Monday, March 14
Sketch 3d renders
We tried some different models from our clay and paper model tries to see different material and shapes.
Interface studies
The message on the interface of the device should be understandable and clear as much as possible. We tried different types of graphics and information types and with continuous feedback from users horizontal bar with just text is the most understandable one.
Sketch phase for device and packaging
Our form giving part for the main device is basically based on clay and paper modelling. First we create the idea by drawing some easy sketches and try it with paper how it fits to hand and is it suitable for comfortable easy going use.
Packaging is also one of the important part of our design process because we decided that increasing awareness is on of our main goal in this project. Communication part can be done by packaging graphics and text. But all this information should be simple and not scary.
In the package the user will find everything that is needed to perform a blood glucose test. Two test devices are provided, either to share with a friend or family member, or to do the test again if the user feels a need to.
Friday, February 18
Developing a form language
- The word “control” is placed in the center of our form language.
- During our tests with clay and paper prototypes we realize that people prefer to move the needle to the finger instead of moving their finger.
- One of the important outcomes of our tests we understand that holding the device close to the needle makes you feel more comfortable and safer.
- Place of the test strip is not significantly important on device.
- Our initial prototypes are quite big but then we realize that users feel more control over device if we make it smaller. Also this is important for our main design focus “low-cost product”.
- Thickness as both at needle and test place is important for guiding how to hold it and give you a better grip during pricking phase.
Thursday, February 17
Monday, February 14
Abstract sent in!
Our written abstract has been completed and sent in to the competition, which means that we are now also registered as participants. Great!
Tuesday, February 8
Monday, February 7
Diabetic symbol
A blue circle is the symbol of diabetes. It can be useful with the form language decisions. Also it is important to rise the common knowledge of society about universal symbols.
Initıal concept development
After we decided our target group and started to think about our initial concept we found out that there is an existing urine test which can be a diagnosis of some diabetes. Our initial idea, designing a one-use self blood check is not existing in the market. We made a brainstorming about the positive and negative sides of those methods. In the end we decided to use blood test even that technology doesn't exit in the market. One of the biggest reasons are urine test is not accurate (usually it works with type 1) and blood test is more clean and simple.
Friday, February 4
Target group analysis and possible concept developments
Brainstorming about different target groups leads us to identify various design features and concepts can be created with specialized products. One of the initial idea is to create a concept for undiagnosed patients, from our past researches we learned that almost %30 percent of diabetic persons don't aware that they have diabetes. And people who don't know they have diabetes are in a great danger for future complications and it is a huge force over health care systems. One of the important idea we both think is to preventing disease is more important that treating it.
One idea is to create a self check device like pregnancy test to increase the awareness of people who have possible diabetes. There is both beneficial sides of this project first increase the sensitivity of peoples about this disease and give you an quick idea about your blood sugar.
Thursday, February 3
Wednesday, February 2
What is The Best Glucose Meter For Your Needs?
- When it comes to choose a glucose meter doctors and experts are recommended you to consider some of the details explained below. Some of them is important for our design process like being compact, glow in the dark or how you export your personal data stored in device.
1. Does the meter require a test strip or a control solution that you need to use when checking for accuracy?
2. Do you need the Glucose Meter to be small enough to fit inside a purse or briefcase?
3. What does cleaning the Glucose Meter entail?
4. Do you need a meter that allows you to do a AC1 check at home? Some don’t have that feature.
5. Would you prefer a Glucose Meter that uses test strips or do you find that cartridges are easier?
6. The smaller the amount of blood the meter requires the better so you definitely want to know what size blood sample the meter requires to take an accurate reading.
7. The price is a huge factor when choosing a meter. If you are the kind of person that misplaces or has a tendency to break glucose meters and possibly will have to replace it then a meter on the cheaper side would be better for you.
8. The test strips or cartridges definitely should be factored into the cost. You may get the cheapest meter available just to find out that the strips that it requires are the most expensive on the market.
9. Is any of the cost for the Glucose Meter or the test supplies covered by your health insurance? If so, go out and get the most expensive Meter that your heart desires.
10. Are you kind of a computer geek and want to be able to download your results to your computer? This is a very good way to track your levels.
11. Are you tired of having your fingers pricked? You may want to check out the Glucose Meters that use alternative site testing.
12. Do you ever need to check your levels in the middle of the night? If so you could get a Glucose Meter that glows in the dark.
13. Are you already carrying way to many gadgets on your person and would love to streamline? Now available is a Glucose Meter and Personal Digital Assistant in one. Pretty cool huh?
Link: http://www.battlediabetes.com/best-glucose-meter
Market overview, color analysis
Just a quick look at the colors that are used most frequently, it's obvious that the companies doesn't want to be very different from the other brands, since blue and white or silver is used the most. Plastic is overrepresented and basically they all look kind of the same, except from a few ones.
Statistics
This information can be used to choose the target group which group needs what and how design may help it?
As of 2000, the prevalence of diabetes worldwide with ages ranging from 0 to 19 was estimated to be approximately less than a million. The worldwide population with age ranging from 20 to 44 was estimated to be around 34 million, while those whose age ranges from 45 to 64 was estimated to be around 83 million, and finally, the population with age 65 and above was approximated to be more or less 54 million. When the worldwide population is divided into two categories, i.e., the developed countries’ population and the developing countries’ population, a change in the trend will be seen.
As of 2000, the prevalence of diabetes in developing countries was approximately 29 million for ages ranging from 20 to 44, 59 million for ages ranging from 45 to 64, and 28 million for ages ranging 65 and above. In the case of the developing countries, it is clear that those whose age range from 20 to 44, or in other words, those who are able to work but are not yet on the retiring age, have been reported to have the highest case of diabetes worldwide. This can be attributed to their ability to purchase more foods, which could be most often, have very high caloric content. This prevalence can also be attributed to the unhealthful lifestyle (the major cause of Type 2 diabetes) practiced by people with age 20 to 44.
In the case of developed countries, the ratio of diabetes prevalence for age ranging from 20 to 44 is approximately 5 million, while it is 24 million for age ranging from 45 to 64, and 26 million for ages 65 and above. This change in the trend is attributed to the increased health awareness of the younger population.
Tuesday, February 1
Process analysis - Usage scenario
1
Washing your hands cleans them and brings the blood to the surface.
Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Not only does the soap clean your hands, but also the warm water helps bring the blood to the surface of your hands to make it easy for you to obtain a droplet of blood.
2
Prepare your lancet device. Put a clean needle in the lancet device or rotate the knob to a new needle. Adjust the needle setting for your skin. For most people, the needle setting of three or four is deep enough to prick the finger and draw blood.
3
Prepare your glucometer. Place a meter strip in the glucometer. The slot is in the top or bottom of the meter. The strip will slide in easily if placed correctly.
4
Swab your finger with the alcohol pad on the area you wish to draw the blood. The newer glucometers allow you to test your blood from your fingers, arms, and legs. The fingers, supposedly, give the more accurate readings.
5
Prick the area. Massage the finger or area to help the blood rise to the surface. Cock the lancet device by pulling the lever. Hold the lancet device against the skin and push the button. You will feel a slight prick as the needle enters the skin.
6
Draw the blood. Place the meter strip against the droplet of blood and it will draw in the blood. Some meters will beep when they have enough blood. Wait 5 seconds and the meter window will read your blood sugar level.
7
Record your results in your recording log. The meter reads your blood sugar levels as millimeters per deciliter or mg/dL. Normal readings are 70 to 100 mg/dL. For a diabetic, the readings have a larger span of 70 to 120 mg/dL. If you have eaten recently, the readings may be as high as 180 mg/dL. This will lower in a few hours, if you are managing your diabetes.
Monday, January 31
Creating common knowledge about diabetes
What is diabetes and why the rate is increasing. A professor from Lund University.
Another good explanation for diabetes
A good explanation about Glucose Testing Devices (Also answer of what? who? how? when? questions)
Project startup, blog initiated
This blog will act as a document of our process where we will post our latest insights and directions.
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