CryoSafe
A modular dual-container cold-chain shipping system built from targeted reusable and biodegradable components. Material and ergonomic cues ensure reliable temperature control, prevent sample breakage and contamination, and significantly reduce environmental impact.
CryoSafe accommodates varying community needs and sample volumes while promoting the use of standardized NWSS data collection processes nationwide, providing the infrastructure to detect and respond to disease outbreaks at scale.
Client
CDC NATIONAL WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE
Role
UX RESEARCH, PACKAGING DESIGN
Collaborators
XIAOYANG WANG (GT), RORY WELSH (CDC)
Timeline
Aug-Dec 2023 [approval ongoing]
BOOTS ON THE GROUND
To co-design with technical stakeholders in logistics, wastewater, and virology. All parties could indicate preferred configurations by connecting different cells, narrowing down the number of combinations requiring physical mock-ups.
PHYSICAL PAIN POINTS
Ergonomic overlays helped anticipate and make sense of wrist strain during tube removal with a precision grip and narrow down ideal conditions for package (dis)assembly.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Sustainable, modular, scalable: maximize consistent cooling through insulated and conductive nested surfaces while allowing for intuitive (dis)assembly and package handling
OUTER INSULATING LAYER
A 7-layer mixed cardboard (honeycomb and corrugated) structure combined with bio-DWR spray allowed us to maximize both cooling and biodegradability.
INNER CONDUCTING LAYER
Funnel mouth guides easy 3-finger access and leakproofs while a direct connection to a cooling pack of choice through conductive aluminum allows for stable internal temperatures. Fully reusable/recyclable.
STRESS TESTING
We simulated mail truck conditions, (frequent jostling, 30 C) to verify the proposed combination's effectiveness. It outperformed a standard EPS (styrofoam)/Nalgene bottle setup by two hours.
POSTAL COMPATIBILITY
A 1-sample and 6-sample box both perfectly fit USPS priority mail small and large packages respectively, while the product-specific label details package breakdown and allows for written labeling.
CRYOSAFE IN USE
Though this proposal was intended to ship wastewater sludge, it has wider potential use across a range of hazardous or temperature-controlled substances, and modifications can be made per sample size.
CLIENT
CDC NATIONAL WASTEWATER SURVEILLANCE
ROLE
UX RESEARCH, PACKAGING DESIGN
COLLABORATORS
XIAOYANG WANG (GT), RORY WELSH (CDC)
TIMELINE
AUG - DEC 2023
THE MODERN COLD CHAIN
Current shipping methods are inconsistent in (dis)assembly and ability to provide steady cooling, and wasteful from an environmental standpoint.
PROBLEM SPACE
KEY CONTRADICTIONS IN HOW PRODUCT IS USED
initial sketches
CATEGORY B PACKAGING
Introduce category B regulations - what are the constraints for sketching? putting together a set of useful combinations for testing
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