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In a delightful blend of humour and scientific curiosity, two Indian researchers—Vikash Kumar and Sarthak Mittal—have been awarded the 2025 Ig Nobel Prize in Engineering Design for their unconventional yet insightful study on how foul-smelling shoes affect the user experience of shoe-racks. The award, announced during the annual ceremony hosted virtually from Harvard University’s Sanders Theatre on September 19, celebrates research that first makes people laugh and then makes them think.
The duo’s work, which began as a student-led design inquiry, has now earned global recognition for its multidisciplinary approach, combining engineering, microbiology, and human-centred design to solve a problem many encounter but few investigate.
Key Highlights From The 2025 Ig Nobel Engineering Award
- Vikash Kumar, assistant professor at Shiv Nadar University, and student researcher Sarthak Mittal won the prize for their study on shoe odour and rack usability
- Their design solution involved UV lamp integration to neutralize bacterial odour in shoe-racks
- The study was published in 2022 and gained traction for its practical relevance and creative execution
- The Ig Nobel ceremony spotlighted global oddball research, including pizza-eating lizards and garlic-flavoured breast milk
- The engineering award underscores the value of everyday observation in driving innovation
Genesis Of The Study
The project originated when Mittal observed that hostel residents often left their shoes outside their rooms. Initially attributed to space constraints, further inquiry revealed that unpleasant odours were the real deterrent. This prompted the team to explore the microbial causes of shoe smell and its impact on user behaviour.
Drawing from medical literature, the researchers identified bacteria as the primary source of the odour. They then designed a shoe-rack prototype fitted with ultraviolet lamps—similar to those used in water purifiers—to sanitize shoes and reduce the smell. The solution was tested for efficacy and user acceptance, leading to a design that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Design Thinking Meets Microbiology
The study exemplifies how design thinking can intersect with scientific disciplines to solve overlooked problems. Kumar and Mittal’s approach involved:
- Observational research to identify behavioural patterns
- Literature review to understand microbial activity in footwear
- Prototyping and testing UV-based sanitization methods
- User feedback to refine the final design
Their work demonstrates that innovation often begins with mundane observations and evolves through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Global Recognition And Ceremony Highlights
The Ig Nobel Prizes, founded in 1991 by the Annals of Improbable Research, aim to honour achievements that are unusual yet thought-provoking. This year’s ceremony featured laureates from across the world, including:
- A nutrition study on rainbow lizards developing a taste for pizza scraps
- A paediatrics study showing how garlic consumption by mothers affects breast milk flavour
- A psychology study exploring how narcissists react to being told they are intelligent
- A biology experiment painting zebra-like stripes on cows to reduce fly bites
The engineering award to Kumar and Mittal stood out for its blend of humour, utility, and design rigour.
Reactions And Reflections
Speaking to the media, Kumar shared that the recognition came as a surprise. Initially skeptical of the Ig Nobel email, he later embraced the honour after a video call with the organisers. He emphasized that design solutions often emerge from ordinary experiences and require a mix of technical and social understanding.
Mittal, now pursuing further research, credited the project for shaping his interest in applied design and public problem-solving. The duo’s success is being celebrated across Indian academic circles as a testament to the power of curiosity-driven inquiry.
Looking Ahead
The award not only elevates the visibility of Indian design research but also encourages students and professionals to explore unconventional questions. As Kumar and Mittal’s work shows, even the smell of shoes can lead to global acclaim when approached with creativity and scientific rigour.
Sources: The Hindu, Telegraph India.
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