SRIG 24-63: Preventing ACL Re-injury in Women's Snowboarding

What was the issue being addressed?

The issue being addressed in this project was the lack of gender-specific, supportive, and confidence-boosting protective gear designed for women snowboarders recovering from ACL injuries. Many existing products on the market do not have the affordances that meet the unique physiological needs, recovery, or psychological concerns of female athletes post-injury. This project aimed to explore how innovative wearable design could enhance both physical support and mental confidence, encouraging a safer and more confident return to snowboarding 

Provide a brief, lay description of the work undertaken/initiative.

This project focused on designing a supportive base layer with integrated braces for women snowboarders recovering from ACL injuries. The goal was to create a wearable product that helps reduce the risk of re-injury while also improving the user’s confidence during their return to the sport. Giving them the most optimal option when it comes to the recovery process. Through research, interviews, and user testing, the design was refined to better meet the physical and psychological needs of recovering female athletes. 

What is the expected impact this project will have on the community?

The expected impact of this project is to allow women snowboarders to recover from ACL injuries by providing them with more effective, comfortable, and confidence-boosting supportive gear. By addressing both the physical and mental challenges of recovery, this product aims to reduce the fear of re-injury, improve performance on the slopes, and encourage a safer return to sport, allowing the users to get back to the passion they have for outdoor adventures. It also highlights the importance of inclusive, gender-aware design in sports/recovery gear.