erin SuSki

Designing with curiosity, empathy, and impact.

As a designer, I’m passionate about creating thoughtful, user-centered solutions that are functional, inclusive, and visually engaging. Each project highlights my process — from research and collaboration to prototyping and final execution — with a focus on solving real-world challenges through design.

Watermelon Helmet

Spring 2024

Product Design

In my second semester as a Product Design student at the University of Minnesota, the opportunity arose to collaborate with representatives from a Kansas City–based cycling group who shared valuable insights into the experiences of children of color learning to bike. During user interviews, a recurring challenge surfaced: traditional helmets often fail to accommodate larger hairstyles or textured hair, creating both safety concerns and barriers to entry.

Inspired by these findings, the focus shifted toward designing a helmet solution for adult riders. The result was a modular, tectonic plate–style helmet that adjusts to fit a range of hairstyles, featuring increased cutouts for greater airflow and styling flexibility. The lack of vibrant options on the market was also addressed through the design of a colorful prototype (affectionately dubbed the “Watermelon Helmet”), celebrating self-expression and inclusivity.

User Research & Interviews
Product Sketching
CAD Modeling
Keyshot Rendering
3D Printing
Prototyping
Product Development
Product Post-Processing

©MMXXI

Erin Suski