the klem project enables malawians to make their own shoes

the klem project enables malawians to make their own shoes
all images courtesy of i clue design

korean designer lee jinyoung of ‘i clue design‘ has created an open solution for DIY shoes titled, the ‘klem project’. the idea was developed while working as a design expert engaged in a technology project for SBS hope television, ‘design for human, malawi, africa episode’, where he noticed that people living in deprived conditions suffered from a significant lack of daily necessities. the communities depended on foreign aid for more than 40% of their total living expenses, however research reveals that a much better life would be created if they were able to make food using materials bought from locals, not by the aid organizations. many children in africa are forced to go barefoot, making them vulnerable and exposed to the environment, which in turn harms their feet. this often causes infections that can lead to a secondary infection without appropriate medical treatment. the ‘klem’ shoes hug the foot and use a minimal amount of fabric along with a piece of recycled tire. the ‘open design’ concept enables anyone to make their own, improving people’s living quality and giving a sense of independence. 

what is the main problem in malawi?

market research

open design solution

education

application

product

business model

sharing the idea with the public in korea

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.