Abstract

Women’s ice hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and needs the most articles of protective equipment. At the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) level, not only do these athletes need to adapt to team issued equipment that rarely fits comfortably or safely but must also consider the important facets that impact overall performance. The main objective of this project is to promote inclusivity while protecting, empowering and educating athletes in an ethical, noninvasive manner to positively impact the culture of women’s sports. Overexertion at the NCAA level increases exponentially due to the intense training and competition schedules and living the full-time “college lifestyle.” This lifestyle can have negative anatomical, physiological, and psychological impacts on the athletes. The year-long design project studied multiple perspectives, including players, coaches, trainers and doctors, using applied “design thinking” to create a holistic approach to solving sports equipment issues for women. This proposed system could improve the physical, physiological and emotional wellbeing of the athletes. The system combines physical biomarkers with player input in a multi-layered, systematic approach and to consider the potential of AI and “big data” gathered from the wearable technology athletic equipment to design the future for elite women’s sports.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Helmets--Design; Hockey for women--Equipment and supplies--Design; Biosensors

Publication Date

5-2-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Industrial Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Design (CAD)

Advisor

Lorraine Justice

Advisor/Committee Member

Alex Lobos

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

IDDE-MFA

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