Nike, the sportswear giant, has embraced computational design and artificial intelligence (AI) in its product creation process. The company is leveraging digital tools, big data, generative algorithms, and parametric modeling to design increasingly powerful products. Nike collects and utilizes various types of information, including physiological data like temperature and perspiration, during the design phase. The use of AI in the design process allows Nike to create unique footwear styles for elite athletes. The company recently unveiled A.I.R., a speculative project featuring 13 styles of footwear created using AI. Nike's philosophy is to use AI as a tool for image creation and exploration, without relying on external sources or online images. The designer of the future, working alongside AI, will need to possess 'curator-like' skills and sensibilities. Nike sees AI as a tool for augmentation rather than a replacement for human intelligence. The company has made innovation its primary focus.
Meanwhile, Venita Cooper, a former K-12 educator, founded Silhouette Sneakers & Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She recently sold the store to Kellen James, a third-generation Tulsan. Cooper is now focusing on her tech startup called Arbit, which uses AI to predict resale prices for sneakers. The platform aggregates supply and demand indicators to determine fair market value and forecast future prices. Cooper raised $1 million in venture funding to scale the platform and hopes to disrupt the sneaker resale market. She is also exploring expanding into other sectors, such as luxury handbags.
In other news, Foot Locker Inc. is integrating Snowflake Inc.'s Data Cloud to revolutionize its data management strategy and enhance customer experiences. Anil Kumar Paila, principal architect at Foot Locker, stated that Snowflake enables the company to use data as a core asset to drive the business. Foot Locker uses AI and data cloud solutions to develop self-service reporting, data analytics, and intelligent data applications. The company focuses on building a customer-centric view of data to drive personalizations and marketing campaigns. Snowflake Data Cloud also offers opportunities for retailers to generate revenue from data. The partnership between Snowflake and Foot Locker was sponsored by both companies. [7d1abfda]