Visible Time: Timed Fading Capsule

A New Innovation in Drug Packaging

Have you ever accidentally consumed expired medication? It can be detrimental to your health and well-being. Wei Jingye, the lead designer, experienced this firsthand and was inspired to create a solution. He envisioned a packaging design that would allow users to easily determine the remaining shelf life of their medication, ensuring they only consume safe and effective drugs.

The Visible Time capsule is a simple yet effective concept. On the side of each capsule, a progress bar is printed using a patented ink. As time passes, the progress bar gradually becomes shorter and lighter in color. Once the progress bar has completely faded, it indicates that the drug has expired and should not be consumed.

This design is particularly beneficial for elderly individuals with poor eyesight or those who struggle to read the small print on medication packaging. By simply observing the color and length of the progress bar, they can confidently determine if the drug is still within its shelf life.

The production process for Visible Time capsules is similar to that of regular capsules. The capsules are made from plastic box tin foil, and the progress bar is printed using a special ink composed of water solvent, sodium hydroxide, ethanol, glycerin, and colorant. The progress bar is then printed onto the capsule, creating a visually appealing and informative packaging design.

Each Visible Time capsule measures 100*60*1mm and contains 18 capsules. The design team, which includes Zhao Yilin, Zhang Ruiqi, Jin Yuxin, and many others, worked tirelessly to overcome various challenges during the design process. The selection of the dye for the progress bar proved to be the most difficult task, but through extensive research and experimentation, they discovered the perfect solution.

The Visible Time project commenced in December 2018 and was completed in February 2019 in Shenyang. The design team conducted thorough research on international drug safety standards to ensure the highest quality and effectiveness of their product. By implementing this innovative packaging design, they aim to significantly reduce the number of individuals consuming expired drugs and contribute to overall public health.

Visible Time has received recognition for its ingenuity and impact. In 2019, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate exceptional creativity, technical skills, and a commitment to improving quality of life. The Visible Time capsule packaging exemplifies these qualities, making it a valuable addition to the world of medication packaging.

With Visible Time, Wei Jingye, Hou Zhe, and Li Gangchi have revolutionized the way we interact with medication packaging. By providing a clear and visual indication of the remaining shelf life, this innovative design ensures that individuals can confidently consume safe and effective drugs. Say goodbye to the uncertainty of expired medication and embrace the future of drug packaging with Visible Time.