Gold Good Design win for student’s industry project

Bachelor of Design Honours student and industrial designer Geoff Thompson has been awarded the prestigious Gold Good Design Award in the Next Gen category for his innovative project, CryoSack.

CryoSack addresses the challenges of antimicrobial resistance and hospital bed shortages by enabling patients to receive intravenous antibiotic treatments at home. This innovative design allows for the chilled delivery of certain unstable antimicrobials, which traditionally require hospital stays due to the need for consistent temperature control.

Geoff developed CryoSack while working as a research assistant with the Design Health Collab, recognising the potential impact of his project, Thompson approached ALPAKA with initial prototypes.

ALPAKA introduced Geoff to advanced materials such as aerogel particles into ultra-thin, flexible nonwovens, creating effective and soft insulation, advancing the aesthetic and enhancing the efficacy of the treatment.

From here ALPAKA helped produce three models by leveraging their knowledge and manufacturing capabilities.

CryoSack features a soft cooler-bag design that increases patient comfort and portability. Custom phase change ice-blocks and cryogenic insulation naturally conform to the movements and contours of patients, ensuring consistent temperature control. The multi-access system simplifies the replacement of ice packs and infusers, while adjustable straps offer various wearing styles to meet diverse patient needs.

The development and success of CryoSack highlight the crucial role of industry collaboration in academic projects.

The Gold Good Design Award win for CryoSack is a testament to the innovative spirit and collaborative efforts that drive advancements in healthcare design, offering a promising future for patient-centered solutions in medical technology.