To generate designs for new styles, I developed a workflow using LoRA models, which I trained specifically to capture Filling Pieces' brand identity and the style of the current seasonal theme. By incorporating reference images, the AI-generated designs achieved greater consistency and aligned more closely with the desired aesthetic, producing outputs that were both creative and accurate. This AI-oriented approach significantly accelerated the design generation process.
Next to the LoRA models used for caturing the brand identity, the seasonal theme 'Modern Architecture' also needed to be captured. The first moodboard showcases this in essence, featuring contemporary buildings with clean lines, minimalist forms, and innovative use of materials. While this LoRA model captured the style, only using this influence led to abstract and distorted outputs, that were not recognizable as shoes anymore. Therefor, the strength could not be too high and an additional LoRA model was necessary.
The second moodboard highlights footwear inspired by modern architecture, characterized by sleek, geometric shapes, bold accents, and minimalism. Using this LoRA model balanced architectural inspiration with the identity of footwear, maintaining recognizable shoe forms and blending both design languages cohesively. The influence of both LoRA models can be seen in the generated images, in both shapes and use of materials.
As the designer, the most important task was to intentionally curate the moodboards of the images that were going to be used as the training images, as these would essentially have the greatest visual impact on the outcomes. With LoRA models, you cannot use too many images, therefore each image should add something unique, and it's details will learned by the AI model and ultimately have impact on the output.
For updating existing styles, such as the Cruiser silhouette, I added a ControlNet model to maintain consistent linework. This made sure that the generated designs remained recognizable and true to the original silhouette. The strength of the ControlNet model was adjusted to balance innovation and creativity with recognizability, determining how much the final design deviated from the original silhouette.
Both designs feature a neutral cream base with pops of orange, highlighting technical aspects in the minimalist style. The cream palette ensures a clean, timeless look, and allows the technical details to stand out without distraction.
Functional Orange Accents
Cruiser Lite (left): The orange highlights the heel clip, that enhances stability and reduces lateral movement.
Fuse Tech (right): The shank is marked in oranges, that provides torsional resistance and arch support.
These designs strike a balance between form and function, where technical features are subtly integrated in the minimalistic design approach. The pops of orange not only enhance visual interest but also signal key performance elements, that shows how AI-driven design can merge innovation with style.
In addition to 2D design processes, I also explored further potential for innovation, by using 3D generative AI to create 3D models of the footwear concepts. The technology was however not advanced enough yet to be used in the development process, therefore the renders only served as a means to enhance visual communication.
This project demonstrated that integrating AI into the design process at Filling Pieces significantly enhanced creativity and efficiency, but also revealed limitations in clarity and production feasibility. To address these, AI-generated designs should be paired with detailed technical drawings for precision in manufacturing. This underscores the need for a complementary relationship between AI tools and human designers, leveraging both to achieve optimal results.
If you like what you see and want to work together, get in touch!
joramsteen2000@gmail.com