Where does a design come from?
A simple question with a simple solution! Design comes from investigating problems. In this case, the problem is that tying shoelaces with one hand is very difficult. There are ways to do it, involving steps on your laces and using complicated knots, but they leave much to be desired.
When I started working on LaceAble, I thought about the MAIN PROBLEM. Main problems are the actual issue, not the symptoms of issues.
In this case a symptom is "I cant tie a knot with one hand". The MAIN PROBLEM is "I need to secure these laces". Notice in that statement there is no mention of knots. This is what it means to identify a main problem.
So, I started solving that main problem, and thought about all of the ways one could secure cordage (thinking BEYOND shoes). This opens up the set of solutions to a lot of variety. I focused on how people deal with boat lines and dock cleats. They secure them easily, with 1 hand, and without knots.
This cleat wrapping technique was the inspiration behind the design of LaceAble. And in the photo on this post you can see the evolution from a simple cleat to the sophisticated form of LaceAble we love today.
The key to great design is to conduct an investigation of the MAIN PROBLEM and then iterate on that idea and see where trial-and-error takes you. It is with this methodology that you can solve any design problem in the world. It is what we use at LaceAble and at MakeGood to continually make the world a better place.
-Noam