Ridgeline - ID Holder

A Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) Laptop ID Holder designed to securely hold a person’s ID during a traffic stop, making it easier for officers to retrieve information while keeping their hands free.

  • During a traffic stop, officers must manage multiple tasks while maintaining situational awareness, operating their MDT, and securely handling a civilian’s identification. Ridgeline is a purpose-built MDT-mounted ID holder that keeps a person’s ID securely in place, visible, and accessible—without occupying an officer’s hands or workspace.

  • This product was developed through a problem-first design approach rooted in real-world law enforcement workflows. Instead of creating another accessory for the sake of convenience, the focus was placed on reducing friction during a critical moment—the traffic stop.

    Key considerations during the process included:

    Officer movement and reach while seated in the patrol vehicle

    Visibility and accessibility of identification while typing

    Non-intrusive mounting that doesn’t interfere with the MDT screen or keyboard

    Durability and ease of cleaning

    The result is a simple, intentional design that integrates naturally into existing patrol setups.

  • Industrial Designer and Design Researcher

The Problem

Currently, officers commonly place IDs:

  • On the MDT keyboard

  • In cup holders

  • On dashboards

  • Or loosely on paperwork stacks

These methods can lead to:

  • Slower information retrieval

  • Increased distraction

  • Misplaced or dropped IDs

  • Reduced situational awareness

How Might We…

How might we create a simple, non-distracting way for officers to securely hold a person’s ID during a traffic stop—without disrupting workflow or requiring additional hand movement?

This question guided every design decision.

Ideation

The idea was to create a compact, MDT-mounted ID holder that:

  • Securely holds standard IDs and driver’s licenses

  • Keeps the ID within the officer’s natural line of sight

  • Allows quick insertion and removal with one hand

  • Mounts without permanent modification

The solution needed to feel like it belonged on the MDT—not an afterthought.

Evaluation - Prototyping & User Testing

Prototypes were 3D printed in PETG for its:

  • Heat resistance in vehicles

  • Durability

  • Slight flexibility for secure clipping

Test fitting evaluated:

  • Grip strength on MDT

  • Card retention during vehicle movement

  • One-handed usability

Feedback emphasized the importance of:

  • A firm hold without excessive force

  • Fast ID retrieval

  • A low-profile design

These insights informed refinements to the clip tension and ID slot geometry.

Design Solution

The Ridgeline ID Dock offers a clean and reliable solution that integrates seamlessly into an officer’s workflow.

How it solves the problem:

  • Keeps IDs visible and secure during data entry

  • Reduces clutter on the MDT and dashboard

  • Allows officers to keep their hands free and attention forward

  • Installs in seconds without tools

In Context:

Mounted directly to the MDT, the ID Dock places identification exactly where it’s needed—no reaching, no searching, no distraction.

Future Improvements:

  • Development of a universal clip system to accommodate a wider range of MDTs and laptop models

  • Alternative mounting orientations for different patrol vehicle layouts

  • Optional retention variants for cards with sleeves or thicker IDs