PROJECT
Illinois Design Consulting: Steadi Footwear
Project Overview
Most mobility aids for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Abnormal Gait are bulky, clinical, and stigmatizing. The Illinois Design Consulting (IDC) Group challenged us to create a solution that provides medical-grade stability and data tracking without looking like a medical device. The goal was to bridge the gap between high-end clinical tools and everyday consumer wearables.
We developed Steadi: an integrated ecosystem featuring a sensor-embedded smart insole and a companion mobile app. By pairing discreet hardware with real-time data visualization, we empowered users to regain autonomy over their mobility while providing clinicians with objective, actionable gait data.
As the lead Product Designer, I spearheaded the end-to-end journey from clinical research and hardware-software co-design to the final UI/UX architecture. I collaborated directly with engineers to ensure sensor accuracy remained within thermal and power constraints while maintaining a non-invasive user experience.
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Clinically Validated: Successfully integrated pressure, thermal, and tension sensors into a flexible, breathable form factor.
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Data-Driven Care: Established a secure pipeline for Anatomical Pain Mapping, replacing subjective reporting with real-time heatmaps.
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Zero-Stigma Design: Achieved a "consumer-first" aesthetic that prioritizes user dignity and long-term habit formation.
Details
20 Weeks (2025)
Product Designer
IDC Group / (Dis)ability Studio
Tasks
User Research & Strategy Hardware Co-Design Product Design (iOS/Android) Brand Identity Cross-Functional Liaison
Core Team
Olive Wang— Engineering Lead
Dylan Pales — Podiatry Research
Julia Rivera— UX Design | Logistics Specialist
Will Chen — Hardware Specialist
Discovery & Research
The Goal: Move beyond "patient" to "person." Through clinician interviews and patient shadowing, I identified a critical emotional pivot: Users fear falling more than they fear pain. * Key Insight: Patients stop using devices that "broadcast" their condition.
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The Design Pivot: Shifted from a "medical alert" aesthetic to a "high-performance wearable" vibe to increase daily compliance.
