When the pandemic began, the PepsiCo Design & Innovation team was moved to address the crisis and do something to contribute.
With the full support of Mauro Porcini, Senior Vice President and Chief Design Officer, they got to work, collaborating from home and connecting through video calls while building prototypes at their kitchen tables. With limited resources and no access to their lab, they experimented with found materials to design a comfortable face shield that would help keep frontline workers safe.
An easy-to-use face shield.
The result is an incredibly simple, easy-to-use, one-piece plastic shield devised for multi-use wear. It attaches to a baseball cap, or any standard hat, with two Velcro pieces for swift attachment and removal. The Velcro allows you to customize the fit by changing the shield’s distance from your nose, and to park it over your head, so it’s only covering your face when desired.
Its roomy, curved shape provides more space to breathe, so users don’t feel as restricted, and also makes it cooler to wear in hotter environments. A thin slot conforms to the bill of the baseball hat, providing added structure and reinforcement in the curved position. The clear design lets you see when other people are talking, which allows for more accessible communication and lip-reading for those hard of hearing. When not affixed to a hat, it lays flat for easy transportation and storage.
Pepsi Proud
Shields will be made available to over 60,000 PepsiCo frontline workers, for use if they so choose. During this incredibly challenging time, PepsiCo is honored that the Design & Innovation team was inspired to create something meaningful for the organization and their colleagues. Even though the team is apart right now, they’re finding new ways to innovate daily through responsive, people-centered design.
