Kornit Digital, D-house showcase experimental footwear design

Kornit Digital and D-house laboratorio urbano will present the Foot/Print EXP project during Milan Design Week from April 20–26. The project has been created by designers Sangi and Materia to explore new ideas in footwear design by combining digital printing, material research, and creative development. It features a collection of five footwear prototypes, developed through a process that brings together design, technology, and product innovation.

Kornit’s digital production technology plays an important role in this project, not just as a manufacturing method but also as a design tool. Its sustainable, on-demand approach allows designers to work directly on materials and surfaces, going beyond the limits of traditional techniques and opening up new possibilities for experimentation.

One of the key technologies used is Kornit’s XDi system, which enables designers to create textured and tactile effects directly on fabrics. The use of white ink also allows for detailed and high-quality prints on dark and coloured materials, adding depth and contrast.

The installation is designed as an immersive experience across two spaces. The first area presents a Mars-inspired setting, using colours, textures, and materials to create a unique atmosphere. These visual elements are then reflected in the footwear designs, becoming a key part of the concept.

The second space is designed as a laboratory, where visitors can see the materials, processes, and development stages behind the final products. This area focuses on how ideas move from research to finished designs.