Global Journal of Emerging Science, Engineering & Technology 1 (2) November 2023, pp.58-70
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Global Journal of Emerging Science,
Engineering & Technology
Journal homepage: ejournals.scieglobal-academia.com/gjeset
e-ISSN: 3009-1969 @2023 Scientia Global Academia Services
DOI: 10.56225/gjeset.v1i2.21
Original Article
Investigating DIY Sneakers for Mass Customization Business
Models by using 3D Printing Technology
Agatha Dinarah Sri Rumestri
1,
*, Robert Christian Subagio
2
and Ivan Eliata Kusuma
3
1
Department of Product Design, Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Design, Institut Teknologi Telkom
Purwokerto, 53147, Central Java, Indonesia.
2
RCS Design, 65118, East Java, Indonesia.
3
Ivan 3D Printing & Design, 60187, East Java, Indonesia.
* Correspondence: agatha@ittelkom-pwt.ac.id (A.D.S.R)
Citations: Rumestri, A.D.S., Subagio, R.C., & Kusuma, I.E., (2023). Investigating DIY Sneakers for Mass
Customization Business Models by using 3D Printing Technology. Global Journal of Emerging Science,
Engineering & Technology, 1(2), 58-70.
Received: 26 August 2023 Accepted: 1 November 2023 Published: 30 November 2023
Abstract: Sneakers have evolved into a new fashion style popular among Generation Z, including in
Indonesia. The massive use of social media has increased the sense of individualism for everyone in
expressing themselves. It is one factor that supports the development of the Mass Customization Business
Model. In manufacturing custom products, 3D Printing is a technology that has the advantage of producing
short serial and personalized products. This study explores sneaker designs that can be customized in
certain parts using 3D printing technology. We conducted existing studies and expert interviews to
determine sneaker features that can be customized with 3D Printing. In this research, some experiments
were also executed to determine the 3D printing material and lattice structure that are more appropriate
and applicable. This research results in the application of 3D Printing on the sole and accessories that can
be customized on the lace and heel. Based on consumer analysis, the more popular sneakers are unisex
characters. Meanwhile, the results of observing fashion trends are the significant impact of the COVID-19
pandemic, depicted through two design concepts: Hygen (Hygienic Expression) and Radex (Radical
Expression). On the basis of a series of research and experiments that have been carried out, the sneakers
that Generation Z will favor are sneakers with cosmetic features that can be customized to meet individual
expressions.
Keywords: Sneakers; Mass customization; 3D Printing, Generation Z; Personal style.
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors. Submitted for possible open-access publication under the terms and conditions
of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
1. Introduction
Sneakers have evolved from basketball sports shoes to a new fashion style (Williams & Heo, 2023).
Especially in the younger generation, sneakers are combined with formal suits, which have never been seen
before (Keyser, 2015). Generation Z, who are also known as digital natives, are accustomed to using
gadgets, the internet, and online social media. According to Beaver (2012), the massive use of online social
media has resulted in an increased sense of individualism for everyone in expressing themselves.