Foam Models- Iteration 1 for Concept Route Development

Foam models iteration 1

Basic foam models to visualise raw concept routes to evaluate and assess interaction values.

foam models 2

From my concept ideation and taking into account diabetics needs I had three main routes.

1) A kit based system which still comprised of a pen for provision as well as standard testing device yet in a unified body bringing all elements together in a more compact and meaningful manner.

2)  A kit based system that held supporting elements for the provision device (either pen or pump) such components would be insulin cartridge and back up needles. This then worked with a non intrusive laser/ finger tester that could be either used separate or with the storage element.

3) A separate laser testing device that could also be bought for pre diabetes users.. This could alternatively be developed to be body mounted or worn as a wearable (watch/ necklace). Problem with this concept is it is still controlled by the user/ diabetic choice to test or check themselves.. also it does not effectively communicate with a provision device.

4) A wireless/ tubeless provision device with interchangeable elements similar to existing pumps yet worn and requiring insulin cartridges. This could also wirelessly communicate with a testing device (option 2/3) to act as an artificial pancreas.

“Glucose monitoring as you are aware is still not great, requires a kit, stabbing – inaccuracies in both the meters and the sampling and is pretty inconvenient.”

Following time of development and feedback from diabetics as well as professionals at ‘stc‘, discussion about the decision to remove the finger prick test was decided a while ago.  It is clear option 1 may be thinking in the past. Therefore attention has been directed toward communication of options 2-4 for diabetics and medical professionals feedback.

“Good thing about a continuous monitor is that it could alert for hypos and hypers giving people the chance to do something, many have hypos in their sleep for example which is very difficult to manage. Similarly exercise has a profound and quite long term (so 48 hrs ?) effect on blood glucose so enabling people to adjust medication would be a real asset.”

Feedback such as this could really encourage the direction of route 4 with 3 but as a wearable or management system. The consideration of sleeping and a way for monitoring but without the disturbance of the diabetic to wake up and test themselves is particularly interesting.