Open Source Gains Foothold in Shoe Industry
by Lisa Hoover - Mar. 10, 2009Comments (0)
The next time someone tells you he or she is an open source enthusiast from head to toe, believe it -- that person might have collaborated on the creation of the very shoes they're wearing. Shoe designer John Fluevog devised a project called Open Source Footwear where shoe lovers comes together to develop the ideal shoe. If Fluevog likes your design, he'll add it to his product line and name it after you.
Launched a few years back, Fluevog has already selected and produced 12 designs from hundreds of submissions he has received. The most recent winner is the Mini Zaza, named after San Francisco artist Samantha Zaza.
In the true spirit of open source, submitted designs become public domain and freely available. According to the Web site, "We might use the whole thing, base a design of our own on it or just part of it. And your idea might only be for part of a shoe anyway. This keeps everything fair." Winners receive no monetary compensation, but do receive a free pair of shoes.
Fluevog isn't necessarily looking for expert designers to contribute to the project, just anyone with an idea, no experience needed. In fact, it's not even necessary to contribute a designs for an entire shoe. Fluevog welcomes suggestions about soles, buckles, straps, and anything else related to shoe construction.
Winners are chosen "through a combination of peer voting, feasibility and if we just plain like the designs." Fluevog picks up the tab for all development and production costs, which takes about a year from the time a design is selected.
Practically Radical's Bill Taylor thinks Open Source Footwear is a terrific business idea. "Few of us are in a position to hire lots of new talent or devote big budgets to product development. But all of us have customers who are passionate about what they do, filled with great ideas, and are eager to be more connected. So why not invite them to share their creativity with your company—and turn the best ideas into actual products!"
Unlike business owners that use the term "open source" because it's they're the hottest buzz words right now, Fluevog actually believes in the concept. Calling it "both a software philosophy and an important progressive movement," he's devoted space on his company Web site to promote open source. "Sure we play fast and loose with the term," reads the site copy, "but you might actually want to know more about real open source."
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