substance:ID - future of drug testing

What it does

substance:ID accurately detects drug-impaired driving on the spot, reducing law enforcement's workload by saving considerable time and resources. It replaces lengthy and invasive procedures with reliable testing, ensuring road safety efficiently and humanely.

Your inspiration

Observing the challenges faced by the Swedish Traffic Police in addressing drug-influenced driving inspired us to rethink the current system. Realizing that 25% of tests are falsely administered and 20% of fatal accidents involve drug-influenced drivers steeled our resolve to change. We closely collaborated with the Swedish Police to understand their procedures and preserve the respect and dignity of those tested. Extensive prototyping and user testing resulted in substance:ID, a tool offering immediate, accurate roadside drug testing that enhances road safety and respects individual rights and dignity.

How it works

Harnessing Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry technology, substance:ID innovatively detects drugs using sweat from the user's fingertips. The collected sample is blended with a buffer solution and examined through an optical window using split light to identify the presence of substances. The device uses replaceable cartridges to guarantee a hygienic and cross-contamination-free process. Rapid preliminary screening is completed within minutes, with a more comprehensive test taking around 22 minutes—a massive improvement over traditional lab tests providing results weeks later. By guiding users through the test, substance:ID ensures accurate results and a seamless user experience, enabling law enforcement to identify drug-impaired drivers swiftly. It allows law enforcement to rapidly detect drug-impaired driving, mitigating the need for lengthy procedures like commuting suspects for blood or urine tests.

Design process

Our design process was initiated through a strong collaboration with Umeå Traffic Police and the Police Training Unit of the University of Umeå. We incorporated feedback from the police and worldwide research in our weekly sprints to iterate and refine the design, leveraging prototyping to make our ideas tangible and understandable. Initial sketches and foam models served as rudimentary prototypes, transitioning into 3D-printed prototypes as the design advanced. The aesthetic design of substance:ID was enhanced to appear less daunting but still communicate its robustness and value. A significant aspect of the design process was the development of the interaction design. We delved into numerous user interface concepts and physical interactions, striving for a cohesive user experience. Introducing a shared screen infuses a sense of mutual participation in the test procedure. Clear instructions were formulated for suspects, and police were given control over the situation by presenting the results in advance with LEDs on the back. From cardboard models, our prototypes evolved into a high-fidelity version with buttons, LEDs, haptic feedback, and a display. The final prototype reflected our defined range of functions and provided a complete impression of substance:ID for the police.

How it is different

substance:ID sets a new standard in its field with a blend of affordability, precision, portability, and user-friendly design. Its capability to conduct tests faster and less intrusively while maintaining high accuracy sets it apart from conventional methods. This device overcomes the challenges of the traditional pen test and exhaustive procedures employed by the police, making it a cost-effective solution. The portability feature of substance:ID allows testing anywhere, reducing unnecessary hospital trips and waiting for specifically trained personnel. Furthermore, it promises foolproof results with its non-cheatable design and cost-effective cartridges. Its user-friendly interface and less intimidating aesthetic contribute to a positive user experience, making the testing process less stressful for suspects and police officers.

Future plans

According to the information from the technology supplier, the testing times will be able to be cut down to 30 seconds in the future. We're also exploring broader applications beyond the traffic police. The ultimate goal is to make substance:ID more accessible and efficient, reducing drug-influenced driving incidents' societal and environmental impacts. Through substance:ID, we aspire to significantly increase road safety, prevent unjust convictions, and foster a more vital public trust in law enforcement procedures.

Awards

iF Design Student Award 2023 Core77 Design Awards 2023 Runner Up Interaction Core77 Design Awards 2023 Runner Up Commercial Equipment