GLUKIT
Product-Service Offering for Diabetes Care
UI/UX
TANGIBLE PRODUCT
MOBILE APP
ROLE
UX Designer, Industrial Designer
TEAM
Solo Project
DURATION
6 Months, 2022
OVERVIEW
What is GluKIT?
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.
CONTEXT
Why Diabetes Care?
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.
PROCESS
How the Project Unfolded?
The goal of this project is to design a glucometer device after analysing 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.
PHASE 1
Why start with a Glucometer Design?
Even though POCT devices for blood glucose monitoring (glucometers) exist in the Indian market, it was observed that not many advancements have been implemented or incorporated into the product with changing needs and technology. The project focuses on such aspects where small but impactful changes can make remarkable improvements in the Diabetics POCT devices.
THE CHALLENGE
How can I help the diabetic conscious population in India in managing their new lifestyle by incorporating updated quality of life features to the existing monitoring device that align with their goals?
High level goals:
Make blood glucose level measurement easy and time-efficient
Improve and optimise the device’s efficiency
THE SOLUTION
Simplifying Blood Glucose Monitoring with 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.
RESEARCH
Understanding the Problem
The research for this project was structured around two key objectives: one to inform the development of a glucometer redesign, and the other to design the experience surrounding its usage.
MARKET RESEARCH
I did a desk research on the market for blood glucose monitoring devices and its revenue generation patterns to understand the options and considerations of why the products are designed, priced, and marketed the way they are in relation to user needs, technological feasibility, and business viability
Useful insights:
Test strips account for >90% of the revenue for device manufacturers
Indian user segment prefers SMBG devices over CGM devices, which are more expensive but efficient
Data shows elderly and working class users as the priority group for glucometer usage
PRODUCT ANALYSIS
I also did a product comparison amongst the popular glucometers available in the market to identify design decisions, features, strengths and weaknesses.
USER RESEARCH
For a deeper understanding of the whole user experience of the product when a user uses it to get the reading from the glucometer, oral experience data was collected from a few of the survey participants. This data was used to plot a customer journey map to identify areas of intervention and opportunities.
INTERVENTION AREAS
My research led to a few emerging patterns:
Proper feedbacks: Users need clear, simple and easy to follow feedback from the device to take informed actions, and avoid confusion.
Proper usage and disposal methods: Users are unaware of the correct usage (for example, most users are unaware or are unwilling to use a dedicated pricker to prick their fingers) of the glucometer and are unbothered about the proper disposal of test strips.
Logging of glucose readings: Most users use a physical diary to log their glucose readings which they produce to their consulting doctors on their visits.
DESIGN
Core Ideas
Plug & Use with Smartphones
Saves space for screen and bigger batteries.
Smaller embodiment.
Potential to display more information on a bigger screen than that of traditional Glucometers.
Pricking device integration
One less accessory to pack along.
Encourages users to use the pricking device rather than unhygienic pricking tools or manual pricking using included lancets.
BRANDING
Glu-CORE rhymes with "Gluco" and positions the device as the core of the glucose monitoring ecosystem. Blue and white evoke trust, cleanliness, and clarity. The Aventa typeface adds a modern, clean, and readable feel across interfaces. Logo variations ensure flexibility across use cases, from subtle to high-emphasis branding.
GLUCORE
Presenting the On-The-Go Glucometer
With a clear understanding of user needs and market trends, GluCORE offers a unique solution that seamlessly integrates into the daily lives of its users.
PHASE 2
Leading to a Companion Application
For the effective use of the designed glucometer, it is essential to have a compatible and responsive companion application. The primary goal of the application would be to bridge the gap between the user and the product in measuring, logging and managing blood glucose levels.
THE OBJECTIVE
What needs to be built?
To develop an application that would allow users to effectively use the designed glucometer, along with allowing proper diabetes and lifestyle management.
THE SOLUTION
Manage your new Diabetes Lifestyle with GluCLUES
Glu-CLUES is the companion app designed to help users get the most out of their Glu-CORE device. It bridges the gap between the user and Glu-CORE, offering a complete solution for lifestyle management tailored to the needs of diabetes-conscious individuals.
RESEARCH
Research Objectives
Identify popular diabetes management mobile applications and compare existing interventions in digital diabetes management.
Factors affecting app usage among types of diabetic conscious user segments.
Identify demographic sub-group who would utilize the product.
PRODUCT BENCHMARKING
According to various research papers and community forums, “MySugr” an application integrated with Roche Diabetes Care was the most popular followed by “Dexcom”, “Contour Next One” and “Diabetes:M”
I analysed the competing applications to identify and evaluate their strategies, strengths and weaknesses. This analysis aims to gather the necessary data to find the line of demand and develop a service accordingly.
DESK RESEARCH
To identify factors affecting app usage and the major demographic sub-groups who would utilize the product, I conducted a detailed desk research with the help of research papers, blogs and online articles.
FACTORS AFFECTING APP USAGE
Barriers to App Use
Efficiency and performance
Perceptions of use: Relevance of the app, Less knowledge about available apps, Less familiarity with self-management apps
Existing solutions: “Not being bad enough”, Self sufficient with the current methods
Digital literacy
Facilitators of App Use
Recommendations and word of mouth
User-friendliness: Navigation, clear design, intuitive interactions
Convenience: Feedbacks, ease of inputs, discretion, time taken to perform tasks
Self-care behaviour
SELF-CARE
How does Self-Care help?
Self-care behavior, a key concept in health promotion, refers to decisions and actions that an individual can take to cope with a health problem or to improve his or her health.
Self-care plays a crucial role in effective diabetes management. By regularly monitoring glucose levels, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and adhering to medication schedules, individuals can better control their blood sugar and prevent complications. It empowers users to take charge of their health, make informed decisions, and build habits that support long-term well-being.
USER GROUPS
Older adults (>56 years old), especially women show less preference in using mHealth Applications for diabetes management.
Older adults having Type-I Diabetics preferred the use of mHealth Applications than Type-II Diabetic users as they have been in diabetic management since a young age.
OPPORTUNITY AREAS
How Might We-s (or HMWs) are used to capture opportunities from understanding phases to give a direction to design interventions. These opportunities are further clustered according to specific themes.
USER STUDY
User data is made available from users who use an application to keep track of their glucose monitoring with the help of application reviews, community forums and social media groups
INSIGHTS
Users prefer diabetes management apps to be useful for medication and consultation purposes.
Concern about the stored data and the ability to update and extract added data.
For companion / assistant applications which are paired with a product, error in readings and latency in responses which may lead to wastage of strips has been a major issue.
Most users use diabetes management apps if they use CGMSs rather than SMBGs as it is a requirement.
Users defer from testing out new applications because of features under paywall and concerns of data import and exports..
EMPATHY BUILDING
In the absence of primary user research, I conducted empathy-building exercises with my peers through role-playing and contextual simulations. These activities helped me better understand the typical user’s mindset, allowing me to generate ideas that are more aligned with their needs and experiences.
USER PERSONAE
Using insights gathered from desk research and empathy-building exercises, I identified two distinct user groups for whom this service would be most relevant and impactful.
INTERVENTION AREAS
From the detailed desk research and user study, I identified various intervention areas and gaps in diabetic lifestyle management. Categorizing these points into insights, questions and ideas, I created an affinity cluster to identify and prioritize emerging themes.
TL;DR
Standard and familiar UI for both new and experienced users to interact seamlessly
Extent of incorporation of self-care behaviour through the application
Faster response time and easy usage of the application while connected with the product
Extensive control and management over recorded information.
Third-party application integrations
Means for revenue generation through the service
Ways to connect with healthcare professionals and other users
User data privacy concerns
Easy access to prioritised features
DESIGN
Strategy Building
Compiling all insights from the Understand and Define phases to create a clear direction on what to do and for whom to start with ideating for the product.
User Groups
Users who use the product Glu-CORE
Type-II diabetic groups who use a glucometer and are comfortable with smartphones
General diabetic conscious user groups who are in need of diabetes and health management
User Needs
Seamless Glu CORE + Application experience
Adaptive workarounds with repetitive actions
Easy access to major features
Extensive management of user data
Ideation for the product can now be directed in such a way that it resolves the identified user needs while considering the target user group.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
BRANDING
GluCLUES builds on GluCORE by offering insights and guidance for better diabetes management. The name suggests clarity and support, while the consistent blue palette and Aventa font maintain a clean, trustworthy feel. Its adaptable logo ensures a seamless fit across both educational and interactive screens.
GLUCLUES
The Perfect Companion App
With a focus on holistic diabetes care, GluCLUES complements GluCORE by guiding users through daily management, offering insights, reminders, and resources - all in one intuitive platform.
LIMITATIONS & FEEDBACK
This project does not focus on Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) due to its relatively low adoption and popularity in the Indian market. Additionally, the concept of Glu-CORE is entirely new, requiring users to familiarize themselves not only with the product but also with its companion app, Glu-CLUES. Due to timeline constraints, the project also lacks extensive user research specific to Glu-CLUES.
Ongoing presentations of the project to the STP panel, mentors, and interviewers have led to valuable feedback and suggestions for future development of Glu-KIT:
User Testing & Iteration: Due to time constraints, comprehensive usability testing and feedback collection could not be conducted. Future iterations should prioritize testing with real users to refine both the app and device experience.
Packaging & Carry-Case Design: The physical device needs a well-considered packaging and carry solution. It should be compact, comfortable, and optimized for daily use.
Scalability: As the product-service system has potential to scale in the future, it would require rethinking certain aspects of the design and infrastructure to support broader adoption and long-term growth.
