INDUSTRIAL DESIGN - 2016
Next Gen Delivery Vehicle
After observing my father deliver mail for the United States Postal Service (USPS) using the traditional Long-Life Vehicle (LLV) from the 1980s, I was shocked at how awful the working conditions are in these LLV's. I felt compelled to improve the overall experience for postal workers.
Objective
I wanted to rethink the outdated and dangerous mail delivery vehicle in service since 1985. I wanted the new delivery vehicle to be environmentally friendly, suitable for contemporary delivery demands, and provide a safer and better working environment for postal workers.
Approach
I conducted secondary research to understand why USPS is still using the decades-old delivery vehicle. Not only did I want to find out about the vehicle itself, but I anticipated that the postal workers would provide the most helpful insights I set out to do primary research. I created a survey to understand the worker’s needs, environment, and wants, which encouraged co-creation. I managed to distribute the surveys through my father, a postal worker.
Outcome
The outcome of this project is a larger capacity electric delivery vehicle that can regenerate some of its energy through frequent stopping. The new vehicle design address most of the mail carriers’ human factors needs and wants. The vehicle's external size footprint is mainly similar to the old version but more structurally efficient internally. The new design also bears a redesigned USPS logo and a side profile that pays homage to the shape of the old delivery vehicle.
