Degree Show 2025

This project set out to challenge the one-size-fits-all approach to protective sports equipment by designing shin guards specifically for female athletes. Traditionally, shin guards are based on male anatomy, resulting in poor fit, discomfort, and compromised protection for women in sports such as football, hockey, and shinty. The aim was to create a product that truly meets the needs of female players through inclusive design, material innovation, and user-led development.

The project began with in-depth user research, including conversations with female athletes from amateur to professional levels. These discussions were crucial in identifying recurring issues: discomfort from ill-fitting guards, chafing, overheating, and a general sense of compromise when using gear not designed for their bodies. Their insights directly shaped the design priorities: improved anatomical fit, increased breathability, and enhanced comfort without sacrificing protection.

An iterative prototyping process followed, using rapid prototyping methods such as 3D printing, laser cutting and compression moulding to test different shell shapes, ventilation patterns, and foam configurations. Early prototypes were tested directly by users in both training and match scenarios, and their feedback informed successive iterations. For example, feedback on sharp pressure points during movement led to the introduction of a soft, low-density EVA foam with ventilation channels, improving flexibility and ventilation. Concerns about adhesive degradation prompted a switch to stitched elastic webbing to attach the foam backing, making it washable and more durable for the user.

The final design features a contoured polycarbonate outer shell and a breathable, moisture-wicking foam lining, tailored to female leg morphology. Material testing and finite element analysis (FEA) validated impact resistance, while field testing ensured comfort and usability.

The project has since received the RS Components Student Fund Award and the GSA Innovator & Entrepreneur Award, which have provided funding for further prototyping and market validation. The product is gaining interest among athletes and coaches as a much-needed solution for female sports protection. Therefore, I plan to manufacture and sell the shin guards as an extension of this project, post graduation

By combining user-centred design with engineering validation, this project delivers a meaningful innovation in sports safety, proving that protective gear should be designed for every body, not just the average male.