02 / DRUG PACKAGING
Order in Chaos
Designing the secondary packaging for a refrigerated, single-dose biologic -
a kit assembled, stored and opened in the most crowded space in the hospital
THE OPPORTUNITY
Make the packaging do the teaching - a pack whose structure carries the order of use, so a first-time user can find it, open it and administer it correctly under pressure.
USER INSIGHTS
"Majority believe packing items sequentially in terms of order of use is the most intuitive method."
"An uncluttered design is important to limit any confusion."
"Order in chaos, same visual treatment to components of different shape and size."
DESIGN CRITERIA
Structure
Compact yet distinguishable, through bold use of colors, material and ownable structure elements. Intuitive use: in a critical use environment the packaging must provide affordance of opening, use and disposal, with sensorial feedback on opening. Mono-materials and sustainable materials preferred.
Layout
Often the end-user ignores the instructions for use, referring to them only in doubt, and misses relevant information. The design gives the IFU a designated space as the first touchpoint upon opening. Components are laid out in the order of use, and all of them are visible upon opening the pack.
Appearance
The pack must impart reliability and efficacy reflecting brand legacy, and enhance the end-user's brand perception. Clean bold graphics for understandability and findability. Tear-ability, identifiability, find-ability, understand-ability — read at arm's length, on a full shelf.
Opens in Order
The instructions are the first touchpoint on opening
Components sit in the order they are used, numbered 1 and 2. Every component is visible at once
Differing shapes take the same visual treatment
Right information, Right time
Users interact with the packaging in high-risk situations and response time must be minimized. The inside of the lid zones the kit into materials for reconstitution and materials for infusion, each item drawn and counted.
USER FEEDBACK
" The box opens and the elements present themselves one by one in the right order, it is almost like being on a computer screen and following instructions. It is a product that we are not used to administrating but with this design it makes it easy for a nurse or even a patient or a carer. Everything is easy to identify, it comes in small volumes, it is clear, we do not get lost. I think this is quite reassuring."
Nurse, France
