The cold chain’s extensive process for vaccine transportation in developing countries requires many resources and consistent monitoring; however even with this extensive process, there is still significant loss of vital product. With over 70 percent of this wastage occurring during the last leg of shipment, the outreach sessions, organizations such as UNICEF are looking to improve vaccine carriers and accompanying product to prepare for the increased administration of more expensive vaccines.

Ice packs are used to cool vaccines within the required range of 2-8 degrees Celsius, however there direct contact with vials causes the vaccines to freeze, becoming ineffective. Furthermore, ice pack preparation requires unavailable time and energy, and their weight is cumbersome to the carrier during outreach sessions.

The improved vaccine carrier focuses on the issue of freezing and temperature monitoring, while considering cost, durability, maintenance and usability. This product was developed by a team of MIT and RISD students in business, engineering, management and industrial design. Interviews with doctors and a technical officer of the UNICEF Supply Division in Copenhagen were vital for the identification of the problem. As the sole designer of the project, model making, drawing, and the building of the alpha prototype was my main contribution to the team.