Transforming user research into an engaging narrative
A collaborative client project that involved designing and printing a book to be distributed internally within the largest industrial manufacturing company in Europe.
Project Overview
Problem
The current medical kit aboard the ISS is not optimized for the space environment and tends to become disorganized over time.
Process
Research into the ISS medical kit helped identify issues, supplemented by interviews with field professionals. Detailed user journey maps were used to pinpoint astronaut pain points and brainstorm solutions. 3D printing helped test the feasibility of these concepts, followed by prototype testing to ensure effective use and medicine dispensing. The final design was refined through CAD iterations and SolidWorks modeling.
Solution
Two devices that are taken, one personalized dispenser and one for general medication, both with micro-gravity environment in mind in an organized kit.
Context
How do they pack medication for space?
Current man-missions to space are within Low Earth Orbit (LEO), such as to the International Space Station (ISS). A medical kit aboard the ISS is used to manage general health & emergencies.
Research & User Interviews
The current pain points within the user journey were identified within the medical kit aboard the ISS. Primary and secondary researching including an interview with Dr Virginia Wotring, who worked with the first NASA pharmacist.
Meta Insights Uncovered
01
A separate booklet is used to find the location of medication.
02
Medications are wrapped in individual 'Ziploc' bags, generating waste.
03
Opening a bag in microgravity risks spilling of medication.
04
Kit becomes unorganized after prolonged, repeated usage.
05
No protection from radiation or light causing medication to loose potency.
Concentrated 'How Might We…?' Statement.
Divergent Solutions
Three areas were discovered to be important to include in the development of the design. This key features include microgravity accessibility, medication organization and radiation protection.
Concept Ideation
Ideation Sketches:
Brainstorming concepts which could solve the problem and target the pain points identified for the astronauts during space missions.
3D Prototyping:
3D printed models of concepts was key to investigate their feasibility and better evaluate the viability of concepts.
Functional Prototyping:
Testing prototypes helped understand how a user would handle a product, and how the medicine can be dispensed into someones hand.
CAD Modelling:
Further development through CAD iterations and sketch modelling on SolidWorks to finalise the look of the product.
User Interaction Journey
Storyboards of two concept devices demonstrate how each would be loaded up and used, along side the 3D printed model.
3D Printed Model & Storyboards
Solution
Final Design
What could be next for this project?
Adjusting the devices for private space flights with the upcoming commercialization of space.
Full app prototype which allows users to order their personalized medication reels for their "flight".
