Industrial - Bachelors

FlexStep

FlexStep is a smart insole designed to help athletes manage pre-competitive anxiety through calming, rhythmic vibrations. Integrating seamlessly into training routines, it supports breathing regulation and focus, helping athletes maintain composure. With app-controlled customisation, FlexStep offers a discreet, sport-compatible solution for anxiety management, enhancing both performance and enjoyment of sport.

Taryn Howes

40% of athletes report that anxiety negatively impacts their performance, affecting focus, confidence, and physical readiness.

Marwat, 2021

Pre-competitive anxiety is a problem for athletes because it disrupts focus, confidence, and physical readiness right when they need it most. This heightened stress can cause muscle tension, racing thoughts, and a rapid heartbeat, all of which impair performance. If left unmanaged, pre-competitive anxiety can lead to burnout, reduced motivation, and even physical injuries, as athletes struggle to maintain form under stress. Over time, this anxiety can diminish enjoyment of the sport, impacting both mental well-being and long-term commitment. For athletes striving for peak performance, addressing pre-competitive anxiety is essential to maintaining both mental resilience and physical health.

Girl in locker room holding a football in her hands.

The Problem

Through research, including surveys and interviews, it was revealed that there is a significant lack of anxiety-reducing products that are compatible with athletic performance. Athletes expressed that most available tools are either too bulky, distracting, or unsuited to high-movement environments, making them impractical for managing pre-competitive anxiety. Many existing products are designed for general stress relief rather than the unique, performance-related anxiety athletes face, which requires tools that support mobility, comfort, and discreet use. This gap highlights a pressing need for sport-compatible solutions that provide real-time, targeted anxiety relief, helping athletes stay mentally resilient and focused without interrupting their routines or performance.
Graphs comparing anxiety levels before and after competing. Anxiety levels decreased after competing
Pie chart of management techniques used by athletes
Key management techniques, such as listening to music and practising breathing exercises, were commonly used by athletes because they provide effective ways to reduce anxiety and maintain focus. Music serves as a distraction, helping athletes shift their attention away from stressors and creating a calming atmosphere. Breathing exercises, on the other hand, help regulate physiological responses, such as heart rate and muscle tension, which are often heightened due to anxiety. These techniques allow athletes to control their mental and physical state, helping them to enter a balanced, focused mindset before competition.

More research here

Name
Research Report
File Type
application
File Size
3 MB
Download File
Ideation stage sketches

When ideating, my sketches resembled products that were already on the market. My designs all had a common theme around practicing breathing exercises and using light or vibration to help guide this. Trying to find a more discreet design that wouldn’t interrupt training, I devised the smart insole design.

The Design

Introducing FlexStep, a smart insole designed to provide real-time anxiety management through calming, rhythmic vibrations that help ground the user before training. These gentle vibrations provide a sensory anchor, encouraging steady breathing and helping athletes manage pre-competitive anxiety. Controlled via a Bluetooth app, it allows users to customise session times, adjust vibration intensity, and power the insole on or off as needed. FlexStep can be worn during training sessions or removed and charged at home, adapting to individual athlete routines and preferences for a seamless, personalised experience. It is designed to be used before or during train sessions, equipping users with anxiety management techniques which can be applied on competition day.

Flowchart detailing how the user uses the insoles
Exploded view of the Insole Design

Key Features

FlexStep includes customisable vibration patterns, heart rate monitoring, and a durable, sweat-resistant design to support athletes during high-intensity training. With energy-efficient components, it offers extended battery life, and its lightweight, low-profile form fits comfortably in most athletic shoes. Through the Bluetooth app, FlexStep provides data-driven insights into vibration usage and heart rate, allowing athletes to track their progress in managing pre-competitive anxiety. The insole also auto-calibrates to adapt to different movements, ensuring accuracy and a seamless user experience.

Key components include a rechargeable battery, flexible PCB with Bluetooth, three vibration motors, and a heart rate sensor. The motors and heart rate sensor are placed in the forefoot and midfoot for effective feedback, while the battery is in the heel for stability, reducing discomfort. The centrally placed PCB ensures reliable data transmission and easy app connectivity.
Image of two smart insoles at a netball court.

Materials

Materials were chosen for durability and comfort. The top layer combines recycled polyester and bamboo fibres—soft, breathable, and antimicrobial, keeping feet dry and odour-free. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, using renewable bamboo and recycled plastic to minimise waste. EVA foam provides lightweight, shock-absorbent cushioning, while TPU forms the flexible, moisture-resistant base that protects the electronics, creating a sustainable insole that supports both performance and well-being. Together, these materials create a durable, sustainable insole that supports both performance and well-being.

VALUE

The value of FlexStep lies in its ability to provide athletes with a discreet, real-time solution for managing pre-competitive anxiety. Its key purpose is to equip users with effective anxiety management techniques, such as breath work, so that come game day, they can easily integrate these techniques into their pre-performance routine without the aid of the insole. This ultimately enhances the athlete’s wellbeing, confidence and overall enjoyment of their sport.


In the future, FlexStep could be adapted to different contexts, helping other users manage their anxiety such as school children during exam season.

Image of flex step insoles next to text that says: FlexStep, calm your mind, elevate your game.

Taryn Howes

Taryn is a designer with a strong focus on creativity, human-centered design, and circular design processes. With experience in graphic design, she specialises in sketching, research, and developing thoughtful, engaging solutions that prioritise user needs.