Sara Heshmati's Design & Engineering Portfolio
Welcome to my portfolio, a curated showcase of innovative design and engineering projects developed over the past few years. Explore how I translate creative concepts into tangible solutions.
University Final Year Project
Affordable design to reduce the risk of ACL Injuries in amateur/semi-professional female footballers, aged 18-23.
Below are my 3 concept directions formed through physical prototyping and in-depth biomechanic research:
This concept acts as a biomechanic ‘adapter’ to reduce ACL injury risk by intervening at the foot-ground interface, managing alignment and load through a female-specific insole. This integrates seamlessly into existing male designed football boots.
This concept decreases the risk of ACL injury by physically guiding the knee into a safe position during high-risk football movements, utilising a lightweight, female-specific external structure that supports movement without limiting it.
This concept minimises the risk of ACL injury by subtly resisting internal tibia rotation and knee valgus through the use of a removable and flexible alignment shaft incorporated into a female-specific football sock.
UI and UX design
I have focused on many UI/UX design projects throughout the years of my degree as it has become one of my strengths. My strongest project in this area was creating an app software for the Company Paxman to help create a better user experience for cancer patients.
It was a 2 month project focusing on iterative design using service blue prints, low-fidelity wire frames and flow charts to create a final software prototype.
Packaging Design
Worked with the company Ardo Shots to create high-quality packaging through iterative design and dynamic, fast template testing.
The final packaging was successfully sustainable, easily adaptable to different flavours and fit the brands image of a high quality refreshing alcoholic beverage.
Sports Kit Design
In 2024, Leeds University Union Womens Association Football first team wanted a rebranding after their recent promotion to the BUCS Northern Tier 1.
They asked me to redesign their kit and this design, due to the approval, then went on to be used for the second and third team for the 2025/26 season too and as of the 2026/27 season with a new sponsorship hopefully the fourth team will also have this kit design.
Computer Aided Manufacturing
Below are numerous CAD projects I completed using SolidWorks or Blender. CAD is used in most my projects, however these projects were purely focusing on CAD
Sharpener Project inspired by kids films
Jewellery Design
Sustainable Sports Roller
3D Design Work
Below are many final pieces of projects based on physical prototyping project using 3D printing, laser cutting, or physical woodworking skills.
Collapsible Life-Size Chair
Infinity LED Sculpture
Engineered Flexible Acrylic Design to create flatpack Rocking Chair