Visit project gallery

Capsule

Conceptual Product Solutions (APD2) 2023

Capsule is a network of biopharma manufacturing hubs, funnelling local demands for production capacities. Thanks to the modular approach and smart allocation of production capacities, Capsule allows for quick reactions to shifts in manufacturing capacities and emerging markets. A new aseptic hatch system allows providing of materials directly to the cleanroom. This reduces packaging and the use of cleaning detergents but also greatly simplifies tasks for the operator. The machines are designed to be integrated into the walls. This way, energy consumption can be lowered by only placing sensitive processes in the highest-grade cleanroom. With the reduced energy usage by the new layout and complete control over the lifecycle of single-use products, Capsule aims to reduce the environmental impact of the Biopharma industry of tomorrow.

Show more Show less

Background

Within Life Science and the development and production of pharmaceuticals, disposable flow path systems, which are single-use parts predominately made from plastic, is a major challenge for both the end-to-end user experience and for sustainability overall and when looking a needs for flexible production cycles. Cytiva, the collaboration partner in this project, is a leading supplier of products and technology within the Life Sciences space and are trusted for its excellence in the domain and its rich history of delivering reliable and high-quality solutions.
The purpose with this study was to look thought the lens of product design and focus on improving both the hands-on usability and sustainability with new aspirational value propositions.

Process

The project started off with introductions to the world of Cytiva with visits to both the local production facilities in Umeå and the design headquarter in Uppsala. Throughout the project the students worked, both as a class and later in smaller project teams, with physical mock-ups and 1:1 representation of both existing product solutions and their new design concepts and the context these would operate in. The hands-on ideation was instrumental for finding the perfect balance between the conceptual design thinking and the complex real-world restraints and new relevant design opportunities that was identified.