Bridging digital intelligence and age-friendly design for Fujian’s footwear industry: From DIIDMS mode development to its application

In the context of China’s rapid entry into an ageing society and its ongoing digital transformation, Fujian Province’s footwear industry—long recognized as a manufacturing stronghold—faces an urgent need to innovate its age‑friendly design paradigm. To address this need, we developed and applied a digital-intelligence (DI) -driven design mode for footwear products tailored to older adults, using comprehensive literature review, systems modeling and analysis, and case application. First, we systematically mapped the physiological, psychological and behavioral needs of elderly users. Next, we identified existing shortcomings in age‑friendly design within the current footwear industry. Finally, we proposed a full‑process digital transformation pathway encompassing needs identification, product development, manufacturing mode and service experience. As a result, we developed a four-pronged DI-driven “Identification–Design–Manufacturing–Service” (DIIDMS) mode to enhance both product adaptability and continuity of service. Case application of this mode demonstrates that it can effectively improve the responsiveness of footwear products to the diverse needs of older users, thereby driving Fujian’s footwear industry toward high‑quality, customized, and sustainable development. Our mode provides implications for the global footwear industry.