COBRE for Opioids and Overdose

Last summer, I was given the opportunity to work as a Designer for a research division at Lifespan for Rhode Island Hospital. I and two other Designers each led a team to prototype and refine safe, low-cost solutions to storing naloxone (Narcan) to prevent deaths from overdose.

The Prototyping Process

I was tasked with gathering feedback from members of the Providence community that were familiar with overdose response and drug usage. I sought to design a foldable container that stored two doses of Narcan alongside helpful accessories and the necessary instructions.

While the shape of the box was quickly established, I focused on feedback about its color and texture. I decided to 3D print prototypes in orange for better visibility, but I also included a second darker color scheme for discreet storage. Focus groups pointed out the advantages of a rough external texture so the container could be easily recognized at the bottom of a backpack or the back of a drawer.

The closing mechanism also underwent numerous revisions. Initially, a rubber band or plastic ring was intended to prevent both sides from separating, which could be removed when needed. However, having multiple parts posed the risk of losing the band, which could have ruined the container’s contents or led to the box being discarded. My final design moved toward a flexible latch on the top that could also be opened by shearing the two sides of the container apart.

Finalization

The final design featured space for two doses, a breathing barrier for resuscitation, a statement about Rhode Island Good Samaritan Laws, and both written and visual instructions.

At the end of the internship, my final design, along with those of the other design teams, was compiled with the potential for future development by manufacturers.