The Origin of LaceAble

The Origin of LaceAble

Why we started LaceAble, and the importance of being part of the solution.

Hey everyone! This is Noam Platt, the inventor and founder of LaceAble!

I wanted to tell everyone a little about LaceAble and why we invented this incredible device. LaceAble first came into existence as a design project through my nonprofit, MakeGood INC. I was working with a disabled community member who was recovering from a stroke. He was recovering well, but had a real problem with shoes and shoelaces. It was one of the only things he could not do independently. He tried the techniques for one-handed shoe tying, he tried elastic laces, none of it really worked. 

He asked me to come up with something that would solve this problem. Very quickly I realized that tying knots is NOT the answer, and this would require a creative solution to secure shoelaces on the shoe, and something that can be used with one hand. Through trial and error, using the iterative design process, the basic shape and technique for LaceAble for created. It was inspired by how boats are tied to dock cleats, and modified to work for shoes. 

LaceAble went through testing and minor tweaking until we finalized the design into the device you know and love. It really is the most adaptive shoe tying accessory available. It installs with one hand, it can be used with one hand. It is the ultimate adaptive shoelace product. 

I have worn LaceAble on my shoes for over 2 years. They have never come untied. My shoelaces stay at the exact same tightness forever. I use them to convert all my shoes into slip-ons. I have also used them to make running more enjoyable. I have full dexterity, yet I find myself unable to wear shoes without LaceAble. Once you try this amazing product, there is no going back to regular knots. 

Even more exciting, disabled people, people recovering from strokes, and others love using LaceAble. I have found that a huge amount of people benefit from this groundbreaking device.

Through my work at MakeGood and LaceAble, I found that ANYONE can be part of the solution. YOU can invent anything if you use empathy and understanding to listen to people and try something new. People who design stuff - that can be building, shoes, cars, etc - truly create the future. If we design those objects to be truly accessible, you are creating a more accessible future. 

LaceAble isn't just about shoelaces, although we have totally solved the myriad of problems that shoelaces have, it is about using design to create a better future for EVERYONE. This is is why 25% of all profits from LaceAble are donated directly to MakeGood INC.

Please check out MakeGood at MakeGood.design.

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