First-of-its-kind mobile app for managing diabetes with connected devices
Tidepool 2022, UX Designer, Mobile design
TL;DR
In partnership with Embecta, a leader in medical devices, and as part of the Tidepool team, we embarked on creating a groundbreaking iOS app. This app bridges the gap between patients and their wearable diabetes devices, enabling direct insulin delivery and real-time glucose monitoring.
People with diabetes face a complex and demanding daily routine. Existing solutions often lack seamless integration with wearable devices, leading to a fragmented and cumbersome experience.
Imagine juggling multiple devices, struggling to interpret complex data, and feeling constantly anxious about your health. This is the reality for many people with diabetes. Our goal was to alleviate this burden by creating a seamless and empowering solution.
Our team built a mobile app to address these issues. As one of two primary designers on this project, I played a pivotal role in shaping the app's user experience from its inception.
This app streamlines diabetes management by connecting with CGMs and insulin pumps, providing real-time glucose monitoring, and enabling direct insulin delivery. Users can access all their data and tools in one convenient location, simplifying their daily routine and improving their overall experience.
This work directly contributed to the app's success, which ultimately led to a 5-year, multi-million dollar contract for the company.
As a key designer on this project, I played a crucial role in shaping the user experience. I conducted user research, collaborated with the development team, and contributed to key features that empower users to take control of their health.
User needs
People with diabetes struggle with distress over daily management of the condition
Constantly tracking blood sugar, medications, and meals can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Many feel anxious about making the right decisions to manage their condition effectively.
People with diabetes feel like a burden on their caregivers and want to be self-reliant
They desire independence in managing their health and reducing the need for constant assistance. Feeling like a burden can negatively impact their emotional well-being and sense of self-efficacy.
People with diabetes desire more control over their disease to achieve better quality of life
They strive to achieve better blood sugar control, reduce the risk of complications, and live fuller lives."
They seek tools and resources that empower them.
Building the app from ground up and putting users at the centre
I spearheaded the design of this innovative diabetes management app, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring it to life from its initial concept. This involved conducting UX workshops, mapping user journeys, developing the information architecture, and creating a mobile design system. Through visual explorations, wireframing, and prototyping, I ensured a user-centered approach at every stage. Rigorous usability testing and feedback incorporation were essential to refine the app's design and deliver a seamless and empowering experience for users. This collaborative and iterative process ultimately resulted in a successful product that simplifies diabetes management and improves users' lives.
Crafting design principles to guide decision-making
Reduce cognitive load
Simplify daily management • Less numbers, more data viz • Glanceable information • Easy to understand
Empower user autonomy
Easy onboarding • In-app training • Reliance on familiar UI patterns • Intuitive experience
Enhance emotional well-being
Graceful error handling • Clear and concise errors • Mitigate notification fatigue • Contextual recommendations
Overall app experience
This app empowers individuals with diabetes to take an active role in their health. It seamlessly integrates with wearable devices and provides a clear, color-coded display of glucose levels on the home screen for easy monitoring. The onboarding experience is designed to be comprehensive yet accessible, guiding users through the app's features with clear instructions and visuals.
