Revolutionizing Type 1 Diabetes Management: A UX Case Study
Introduction
Living with diabetes can be really tough, not just for the person with diabetes but for their whole family, too. In this article, I’ll tell you about my journey of finding ways to make life easier for people dealing with diabetes using simple design and new technology. I aimed to create something to help manage diabetes better without all the hassle.
Understanding Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is when your body doesn’t make enough insulin, a hormone that helps regulate your blood sugar levels. It’s not clear exactly what causes it, but it seems to involve a mix of genetics and things in the environment.
Discovering Problems
First, I needed to understand what makes managing diabetes so difficult. Traditional methods like continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and blood glucose meters can be a real pain. Plus, they can affect one’s emotions. My research showed that there had to be a better way to do things.
Primary Research: Talking to Parents and Kids
To understand what needed to change, I talked to families dealing with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). I also visited NGOs that help people with diabetes, listened to their stories, and learned about the daily challenges they face.
Ideation: Brainstorming Solutions
With all this information in mind, I started developing ideas for managing diabetes more easily. The goal was to find simple solutions that anyone could use without all the stress. We wanted to find new ways to check blood sugar levels that didn’t hurt or cause too much hassle.
Research on Non-Invasive Methods
I looked into new ways of checking blood sugar levels that didn’t involve pricking your finger. Things like ultrasound and laser technology seemed promising. I read up on how these methods could be used to check blood sugar levels without all the pain and inconvenience of traditional methods.
Product Development and UI Design
Using all this research, I started working on a new product called the Citrus smartwatch. It’s a watch that can check blood sugar levels without pain or hassle. I ensured the design was simple and easy to use so anyone could use it without any trouble.
Citrus App: Simplifying Diabetes Management
Alongside the Citrus smartwatch, I developed the Citrus app, designed to streamline diabetes management for everyone. With features like meal tracking, photo meal logging, real-time glucose monitoring, and high-low glucose reminders, it’s like having a personal diabetes assistant at your fingertips. Plus, the app allows users to export reports on their blood sugar levels daily, weekly, or monthly, providing valuable insights into their health. For those who prefer not to use a smartwatch, the Citrus app offers a free version with manual glucose logging and meal tracking, ensuring accessibility for all.
Conclusion
After extensive research and development, the Citrus smartwatch and app concept has been realized within this UX case study. They showcase the potential of user-centred design and innovative technology in simplifying diabetes management. Through this exploration, we’ve demonstrated how such solutions can significantly enhance the lives of individuals dealing with diabetes, paving the way for future advancements in the field.
Check Out The Case Study On Behance
Sources:
- Ultrasound-modulated optical glucose sensing using a 1645 nm laser https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-70305-6
- Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Challenges, Research, and Future Directions https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4113115/
- Guide to type 1 diabetes technology. https://jdrf.org.uk/knowledge-support/managing-type-1-diabetes/guide-to-type-1-diabetes-technology/
