AOB
12 Beyond Ability: A Vans Brand Expression
December 2024
Professor Andy OutisIllustrations created in ProcreateCreated with InDesign.
For this project, I was tasked with creating both a persona and brand expression for Vans. Inspired by their legacy of creativity, authenticity, and community, Beyond Ability expands the brand’s commitment to self-expression by addressing the needs of individuals who require adaptive footwear.
Storytelling has always been at the heart of my design practice. I believe that design is more than solely aesthetics; it is a powerful tool for connection, representation, and change. Beyond Ability embodies this philosophy by centering real experiences and crafting a narrative that amplifies voices of those often overlooked by mainstream fashion. Through Jasper’s story, I explore the intersection of personal identity, accessibility, and self-expression, using design to bridge the gap between function and individuality.
Jasper has always loved photography—the way a single frame can tell a story, capture an experience, or challenge the way people see the world. However for Jasper, self-expression has often come with limitations. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, they rely on a medical brace for stability, yet finding shoes that accommodate their needs without sacrificing personal style has been a constant struggle. The shoes that fit often feel clinical and uninspired, while the ones that reflect their edgy, artistic aesthetic leave them in pain after hours of wear.That’s where Beyond Ability comes in.More than just a product line, Beyond Ability is a statement of empowerment, redefining what inclusive design can look like within the Vans brand. When I set out to design this project, I wanted to do more than create a new product; I wanted to tell a story. As a designer, I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to spark change, to amplify voices, and to bring overlooked experiences into the spotlight. Beyond Ability isn’t just about adaptive footwear; it’s about reimagining what inclusion looks like in fashion, proving that accessibility and style should never be at odds. Jasper’s story became the foundation of this project. Their journey—navigating self-expression, comfort, and the need for functional design—led to the creation of a Vans collection that embraces everyone. With brace-compatible fits, customizable support, and accessible closures, Beyond Ability empowers those who, like Jasper, have spent years searching for shoes that feel like them.This project envisions a world where no one has to choose between comfort and self-expression, where design isn’t an afterthought but a means of connection and representation. Because at its core, Beyond Ability is more than just footwear, it’s a movement, proving that true creativity knows no limits.
STATEMENT
DOCUMENTATION
AOB
Professor Andy OutisIllustrations created in ProcreateCreated with InDesign.
December 2024
12 Beyond Ability: A Vans Brand Expression
STATEMENT
For this project, I was tasked with creating both a persona and brand expression for Vans. Inspired by their legacy of creativity, authenticity, and community, Beyond Ability expands the brand’s commitment to self-expression by addressing the needs of individuals who require adaptive footwear.
Storytelling has always been at the heart of my design practice. I believe that design is more than solely aesthetics; it is a powerful tool for connection, representation, and change. Beyond Ability embodies this philosophy by centering real experiences and crafting a narrative that amplifies voices of those often overlooked by mainstream fashion. Through Jasper’s story, I explore the intersection of personal identity, accessibility, and self-expression, using design to bridge the gap between function and individuality.
Jasper has always loved photography—the way a single frame can tell a story, capture an experience, or challenge the way people see the world. However for Jasper, self-expression has often come with limitations. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, they rely on a medical brace for stability, yet finding shoes that accommodate their needs without sacrificing personal style has been a constant struggle. The shoes that fit often feel clinical and uninspired, while the ones that reflect their edgy, artistic aesthetic leave them in pain after hours of wear.That’s where Beyond Ability comes in.More than just a product line, Beyond Ability is a statement of empowerment, redefining what inclusive design can look like within the Vans brand. When I set out to design this project, I wanted to do more than create a new product; I wanted to tell a story. As a designer, I believe storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to spark change, to amplify voices, and to bring overlooked experiences into the spotlight. Beyond Ability isn’t just about adaptive footwear; it’s about reimagining what inclusion looks like in fashion, proving that accessibility and style should never be at odds. Jasper’s story became the foundation of this project. Their journey—navigating self-expression, comfort, and the need for functional design—led to the creation of a Vans collection that embraces everyone. With brace-compatible fits, customizable support, and accessible closures, Beyond Ability empowers those who, like Jasper, have spent years searching for shoes that feel like them.This project envisions a world where no one has to choose between comfort and self-expression, where design isn’t an afterthought but a means of connection and representation. Because at its core, Beyond Ability is more than just footwear, it’s a movement, proving that true creativity knows no limits.
DOCUMENTATION