Cosmo Smith

Encase

Product Design - BA (Hons)

School of Design

scosmo28@gmail.com

Personal Portfolio

Follow:

Project description

Encase is a discreet, connected system for carrying two adrenaline auto-injectors, featuring proactive alerts and emergency audio guidance.

Designed for everyone living with severe allergies and inspired by lived experience, Encase tackles the two main reasons adrenaline auto-injectors fail: forgetting to carry them and incorrect use in an emergency.

A companion app triggers alerts to the user’s phone when the case is left behind, building and maintaining the daily habit of carrying, ensuring they are available when needed. In an emergency, a highly visible button inside the case triggers clear, step-by-step audio instructions to the carrier, family member, friend or uninitiated bystander, improving the likelihood of correct administration without the panic of reading small instructions.

Made from high-quality insulated fabrics, Encase comes in a wide choice of colourways and carrying styles, with clips for bag straps, belts or loops. Designed to appeal to all ages, Encase aims to dismantle the social and medical stigma that can surround allergy management. Whether you're a parent of a young child, a teenager gaining independence, a working adult or an adventurer, Encase adapts to you and your lifestyle.

Peace of mind in a case, just Encase.

Design Details

Designed to ensure adrenaline auto-injectors are consistently carried

By connecting to a smartphone, the system reinforces carrying behaviour without relying on memory alone. Encase builds strong carrying habits by alerting the user if the case is left behind, making sure adrenaline auto-injectors are readily accessible in the case of an allergic reaction.

The case has been designed to be slim and portable allowing it to fit into the user's daily routines without adding to the burden of daily carry. The smart device within the carry case has a long battery life and simple USB-C charging so the system requires minimal maintenance and does not interrupt daily routine.

Supporting safer, more confident everyday living with severe allergies.

Emergency injection with step-by-step audio instructions

The case prioritises clear, intuitive interaction, particularly in high-stress situations. The emergency button is positioned and shaped to be easily located and pressed. Visual and tactile cues guide the user without relying on written instructions.

Emergency instructions are activated by pressing the physical button or within the companion app. Detailed, calm and clear instructions are played from the case to guide the user or bystander through correct use of an adrenaline auto-injector.

Inside the case are two red elastic bands to secure and hold the two AAIs in place. The elastic ensures the adrenaline auto-injectors remain in place if the case is opened in a panic. The red only appears inside the case as overtly medical signalling has been avoided to reduce the social stigma associated with carrying medical devices.

About me

I enjoy working across many areas of design, but I am particularly interested in improving situations, systems and the lived experiences of users. I believe the best design is purposeful, unobtrusive and built to last. I am motivated by the idea that design should make everyday interactions clearer, easier or more meaningful.

I draw inspiration from the world around me, noticing how people interact with objects, services and environments in everyday life. I value working closely with users and drawing from lived experience, letting first-hand insight shape the direction of my work.

Encase comes from the personal experience of living with severe allergies. Navigating everyday environments with a hidden condition shaped my understanding of where systems fail and where design can step in. This was further informed by primary research and first-hand insight from users with shared experiences.