Many thanks to our wonderful friends at ...

...for allowing us to share these photos with you!

Note: In this configuration the front arm rest area (1.) is lower than the supply surface area (2.) and the shoe clamping area (3.) is tilted forward. This allows the Artisan the ability to work on the front of the shoe and the strap areas more easily .

Note: the Hand Ergonomics

Some bright ideas & know how...

Note: In the configuration shown above the Artisan is able to work on the front of the shoe and the strap areas easily, as the flat surface that the shoe is clamped to can pivot/swivel 260 degrees.

Note: 1.This is front arm rest: It is completely adjustable.  It can raise and lower vercially as needed and can also tilt. 2. This is the shoe placement/clamping area:  The shoe while clamped has the ability to rotate 260 degrees without the need for unclamping.  Additionally, the clamping base can swivel 360 degrees and tilt 110 degrees off of its' vertical (Y) axis.  3. This is the supply surface: It is able to swivel 360 degrees and can be configured to raise and lower vercially as needed

4.  The workstation must be able to accommodate various work configurations
    depending on the shoe, boot or handbag being worked on.

6.  There must be a way to hold materials and supplies needed for each work product on
​     the workstation in a way that is comfortable for each Artisan according to their        
     personal preferences of working.  Workstation must be able to easily be able to
     accomidate a) right handed, b) left handed c) tall and d) short Artisans.

5.  There must be a way to post pictures, instructions, pieces of inspiration to a "pin 

     board" of sorts while the products are being worked on that is not in the way, but is  
     securely held into position as not to accidently fall on the work product. 

3.  Create a manufacturing workstation that is easily adjustable without the need for
     extensive tooling and expertise to set up or change.

2.  Create a manufacturing workstation that is easily adjustable without the need for
     extensive tooling and expertise to set up or change.

1.   A way to more securely hold, change and rotate positions of shoes and other work
     product, while being worked on easily.

what was needed?

Build a Modern Manufacturing system...   Our client needed a way to more efficiently place-by-hand custom applique materials (crystals, lace, studs, etc.) onto buyer's couture footwear Working on a flat work surface was just not cutting it.  It was making if difficult to carefully place jewels on a shoe that was held in one hand while trying to place small jewels held at the tip of a fine tweezers in the other.  Dropping a jewel with industrial adhesive onto a shoe accidently could ruin several hundred dollars worth of materials easily  

Note: Precision finger sockets.

Note: Tips of tool are specially milled to hold jewels securely!

Note: Hand engraving, gold leaf scroll trim, stainless steel screws and construction.

"Old World" Tooling...   Our client needed Specialized tools for an "old world" artisan business.  The tools needed to be made with the sensitivity and craftsmanship of a fine Swiss jeweler. The tools not only needed to be functional but also needed to be aesthetically pleasing to work with all day long.  Our client was most insistent on this point. Therefore we paid great attention to every detail and every material chosen. We drew upon 25 years of repetitive motion experience involved in manufacturing and setting up factories. We made several prototypes that took into account the various hand positions needed when using the tools during operation. At the end of the day we produced a unique tool, perfect for the tasks required, reducing normal assembly times, and giving our client a unique competitive edge.

Objective: 1) Design unique artisan "old world" tooling

                       2) design & Build a modern, manufacturing system 
                           for the production of exquisite  women's shoes

Note: How fingers fit into tool.

A in depth study in to human ergonomics: Form & function