The Mobile Testing Bus and our Minimal Viable Product
This is how it works:
Individuals are referred to the mobile testing lab through doctors and appointments would be made through a mobile app, so that crowds could be controlled and social distancing rules adhered to. Of course, given the testing solution’s emphasis on equitability, smartphone access or a referral from a doctor is not a pre-requisite and everyone is welcome to sign-up.
Upon arrival, individuals are greeted by technicians behind a plexiglass shield underneath a canopy. Following a brief check-in process, the technician would take a sample using a swab from the individual’s nose and/or throat. Their samples would then be labeled or barcoded and brought into a lab environment on the bus via a pass-through box.
The labs would host two technicians who would run the samples collected through the ID NOW rapid testing instrument. Once results are received, they would be recorded and uploaded to the federal government’s official database. Tested samples and the expended test materials would then be placed in biohazard waste bags and discarded safely. For tested individuals with mobile app access, results would be sent through a phone notification. For those without, results could be relayed verbally.
Building a minimal viable product with New York City Relief:
Soon after the design for the mobile testing solution design was publicly shared, New York City Relief (NYCR) an organization that compassionately serves those struggling with homelessness reached out to find ways in which our solution could be adapted to their needs.
Through their regular outreach the organization had developed strong connections to the communities they serve by removing physical and emotional barriers. Compassion, relationship building, and equity are at the core of NYCR’s mission -– pillars that were challenged during the pandemic because of the need to limit face-to-face interactions. With this in mind, our solution allowed NYCR to continue its advocacy efforts during the pandemic by ensuring safety for both its staff and guests while maintaining a sense of equity and approachability.
Building and testing our “pop-up care unit”
“It was so good to see that we could respond quickly and effectively to NYCR’s needs. No project is too small or too temporary to have a significant impact. As architects, we don’t always see that.”
— Michael Woods, Film Director Perkins & Will