Stride with Pride: Designing an Inclusive Sneaker Customization Experience
UI/UX
Design Strategy
Software Design
introduction
For Pride Month, Stride—a sneaker brand championing self-expression, wanted to create a customization platform that allowed users to design sneakers with pride-themed elements while supporting LGBTQ+ causes.
As the UX/UI Designer, my goal was to craft a seamless, accessible, and engaging customization experience that not only empowered users to create unique designs but also embodied Stride’s values of inclusivity, diversity, and social impact.
Design Process
Research & Ideation
Conducted user interviews & surveys to define pain points.
Analyzed competitor platforms to identify usability gaps.
Wireframing & Prototyping
Created low-fidelity wireframes to map out the flow.
Developed interactive prototypes and ran usability tests.
User Testing & Iteration
Gathered feedback from 20 LGBTQ+ testers.
Iterated on navigation clarity, customization speed, and accessibility enhancements.
Final Design & Implementation
Refined UI components, ensuring a polished and inclusive aesthetic.
Developed a responsive, high-performance interface ready for launch.
Challenge
Despite the growing demand for customized fashion, existing online customization tools often fall short—they’re complex, lack inclusivity, and fail to consider accessibility. For LGBTQ+ users, the challenges were even greater:
Limited representation: Many platforms didn’t offer gender-neutral options or diverse design elements.
Usability barriers: Complex tools led to frustration and high drop-off rates.
Lack of social impact transparency: Users wanted to see how their purchase supported LGBTQ+ causes.
Research & Insights
To design an intuitive experience, I conducted surveys, interviews, and usability tests with over 200 LGBTQ+ individuals.
Users crave self-expression
70% wanted more design flexibility beyond basic color options.
Simplicity is key
65% abandoned other customization tools due to complexity.
Inclusivity matters
80% preferred brands that clearly supported LGBTQ+ causes.
Accessibility gaps exist
50% found customization tools lacked basic accessibility features like keyboard navigation and high-contrast options.
“I love customizing sneakers, but many tools are frustrating. I just want something simple that works.”
— Jamie, 28
User Personas
Competitor Research
Conducting competition research helps to understand the current market landscape, identify best practices, and uncover opportunities for differentiation. By analyzing key competitors, we can ensure that Stride's Pride Collection Customization platform offers unique value and stands out in the market.
The competition research reveals opportunities for Stride to differentiate itself through comprehensive accessibility features, unique customization options, and a consistent focus on supporting LGBTQ+ causes. By leveraging these insights, Stride can create a customization platform that not only meets user needs but also stands out in the market as a leader in inclusivity and social impact.
Solution: A Customization Experience for Everyone
Based on user feedback, I designed a streamlined, accessible customization tool with:
Intuitive Customization Flow
Drag-and-drop interface for effortless design.
Real-time preview to ensure accurate visualization.
Guided steps to help users through the process seamlessly.
Inclusive & Diverse Design Elements
Expansive pride-themed library featuring diverse stickers, patterns, and colors.
Gender-neutral sizing to accommodate all identities.
Inspirational quotes from LGBTQ+ icons for personal expression.
Built-In Accessibility Features
High-contrast mode and keyboard navigation for better usability.
Screen-reader compatibility to support visually impaired users.
Testing & Improvements
User testing was conducted in multiple stages, from early wireframes to the final high-fidelity prototype. Feedback highlighted areas for improvement, such as the need for clearer UI indicators in the customization process and more detailed material previews. Iterative adjustments led to a more intuitive layout, enhanced product previews, and an optimized checkout flow. Final testing confirmed a significant increase in user satisfaction and engagement.
Impact & Takeaways
Stride with Pride successfully transformed sneaker customization into a more inclusive and user-friendly experience. The project demonstrated the power of research-driven design, proving that accessibility and self-expression can coexist seamlessly. Key takeaways include the importance of continuous user feedback, the value of inclusive design principles, and the role of technology in enabling creativity.
"This was the first customization tool that truly felt made for me."
— Morgan, 30
Outcome
75%
Increased engagement
75% of users completed customizations, compared to the 65% industry average.
20%
Higher conversion rate
20% increase in purchases from users engaging with the customization tool.
90%
Improved accessibility
90% of users with disabilities found the platform more inclusive than competitors.
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