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What it does

My design enhances seatbelt comfort and safety for women by redistributing pressure from the chest and abdomen, preventing discomfort or risk—especially during pregnancy—by adapting to female anatomy through an ergonomic, user-friendly attachment.

Your inspiration

nce I was a child, I’ve been deeply passionate about cars—a field mostly dominated by men. This love led me to question why automotive design often overlooks female bodies. My inspiration arose from personal experiences and real conversations with women who don’t feel safe or comfortable using standard seatbelts. This pushed me to challenge the norm and create a design that responds to the specific needs of women, especially those who are pregnant or have different body types. My goal is to bring empathy, safety, and inclusion into the heart of automotive design.

How it works

accessory is an ergonomic attachment for a standard 3-point seatbelt that redirects pressure away from the chest and abdomen—critical areas for women, especially during pregnancy. Inspired by F1 harnesses, it forms an X-shaped structure across the chest and connects to the original buckle system without interfering with airbag deployment. It redistributes tension to the shoulders and sides, offering support without pressing on the belly or bust. The design includes a central emergency-release button for safety, and interchangeable straps adapt to different female body types. It attaches securely but non-permanently, making it ideal for shared or family cars. The goal is to enhance comfort and promote correct use of the seatbelt system.

Design process

e idea began with surveys and interviews with women, especially pregnant ones, who reported discomfort, pain, and safety issues with standard seatbelts. After identifying pressure points, I collaborated with OB-GYNs Dr. Dan Maya and Dr. Samantha López to understand the female body in gestation. I also worked with ergonomics expert Dr. David Orozco and automotive engineer Carlos Mastretta. Inspired by F1 harnesses, I developed a prototype that shifts pressure away from the bust and abdomen. The first prototype used four anchor points but was simplified to two for comfort and ease. I made physical mockups, tested strap configurations, and consulted users for feedback. Each iteration improved fit, usability, and safety. The final version integrates an emergency release button and adjustable straps for various body types. This process combined medical insight, automotive knowledge, and real user experience to build a solution tailored to women’s needs.

How it is different

What makes this design unique is its specific focus on female bodies, especially pregnant ones—an area often neglected in automotive design. Unlike generic seatbelt adjusters, this accessory redistributes pressure points to avoid the bust and belly, improving comfort and safety. It also adapts to different body types and includes an emergency release button. While Volvo introduced the only female crash test dummy, it was still based on male anthropometry. My project challenges this norm, advocating for truly inclusive design. The product was developed through collaborations with medical and engineering experts, setting it apart from existing solutions.

Future plans

In the future, I aim to refine materials for mass production, increase durability, and reduce costs. I hope to access female crash test dummies, which are scarce—only one exists and is based on male proportions. With more funding, I’d improve testing, adapt the design to more vehicles, and push for industry-wide change to prioritize female safety. My goal is to develop truly inclusive safety gear for all kinds of female bodies.

Awards