MIMI VANDERMOLEN

Mimi Vandermolen, sometimes hailed as the “mother of automotive ergonomics”, revolutionized how passengers sit, steer and feel inside their cars. 

Described as “a trailblazer in automotive design” by the National Center for Women’s Innovations, Vandermolen “reimagined ergonomics and aesthetics with the user in mind, especially women, and left an indelible mark on the industry. Her innovations earned her induction into the Automotive Hall of Fame.”

She was the first woman to study Industrial Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCA, now OCAD University) in 1965. Shortly after her graduation, she began her career at the Ford Motor Company, where she helped redesign the Ford Mustang II. She was later appointed as a design specialist for the Ford Taurus, where she broke gender boundaries by encouraging her male colleagues to try and understand the challenges that women faced with car design. 

Vandermolen didn’t just redesign dashboards and seats – she redesigned the role of women in the automotive world. Her legacy lives on in every vehicle that puts the driver first.¹

Learn more about Mimi Vandermolen

Profile about Mimi Vandermolen, chekNews

¹National Center of Women’s Innovations

Image credit: Mimi Vandermolen - From The National Center of Women’s Innovations