Austin Niemi 



ALBEDO A USPS mail carrier system designed to adapt to a variety of weather conditions and workflow needs within the PNW.

In collaboration with
Gabriella Queen 
& Sophia Zeng

Duration
4-weeks
Spring 2024

















USPS mail carriers have been using the same bag since 1974—
when they switched from leather to canvas satchels.








Despite the introduction of the double satchel, what seems like a step in the right direction, the traditional single strap canvas satchels remains the standard issue. 









 MEET COLIN USPS Mail Carrier

Age: 53
Experience: 24 years delivering mail on the East Hill of Kent, WA.

Inventory:
+  Scanner (Hazard alerts, route preparation, clocking in/out)
+  Route Keys (Open vehicles, drop boxes, street mail boxes)
+  Letter Mail (Standard letter sized mail, automated sort)
+  Odd Shaped (Magazines, bags, packages, manual sort)
+  Dog Spray (Special repellant for hazardous dogs)
Insights:+ The traditional bag is too painful for the shoulders, so he never uses it + Carries mail in hands on walking routes and drives up to deliver packages +  Being able to protect oneself and mail from weather is a must

 






[KEY PROBLEMS]



COMFORT
Curent bag distributes weight on one shoulder.
WEATHER 
Mail is susceptible to rain in the Pacific Northwest.
SAFETY
Carriers need protection from dogs & thieves.









[THE PROBLEM]
Mail carriers are on their feet longer than you’d expect, often walking up to 12 miles per day.  Current bags are outdated and uncomfortable—distributing all of the weight on one shoulder. Any redesign must also account for weather readiness in the Pacific Northwest.










Austin Niemi Design
@2025