Co-Creating Children’s Footwear
Journal
The International Journal of Design Management and Professional Practice
ISSN
2325162X
Date Issued
2026-05-14
Author(s)
Camacho Navas, Andres
Escobar Guanoluisa, Taña Elizabeth
Santamaría Aguirre, Jorge
Guerrero, Diana
Type
Article
Abstract
This study addresses the need to align the design and production of children’s footwear with the real expectations of its target users—children aged 8 to 12 and their parents. The primary objective was to develop a user-centered design management model grounded in co-creation and design thinking. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating qualitative tools (expert interviews, podcast engagement, and user habit surveys), complemented by a thorough documentary analysis of ISO 9001:2015 and related guidelines. Findings reveal that ergonomic comfort, durability, appealing design, and affordability are key criteria for consumer satisfaction. Moreover, the research underscores the importance of systematically incorporating the user’s voice during early design and validation phases. Interdisciplinary collaboration and user-centered design methodologies emerged as critical for enhancing development processes, customer loyalty, and product competitiveness. This research presents a structured framework that integrates active user engagement, innovation, and quality assurance, offering a robust pathway to meet and exceed the expectations of the children’s footwear market. © 2026, Common Ground Research Networks. All rights reserved.