GLUKIT
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OVERVIEW
Undertaken as my Semester Thesis Project (STP) during the sixth academic semester, this project focuses on designing a lifestyle disease diagnostic device that integrates seamlessly into a user's daily routine. After narrowing the scope to diabetes, I conducted in-depth research on diabetes monitoring practices, existing glucometer solutions, market trends, and user needs - particularly within the Indian context.
The outcome is a Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) device for diabetes, which was later scaled to include a companion application aimed at enhancing tracking, management, and the overall user experience.
ROLE
UX Designer, Industrial Designer
TEAM
Solo Project
YEAR
2022
CONTEXT
The diabetic and diabetes conscious population of the country poses a unique challenge of integrating diabetes management to their daily life.
For someone just starting out, they lack the necessary knowledge and understanding of proper practices to manage their diabetes control journey.
This project began after I helped a relative start his journey with diabetes monitoring following a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis. I saw firsthand how he struggled with the device and how little clarity he had around sustaining this new lifestyle. Witnessing those challenges motivated me to take this up as the focus of my project.
GOAL & SCOPE
How might we help diabetic conscious users in India efficiently incorporate diabetes management to their lifestyle that align with their goals and medical standards.
The goal of this project is to design a glucometer device after analyzing the existing market of diabetic POCT devices, comparing their features and technological updates to user needs, healthcare trends, and medical advancements.
The project unfolds in two phases:
Phase 1: Tangible device design of the glucometer device.
Phase 2: A companion application to enhance the user experience with the device.
DESIGN
The ideation for the glucometer focused on creating a flexible, user-friendly device that could easily integrate into the user's daily routine. While the companion application was conceptualized later in the process, it was designed with a strong emphasis on the specific needs of the target user segment. Key priorities included seamless connectivity, intuitive usability, and efficient data management.
GLUCORE
Glu-CORE is a Point-of-Care Testing device for Self Monitoring Blood Glucose. It is intended to replace traditional glucometers by aiding diabetic and diabetes-conscious users in making the device part of their day-to-day life. The concept of Glu-CORE has an integrated pricker and works with a connected smartphone.
GLUCLUES
The companion application creates a seamless bridge between GluCORE and the user, enabling an intuitive and supportive experience. It guides users through proper device usage with real-time feedback and clear instructions. Beyond monitoring, the app offers features like saved logs, reminders, and personalized insights. Designed with scalability in mind, it can also expand to include a dedicated store and lifestyle tracking tools, offering added convenience and support for broader lifestyle management.
LIMITATIONS & FEEDBACK
The project does not focus on Continuous Glucose Monitoring because of it’s low popularity and usage in India. Also the concept of Glu-CORE is new to existing users as they have to familiarize themselves with the companion app on top of the product functionality.
With on-going presentations of the project to the STP panel, mentors and interviewers, here are the feedbacks and possible future work for Glu-KIT:
User testing and revamp. The time-frame allowed for the project restricted the time for usability testing and feedback collection.
Packaging and carry-case design for the tangible device. To be designed considering it to comfortable and optimized to be a daily-carry-gadget like your wallet or keys.
Design System development considering accessibility standards. To be developed since the application uses Material UI; and accessibility consideration since the targeted user segment includes users above the age of 50.
thank you!
Check out the full project on Behance!
