Project Brief
Soft Goods Innovation / Climate Adaptation / Fall 24 / 8 Weeks
Design a modular outerwear system that regulates body temperature through responsive insulation and airflow control.
Soft Goods Innovation / Climate Adaptation / Fall 24 / 8 Weeks
Design a modular outerwear system that regulates body temperature through responsive insulation and airflow control.
Redesign concept statement
Maintain The North Face’s core values of innovation, sustainability, and high performance. Ensure the redesign stays true to the brand’s outdoor aesthetic while integrating modern urban utility.
Redesign concept statement
Maintain The North Face’s core values of innovation, sustainability, and high performance. Ensure the redesign stays true to the brand’s outdoor aesthetic while integrating modern urban utility.
Design direction:
Create a balance between technical function (waterproof, grip, insulation) and urban versatility. Enhance comfort, durability, and sustainability with modern materials and advanced fabrication.
Target user:
Outdoor enthusiasts, snowboarders/skiers, and urban dwellers.
Design direction:
Create a balance between technical function (waterproof, grip, insulation) and urban versatility. Enhance comfort, durability, and sustainability with modern materials and advanced fabrication.
Target user:
Outdoor enthusiasts, snowboarders/skiers, and urban dwellers.
Use scenario:
Designed for cold, mountainous terrain, perfect for snowboarders, hikers, and explorers to slip into after a long day in snow boots or hiking shoes—offering a soft, comfortable place to rest their feet.
What do they love? What issues do they face (Comfort, durability, waterproofing, traction)
What do they love? What issues do they face (Comfort, durability, waterproofing, traction)
What do they love? What issues do they face (Comfort, durability, waterproofing, traction)
"For these users, navigating challenging environments means they need footwear that can withstand low temperatures, resist water, and provide grip on slippery surfaces.
This shoe addresses these needs with its weather-resistant materials and ergonomic design, making it essential for adventurers pushing boundaries in the mountains.
Recycled nylon from sources like textiles
Recycled TPU scraps & polyester fibers
Recycled plastic bottles & industrial waste
Made with 100% recycled materials, this lightweight, packable shoe features ThermaCore, a sustainable down alternative that traps heat for warmth.
Use scenario:
Designed for cold, mountainous terrain, perfect for snowboarders, hikers, and explorers to slip into after a long day in snow boots or hiking shoes—offering a soft, comfortable place to rest their feet.
Use scenario:
Designed for cold, mountainous terrain, perfect for snowboarders, hikers, and explorers to slip into after a long day in snow boots or hiking shoes—offering a soft, comfortable place to rest their feet.
Design direction:
Create a balance between technical function (waterproof, grip, insulation) and urban versatility. Enhance comfort, durability, and sustainability with modern materials and advanced fabrication.
Target user:
Outdoor enthusiasts, snowboarders/skiers, and urban dwellers.
Made with 100% recycled materials, this lightweight, packable shoe features ThermaCore, a sustainable down alternative that traps heat for warmth.
This shoe is built for adventurers facing cold, wet, and slippery conditions, offering weather resistance, insulation, and strong grip for rugged terrain.
This shoe is built for adventurers facing cold, wet, and slippery conditions, offering weather resistance, insulation, and strong grip for rugged terrain.
WHAT MAKES THE NEW THERMaCORE MULES STAND OUT FROM THE MARKET?
WHAT MAKES THE NEW THERMACORE MULES STAND OUT FROM THE MARKET?
Made with 100% recycled materials, this lightweight, packable shoe features ThermaCore, a sustainable down alternative that traps heat for warmth.
Recycled nylon from sources like textiles
Recycled TPU scraps & polyester fibers
Recycled plastic bottles & industrial waste
Color Palette & Finishes
Color Palette & Finishes
Core colors: Black, Olive, Earthy Brown – aligned with The North Face’s classic outdoor aesthetic.
Seasonal drops: Bright monochromes & gradients inspired by natural terrains (ice, desert, lava).
Reflective elements: For visibility in low-light conditions.
Core colors: Black, Olive, Earthy Brown – aligned with The North Face’s classic outdoor aesthetic.
Seasonal drops: Bright monochromes & gradients inspired by natural terrains (ice, desert, lava).
Reflective elements: For visibility in low-light conditions.
CMF research
CMF research
Explore different silhouettes that improve ergonomics while maintaining a lightweight feel.
Consider dynamic paneling on the upper for an adaptive fit.
Explore different silhouettes that improve ergonomics while maintaining a lightweight feel.
Consider dynamic paneling on the upper for an adaptive fit.
Bio-mimicry:
Inspired by the bear paw, its wide, textured outsole mimics the bear’s natural grip, evenly distributing weight for better balance and control on slippery or uneven terrain.
Upper: GORE-TEX®: Fully waterproof yet breathable for extreme weather conditions.
Upper: GORE-TEX®: Fully waterproof yet breathable for extreme weather conditions.
Midsole: TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Matte or textured finish for a premium look.
Midsole: TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Matte or textured finish for a premium look.
Outsole: HDR (High-Density Rubber): Injection-molded for precision and weight reduction.
Outsole: HDR (High-Density Rubber): Injection-molded for precision and weight reduction.
Bio-mimicry:
Inspired by the bear paw, its wide, textured outsole mimics the bear’s natural grip, evenly distributing weight for better balance and control on slippery or uneven terrain.
Ideation Sketch & Final Concept
Ideation Sketch & Final Concept
Designed for Adventure, Built for Comfort.
Designed for Adventure, Built for Comfort.
"Exploring the intersection of ergonomics and CMF"
Modeling
3D mockup
Modeling
3D mockup
Test digital ergonomics, adjusting the footbed curvature, simulate outsole patterns for optimized traction and weight balance.
Test digital ergonomics, adjusting the footbed curvature, simulate outsole patterns for optimized traction and weight balance.
Rendering & Refinement
Sustainable Fabrication.
Highlight GORE-TEX waterproofing, TPU cushioning, and HDR traction as game-changers.
Ensure the fit allows for easy slip-on access but maintains a secure hold.
Rendering & Refinement
Sustainable Fabrication.
Highlight GORE-TEX waterproofing, TPU cushioning, and HDR traction as game-changers.
Ensure the fit allows for easy slip-on access but maintains a secure hold.
The North Face designed the mule as a warm, breathable, slip-on shoe for outdoor recovery. It balances comfort, insulation, and weather resistance, ideal for camping or unwinding after intense activities like snowboarding or hiking.
The North Face designed the mule as a warm, breathable, slip-on shoe for outdoor recovery. It balances comfort, insulation, and weather resistance, ideal for camping or unwinding after intense activities like snowboarding or hiking.
© 2025 Howard Zheng. All rights reserved.
Select projects are conceptual works created for portfolio purposes.
This site is not affiliated with The North Face.
© 2025 Howard Zheng. All rights reserved.
Select projects are conceptual works created for portfolio purposes.
This site is not affiliated with The North Face.