A dissertation project undertaken in my final year of Brunel University for the Brady Corporation and their sub brand Seton. The aim of the project was to 'develop product and service solutions around the maintenance, management and use of first aid consumables in the workplace'. A first time working for a global corporation this project provided an excellent experience of value driven design. Exploring through strict commercial and opportunity analysis whilst meticulous planning and balancing of elements to achieve the greatest viable outcome was required.

The project itself first split the traditional kit down into an 'emergency kit' and 'non-emergency dispenser' combined with an intelligent hook mount. Separating these components allows fast access to common items, whilst keeping emergency items less cluttered and protected from rummaging hands. The system itself provides a range of options and levels of complexity to fit within currently analysed markets and user groups as well as the delivery of future road maps for the designs implementation in years to come.

Research & Planning

After preliminary literature review, in depth ethnography was carried out alongside interviews at a range of sites to establish user behaviour patterns and find common issues. At this stage the project featured a number of possible outcomes from upgrade packs and digital order systems.

Ideation & Development

After a direction was established and existing offerings tested, a 'desired feature' pool was created to guide concept generation. Numerous cardboard test rigs were created to analyse development options and troubleshoot before a half scale real material model was created for testing.

Detail & Testing

The final stages of the project encompassed finding the best way to execute the desired concept as well as identify opportunities to add further design led flourishes. During this stage multiple group testing was undertaken over 3 weeks to confirm assumptions and any overlooked sticking points in the design.

Visible & Recognisable

• Intuitive iconography has been placed around the kit to deliver clear, high speed and non language dependent information to all users where English may not be their primary language.

• Prominently placed LED flashes maintain the profile of First Aid. Allowing managers to see 'at a glance' if a kit requires attention, but also keeping employees secure in the knowledge that their safety is (or is not) being held as a priority with well maintained supplies.

• Traditional and universal First Aid product language has been maintained and modernised to ensure users understand the product even in an emergency,

• Air reactive expiry patches turn red when the sterility of the product has been compromised.

• Colour coding allows for type recognition as well as encourages correct restocking.

• Flexible partitioning comfortably stores all BS:8599 required products with ample room for context specifics like extra burn gel or eyewash.

• Intelligent product architecture provides a single access point, but separates commonly required plasters and wipes from delicate emergency products.

• Hierarchical arrangement continues within the emergency kit taking the user through tools required for any injury, through common bandages before reaching specialised items.

Curved Feet
Raise and protect the working hinges from impacts when dropped in harsh environments whilst improving stability on uneven surfaces.

Tactile Touchpoints
Surface textures are utilised on the handle, the sides, base of the back and even under the clips to employ multiple sensory inputs to guide users through use of the kit.
 

Flexible Access
Angled front surfaces display information at a comfortable level to the average user, without excluding most smaller users. Coupled with a printable outline sheet to allow easy wall installation.  

Master Key
The little red manager's key is designed to fit on a keychain and grants the power to remove and replace the pilfer proof packs as well as reset the maintenance system.