PADYA

PADYA is a low-cost, 3D-printed orthotic foot support system designed specifically for South Asian women working barefoot in rural agricultural environments. The name originates from the Sanskrit and Hindi root pāda (meaning “foot”), combined with the suffix “-ya” to create a contemporary yet culturally rooted identity.

The project evolved through iterative prototyping, starting with low-fidelity models to explore ergonomics, materials, and usability, before integrating digital fabrication methods such as smartphone-based 3D scanning and additive manufacturing for precision fitting. PADYA addresses the biomechanical challenges of prolonged barefoot labour by providing anatomical stability, modularity for easy repair, and affordability through lean production principles.

Engineered for decentralised fabrication in NGO-led workshops, PADYA uses recyclable thermoplastics like PETG, enabling both environmental sustainability and local production capacity. Its modular design reduces waste, supports rapid repair, and facilitates scalability in low-resource settings. By combining ergonomic optimisation, frugal innovation, and cultural appropriateness, PADYA demonstrates how digital manufacturing can deliver equitable, context-specific medical solutions for underserved populations