Adaptive Seat Cover for Motorsports and Daily Driving Situations

Automotive seat design presents an ongoing challenge as it involves balancing conflicting customer requirements, ranging from comfort and support to adaptability for diverse body types and custom-molded fit. Original equipment manufacturers often struggle to address the diverse needs dictated by the environment of use in automotive seat design. In response to these deficiencies, this paper employs the design thinking approach/model to explore the gaps in automotive seats comprehensively. The study provides valuable recommendations and documents the exploratory work carried out to bridge these gaps and enhance the overall automotive seat design. By utilizing design thinking principles, this research aims to pave the way for innovative solutions that meet the evolving demands of drivers, ensuring a more comfortable and safer driving experience for daily driving, and better performance for motorsports. Additionally, we present a comprehensive three-phase rapid prototyping approach to develop and showcase the functions of race car modifications, aiming to demonstrate their efficacy and gather valuable feedback from potential customers. By recognizing the significance of nurturing beginners’ interest and skill development, the motorsports community can encourage wider participation and ensure a vibrant future for the sport.