In the process of doing research to buy a new pair of sneakers, I came across the Vans website. They are known as a producer of extremely comfortable and versatile footwear (among other things). Back in my younger days, I was a pretty avid skateboarder and Vans were viewed as the leader of their scene. I still sport some of their slip-ons around the office and I love them, although some people mistake them for slippers.
While on the Vans website, I came across a feature called ‘custom shoes’. In about 5 minutes, I managed to design some Smibs inspired slip-ons. I am not going to lie they were pretty ugly, but my interest was peaked.  In the guise of blog research, I uncovered several other websites that allow you to personalize a variety of consumer products. After about an hour, I had designed a whole slew of Smibs inspired stuff from a geared up F-150, to a longboard and some rocking Converse Chuck Taylors.
Although it is not a new phenomenon by any means, I anticipate a shift in the market toward an increased demand for personalized customer-designed products as more people become aware of the possibility. The trend has already infiltrating the design of our new small-business SAAS (Software As A Service) products, SmibsNet and Doorbell. We have been getting our users to test our software for months so that they can give us suggestions on what they want.  I find that it is much easier to get requests from our testers then to anticipate the needs of the consumer. In the end, the users get a more intuitive/dynamic product and we get to spend more time designing sneakers.
Tags: Converse, Customization, Vans
I love them! I want a pair!
You know its 2008, when one can design their own signature sneakers! A very intriguing idea yet, I can`t help but think of all the ugly, unoriginal shoes that will come from this “do it yourself” setup. Artists and merchandise experts are paid to make cool designs for shoes because they are insanely creative! Innovation is the key to success especially in the fashion industry and handing too much control over to the consumer could be a step backwards. There can only be so many shoes painted in camouflage with “G-unit” smeared across the side borders.
If you want to customize your shoes you should go to http://www.thejgcustoms.com to purchase a kit. Also, the best custom shoes on the net.
@BrockSky We’ll get you a pair – such bad taste has to be rewarded
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Let’s start a Smibs / YP collection.
I don’t think the customization of consumer products will really take off until delivery can be immediate. People want to “buy now;” which is one reason customization works in the digital world.