address diabetic foot ulcers through customisable, 3D-printed footwear designed for prevention and treatment.
Using 3D scanning, the footwear is tailored to an individual's foot structure, including pre-existing ulcers or calluses. The system also incorporates sensors to monitor pressure and shear forces. This real-time data can support earlier detection of potential problems, improving prevention and diagnosis.
The process from scanning to production was developed with the goal of being completed within one day, making personalised footwear more accessible and practical for ongoing use.
Using 3D scanning, the footwear is tailored to an individual's foot structure, including pre-existing ulcers or calluses. The system also incorporates sensors to monitor pressure and shear forces. This real-time data can support earlier detection of potential problems, improving prevention and diagnosis.
The process from scanning to production was developed with the goal of being completed within one day, making personalised footwear more accessible and practical for ongoing use.
MY CONTRIBUTION
I created a parametric system in Grasshopper to design custom footwear, including shoes and insoles, tailored to each person's foot shape.
The system allowed for rapid iteration, making it possible to adjust measurements and generate a full set of designs within a few minutes. I captured foot anatomy using scanners including the Artec EVA and iPhone or iPad, then processed the scan data in Grasshopper to create accurate, personalised models.
The designs were manufactured using FDM printers including Ultimaker, Creality and BambuLab, allowing the team to test and iterate physical prototypes efficiently.
I also contributed to the development of the scanning platforms, testing different methods to improve performance and accessibility. Throughout the project, I focused on finding an appropriate balance between scan accuracy and cost, with the aim of making the process more scalable. This work reinforced the value of personalised, digitally fabricated products in healthcare. By combining 3D scanning, computational design and digital fabrication, the project explored how footwear could provide targeted support, improve comfort and offer a more accessible solution for long-term use.
The system allowed for rapid iteration, making it possible to adjust measurements and generate a full set of designs within a few minutes. I captured foot anatomy using scanners including the Artec EVA and iPhone or iPad, then processed the scan data in Grasshopper to create accurate, personalised models.
The designs were manufactured using FDM printers including Ultimaker, Creality and BambuLab, allowing the team to test and iterate physical prototypes efficiently.
I also contributed to the development of the scanning platforms, testing different methods to improve performance and accessibility. Throughout the project, I focused on finding an appropriate balance between scan accuracy and cost, with the aim of making the process more scalable. This work reinforced the value of personalised, digitally fabricated products in healthcare. By combining 3D scanning, computational design and digital fabrication, the project explored how footwear could provide targeted support, improve comfort and offer a more accessible solution for long-term use.
FINAL WORK
