Creative Design & Engineering Portfolio of Shreenija Vadayar
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SoleMate
Role
As a key member of the design and development team, I took on a hybrid role that involved both technical and strategic elements. I was deeply involved in the conceptual design of the sole insert, including sensor placement, number of sensors, and cost optimization. Along with the design, I contributed to the product's overall feasibility by conducting extensive user and market research. This included conducting interviews, surveys, and competitor analysis to validate our product idea, refine the concept, and ensure our positioning in the market.
Additionally, I played a central role in conflict resolution, keeping the team on track and managing timelines. As a natural leader, I ensured accountability across the team and navigated personality differences to foster a collaborative work environment. The experience taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, business strategy, and product-market fit.
Project Highlights
Design and Development: Contributed to the design of a pressure-sensitive sole insert, optimizing sensor placement, and balancing functionality with cost-efficiency.
Market Research: Conducted customer interviews, surveys, and competitive analysis to validate product concept and improve positioning.
Leadership & Conflict Management: Facilitated conflict resolution within the team and ensured smooth collaboration despite skill gaps and personality differences.
Business Concept Development: Developed a comprehensive business plan, including market analysis, revenue model, and go-to-market strategy.
Pitching to Investors: Participated in the final pitch presentation, presenting the concept to industry professionals and investors to secure feedback and potential funding.
Impact & Learnings
The SoleMate project helped me realize the full scope of bringing a product to market, especially in a field that bridges design, technology, and business. The experience was a powerful reminder that successful products are as much about understanding your customers and the market as they are about good design and engineering. Navigating team dynamics and taking ownership of both the technical and leadership aspects made me more adaptable and resourceful — skills I know will be valuable as I continue my career in product development and design.
SoleMate is a revolutionary product concept designed to help runners train more effectively while preventing injuries. The idea is a sole insert embedded with pressure sensors that analyze a runner's foot strike and movement pattern. The data is then synced to an app that provides real-time feedback, offering personalized insights on how to improve running form and avoid overuse injuries. By blending wearable tech with sports science, SoleMate aims to optimize a runner's training regimen and minimize injury risk, ultimately enhancing performance.
For our Capstone class, our team was tasked with developing a comprehensive business plan for SoleMate, from conceptualization to market entry. We created a pitch that we presented to industry experts and potential investors, with the goal of bringing the product from idea to reality.
