Supportbelt
Case Study:
Human-Centered Product Design
Date: 2023
Role: Lead Experience Architect
Overview
The SupportBelt™ - the only device of its kind and validated by an automaker - was specially designed and developed by Ford Motor Company to alleviate the pain and pressure that seatbelts cause for post-mastectomy patients after their operation and during their recovery.
As an Experience Architect in Ford's Human-Centered Design organization, I was responsible for defining and documenting the design requirements for the production and manufacturing teams in order to meet both the needs of our customers and Ford quality standards.
This work was done in collaboration with Warriors in Pink as a continuation in decades of Ford support aimed at helping and inspiring in the fight against breast cancer.
Problem Statement
Over 100,000 women undergo a mastectomy each year, and 1in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, each of whom come out of the operation with their lives changed.
One of the difficult adjustments patients often have to make is dealing with pain and sensitivity throughout the area that was operated on, making daily activities like driving challenging and uncomfortable during recovery. The pressure that a seatbelt applies directly to the chest and torso worsens their discomfort and can become extremely painful even during short drives. This leads many to wear their seatbelt improperly or not wear it at all, which puts their safety at serious risk.
Despite this problem, there was no existing solution designed, validated, and offered by a U.S. automaker that was tailored to meet this specific need.
Design Process
In 2022, Lynn Simoncini, a creative director at VML and a breast cancer survivor, noticed significant discomfort while driving and was able to identify the need for a solution to this problem afflicting so many others. Simoncini proposed early concepts to D-Ford's experience design director Emily Obert which lead to the kickoff of the project in the summer of 2023 with industrial design intern Rima Shkoukani.
"I couldn't believe there wasn't a product made that makes your seat belt comfortable to wear and that also happens to look good."
- Lynn Simoncini
User testing studies were conducted with early prototypes and aftermarket products in order to:
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Empathize with the customer and each of their unique needs
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Understand the user journey during installation, adjustments, and usage
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Analyze feedback on critical design features such as mobility & ease of use, material interactions with garments & skin, and how effectively the size & shape dispersed pressure on the user's sensitive areas
Final Outcome
PURPOSEFUL DESIGN
The utilization of flexible and supportive foam, the shape and curvature of the SupportBelt™, and the easy & secure attachment system were incorporated thanks to the the thoughtful input of patients, doctors, engineers, designers, and other experts.
PREMIUM MATERIALS
With the health and well-being of breast cancer patients top of mind, the SupportBelt™ is made with premium Ford-approved materials that our users will appreciate. Each device is soft to the touch and constructed from nearly 40% recycled PET from water bottles.
VALIDATED BY FORD
Researched, designed, and validated by Ford, the SupportBelt™ is the first device of its kind to be developed by a U.S. automaker. Driven by the passion to build a better world where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams, Ford feels the need to offer this accessory AT NO COST to mastectomy patients in the U.S.
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SIMPLE VELCRO FASTENING SYSTEM
Automotive-grade hook-and-loop fastening system allows for easy and secure seatbelt attachment, placement, and removal
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RECYCLED SOFT SUEDE-LIKE SURFACE MATERIAL
High-quality alternative to synthetic microsuede made from ~40% recycled PET from water bottles that meets OEM standards
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COMFORTABLE FOAM CORE
Flexible, supportive, and durable, the foam core of the SupportBelt is designed to provide optimal comfort to all users.
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PERFORMANCE-TESTED LEATHER TRIM
Durable leather accents add to the quality of construction and premium overall look and feel
How to Use
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BUCKLE UP
Fasten your vehicle's seatbelt
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UNFASTEN AND POSITION
Unfasten SupportBelt straps and place your seat belt along the front channel of the device
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FASTEN VELCRO
Fasten the velcro straps over your seatbelt to ensure it is secured in place
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ADJUST FOR COMFORT
Slide the SuppportBelt into a comfortable position across your chest
Reflection
Impact:
The success of the SupportBelt highlights the importance of empathy in design and the impact of cross-disciplinary collaboration. By involving survivors and medical experts throughout the process, the team ensured the product was both functional and sensitive to the users' experiences.