FIDLOCK GmbH
Kirchhorster Str. 39
30659 Hannover
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FIDLOCK Consumer Products
MAGKNOT: Award-winning design starts in the details
For the development of MAGKNOT, Esther Endrigkeit, Product Development – Design Team Lead, and Oliver Schaub, Product Development, received the 2026 iF Design Award. In this interview, they share the story behind the fastening solution, discuss the challenges they faced throughout the development process, and explain why great design often starts with the smallest details.
MAGKNOT takes a different perspective on innovation: it does not start at the end of development, but in the details. Developed by FIDLOCK, the compact shoe fastener rethinks a familiar everyday action – tying shoelaces. Instead of replacing the lace itself, the traditional knot is translated into an intuitive fastening system that combines quick operation, secure hold and an improved user experience.
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From idea to functional system
The idea for MAGKNOT originated in 2020 with a clear objective: to develop an alternative to the traditional shoelace knot that could be integrated into existing shoes while still working with standard laces.
Rather than replacing a familiar solution, the focus was on evolving it.
Our goal was to develop a technically reliable solution for an everyday application that is simple, intuitive to use and at the same time provides a secure hold.-Esther
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Over several years, different concepts were developed, tested and refined until functionality and technical requirements could be successfully aligned into a coherent solution.
The key challenge was developing a concept that actually worked, turning it into a manufacturable part and completing it with a strong design. — Oliver
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Two functions, one solution
MAGKNOT combines two requirements that are usually addressed separately: ease of use and adjustability.
While conventional systems typically offer either adjustability or quick release, MAGKNOT brings both together in a compact fastening solution.
The result maintains the familiar fit of shoelaces while enabling significantly faster handling.
MAGKNOT transfers the function of the classic shoelace knot into a simpler system that combines fast closing, secure hold and comfortable handling.— Esther
Recognition for innovation in the details
The iF Design Award does not recognise MAGKNOT as a finished product, but as the underlying solution.
It highlights an approach that extends beyond traditional product boundaries: innovation begins where functions are defined and rethought.
We're especially proud because, for the first time, the award recognised the solution behind the product rather than a finished end product.— Esther
The award ceremony also provided valuable exchange across disciplines and industries.
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Looking ahead
MAGKNOT represents a development approach that understands product design as an interplay between system, function and use.
At its core is the question of how individual solutions influence the overall product experience – often starting in the smallest detail.
I hope product design is increasingly understood as the interaction between systems, functions and components.— Esther
Or, in simple terms:
For us, the most important principle was always making the function understandable through the design itself. — Oliver
MAGKNOT shows that good design does not need to be loud. Often, a well-considered detail is enough to make the difference – in the product, in its use and in the overall experience.
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The next step in lacing systems.
MAGKNOT streamlines processes, saves time and improves access.
A small detail with a big impact.
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