My design philosophy focuses on commercial viability and functionality. Studying a double degree in business alongside my design degree has given me a broad, practical understanding of design and its role within larger organisations. For my final project, applying everything I've learned in Design, I developed (SKY)abetes, a service model and design for transporting and distributing diabetes medication (notably insulin) to rural and regional communities, with wider applications in medical transport and disaster relief.
(SKY)abetes in action
The above image shows the (SKY)abetes delivery service in action, delivering insulin to an isolated Australian outback community.
Components of the Pod
The above GIF shows how insulin can be accessed from the Pod: removing the mount from the lid, opening the Pod, accessing the insulin rack, removing the pin, and accessing the insulin pens.
Locking Mechanism
The above image illustrates the magnetic locking system used in the (SKY)abetes insulin rack. Once the pod is delivered and opened, this ensures the recipient doesn't tamper with or lose anyone else's treatment. This is essential if multiple people are on the delivery run.
It works by scanning the QR code at the top, confirming your details and identity, then unlocking the relevant columns of insulin.
(SKY)abetes Story
The above image(SKY)abetes aims to simplify the life of those living with Diabetes rurally. It condenses down to 4 key steps.
TEST: The fixed point requiring travel in the service is receiving a blood test to confirm Diabetes.
CONSULT: All the general and specialist consultations and prescriptions can be done from the comfort of home via telehealth and online video appointments.
PACKAGE: Once the prescriptions are received, they are packaged into the insulin rack and loaded into the pod for remote delivery via drone.
RECIEVE: The individual can then receive the pod, unlock their prescription via the QR code from the insulin rack and use it as directed.
Broader Context
The above image places the (SKY)abetes design in a broader application, in this case, emergency relief during a flood. The structure of (SKY)abetes enables expansion into medical supplies during natural disasters to address a broad range of conditions and medications.
Cross section
Insulin is a temperature-sensitive medication and must be kept below 5ºc to retain its effectiveness. To ensure it reaches its destination in a usable state, the Pod is made of insulating foam and contains a small temperature sensor and refrigerator for long flights.
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
