Through iterative design and testing, I honed my skills in prioritization to meet the unique needs of diabetic users.
Through iterative design and testing, I honed my skills in prioritization to meet the unique needs of diabetic users.
Through iterative design and testing, I honed my skills in prioritization to meet the unique needs of diabetic users.
ux and ui design
ux and ui design
user research
user research
ios native app design
ios native
app design
ux and ui design
user research
ios native
app design
some background
some background
some background
At 9 years old, I watched my little sister go into diabetic shock and my family has been on a long journey to understanding Type 1 Diabetes since.
At 9 years old, I watched my little sister go into diabetic shock and my family has been on a long journey to understanding Type 1 Diabetes since.
At 9 years old, I watched my little sister go into diabetic shock and my family has been on a long journey to understanding Type 1 Diabetes since.
Now, as a designer seeking to solve for underrepresented users, I went to my little sister for inspiration and, at her behest, began researching the tools she’s been using to manage her Type 1 Diabetes and the ways in which they let her, and users like her, down.
Now, as a designer seeking to solve for underrepresented users, I went to my little sister for inspiration and, at her behest, began researching the tools she’s been using to manage her Type 1 Diabetes and the ways in which they let her, and users like her, down.
Now, as a designer seeking to solve for underrepresented users, I went to my little sister for inspiration and, at her behest, began researching the tools she’s been using to manage her Type 1 Diabetes and the ways in which they let her, and users like her, down.
user empathy
user empathy
user empathy
user research
user research
user research
solving for diabetic users
solving for diabetic users
solving for diabetic users
Diabetic Debacles
Diabetic Debacles
Diabetic Debacles
I asked my little sister, Hailey, what issues, specifically, she experiences managing her Type 1 Diabetes and she immediately pulled out her phone.
I asked my little sister, Hailey, what issues, specifically, she experiences managing her Type 1 Diabetes and she immediately pulled out her phone.
I asked my little sister, Hailey, what issues, specifically, she experiences managing her Type 1 Diabetes and she immediately pulled out her phone.
From managing the wireless devices she wears on her person - like a glucose monitor and insulin pump - to recording the food that she eats, Hailey explained that she’s exhausted having to coordinate 5 apps at once to manage her blood sugar health.
From managing the wireless devices she wears on her person - like a glucose monitor and insulin pump - to recording the food that she eats, Hailey explained that she’s exhausted having to coordinate 5 apps at once to manage her blood sugar health.
From managing the wireless devices she wears on her person - like a glucose monitor and insulin pump - to recording the food that she eats, Hailey explained that she’s exhausted having to coordinate 5 apps at once to manage her blood sugar health.
lack of integration
Organic Content
Campaign
Organic Content
Campaign
product overwhelm
fb, insta, tiktok,
youtube shorts
fb, insta, tiktok,
youtube shorts
unorganized data
fast increases
in following
fast increases
in following
Opportunity identified
Opportunity identified
Opportunity identified
The secondary and competitive research I then conducted illuminated that most Diabetic users, not just Hailey, use their smartphones to connect to at least 2 apps…
The secondary and competitive research I then conducted illuminated that most Diabetic users, not just Hailey, use their smartphones to connect to at least 2 apps…
The secondary and competitive research I then conducted illuminated that most Diabetic users, not just Hailey, use their smartphones to connect to at least 2 apps…
…to communicate with glucose monitors and insulin pumps, as well as, 2 to 3 apps to calculate, track, and report stats on blood sugar health for use by dedicated health care teams. These early insights led me to wonder what it might be like if all of these applications hung out in one place and could work together to meet the many goals of these users.
…to communicate with glucose monitors and insulin pumps, as well as, 2 to 3 apps to calculate, track, and report stats on blood sugar health for use by dedicated health care teams. These early insights led me to wonder what it might be like if all of these applications hung out in one place and could work together to meet the many goals of these users.
…to communicate with glucose monitors and insulin pumps, as well as, 2 to 3 apps to calculate, track, and report stats on blood sugar health for use by dedicated health care teams. These early insights led me to wonder what it might be like if all of these applications hung out in one place and could work together to meet the many goals of these users.
integrate
up to 5 apps
Marketing
Strategy
integrate
up to 5 apps
nutrition tracking
and reporting
nutrition tracking
and reporting
nutrition tracking
and reporting
compatible with
monitoring devices
compatible with
monitoring devices
compatible with
monitoring devices
Discussing diabetes
Discussing diabetes
Discussing diabetes
5 users interviewed, including Hailey, confirm regular use of their smartphones to manage their blood sugar health.
5 users interviewed, including Hailey, confirm regular use of their smartphones to manage their blood sugar health.
5 users interviewed, including Hailey, confirm regular use of their smartphones to manage their blood sugar health.
3 of the 5 users interviewed confirmed having Diabetes and these users expressed significant frustrations with the several apps they now use to manage their blood sugar testing and insulin dosing, suggesting diabetic users would benefit greatly from a “one stop shop solution” as an app for tracking, recording, and reporting all data concerning their blood sugar health.
3 of the 5 users interviewed confirmed having Diabetes and these users expressed significant frustrations with the several apps they now use to manage their blood sugar testing and insulin dosing, suggesting diabetic users would benefit greatly from a “one stop shop solution” as an app for tracking, recording, and reporting all data concerning their blood sugar health.
3 of the 5 users interviewed confirmed having Diabetes and these users expressed significant frustrations with the several apps they now use to manage their blood sugar testing and insulin dosing, suggesting diabetic users would benefit greatly from a “one stop shop solution” as an app for tracking, recording, and reporting all data concerning their blood sugar health.
5 user interviews
Marketing
Strategy
5 user interviews
"a one stop shop"
"a one stop shop"
"a one stop shop"
data reporting please
data reporting please
data reporting please
user interview 3 of 5
user interview 3 of 5
user interview 3 of 5
age: 35 | type 1 diabetic
age: 35 | type 1 diabetic
age: 35 | type 1 diabetic
“It would be the dopest thing if all my medical devices were on one app that gave me something I could bring to my doctors."
“It would be the dopest thing if all my medical devices were on one app that gave me something I could bring to my doctors."
“It would be the dopest thing if all my medical devices were on one app that gave me something I could bring to my doctors."
user interview 4 of 5
user interview 4 of 5
user interview 4 of 5
age: 71 | pre-diabetic
age: 71 | pre-diabetic
age: 71 | pre-diabetic
“I just need something that's like 'How are you feeling today? Here's your blood sugar and what you've eaten.'”
“I just need something that's like 'How are you feeling today? Here's your blood sugar and what you've eaten.'”
“I just need something that's like 'How are you feeling today? Here's your blood sugar and what you've eaten.'”
user interview 1 of 5
user interview 1 of 5
user interview 1 of 5
age: 31 | type 1 diabetic
age: 31 | type 1 diabetic
age: 31 | type 1 diabetic
“The most difficult thing has been making sure all of my apps, monitors, and pumps are working together - they malfunction probably like once a week on average - it's really frustrating.”
“The most difficult thing has been making sure all of my apps, monitors, and pumps are working together - they malfunction probably like once a week on average - it's really frustrating.”
“The most difficult thing has been making sure all of my apps, monitors, and pumps are working together - they malfunction probably like once a week on average - it's really frustrating.”
with an affinity for
with an affinity for
with an affinity for
The key findings from my user interviews were then used to generate our good friend, the affinity map, revealing an almost overlooked need of my primary user.
The key findings from my user interviews were then used to generate our good friend, the affinity map, revealing an almost overlooked need of my primary user.
The key findings from my user interviews were then used to generate our good friend, the affinity map, revealing an almost overlooked need of my primary user.
This exercise revealed that these users would greatly benefit from the final product being connected to a doctor or health care team, as the majority of users interviewed expressed interest in being able to report their blood sugar numbers to a doctor virtually rather than in-person.
This exercise revealed that these users would greatly benefit from the final product being connected to a doctor or health care team, as the majority of users interviewed expressed interest in being able to report their blood sugar numbers to a doctor virtually rather than in-person.
This exercise revealed that these users would greatly benefit from the final product being connected to a doctor or health care team, as the majority of users interviewed expressed interest in being able to report their blood sugar numbers to a doctor virtually rather than in-person.
affinity mapping
Marketing
Strategy
affinity mapping
blood sugar
data management
blood sugar
data management
blood sugar
data management
connection with
healthcare team
connection with
healthcare team
connection with
healthcare team
shoulda coulda woulda
shoulda coulda woulda
shoulda coulda woulda
The aforementioned affinity mapping helped me develop a proposed feature set for the potential solution and…
The aforementioned affinity mapping helped me develop a proposed feature set for the potential solution and…
The aforementioned affinity mapping helped me develop a proposed feature set for the potential solution and…
...in this case, using a priority matrix that split features into categories based on the level of necessity for each, helped me weed out superfluous ideas, like a sleep tracker while reaffirming the importance of the final solution being one that connects users with a dedicated health care team
...in this case, using a priority matrix that split features into categories based on the level of necessity for each, helped me weed out superfluous ideas, like a sleep tracker while reaffirming the importance of the final solution being one that connects users with a dedicated health care team
...in this case, using a priority matrix that split features into categories based on the level of necessity for each, helped me weed out superfluous ideas, like a sleep tracker while reaffirming the importance of the final solution being one that connects users with a dedicated health care team
proposed feature set
Marketing
Strategy
proposed feature set
priority matrix
priority matrix
priority matrix
solution identified
solution identified
solution identified
a tailored solution
a tailored solution
a tailored solution
How might we encourage diabetic users to more regularly track and manage their blood sugar health using one application?
How might we encourage diabetic users to more regularly track and manage their blood sugar health using one application?
How might we encourage diabetic users to more regularly track and manage their blood sugar health using one application?
In this case, I became determined to explore ways to help diabetic users track and manage their blood sugar numbers with recommendations that feel tailored to them and that can easily be shared with their doctors or medical team, in whatever frequency they need.
In this case, I became determined to explore ways to help diabetic users track and manage their blood sugar numbers with recommendations that feel tailored to them and that can easily be shared with their doctors or medical team, in whatever frequency they need.
In this case, I became determined to explore ways to help diabetic users track and manage their blood sugar numbers with recommendations that feel tailored to them and that can easily be shared with their doctors or medical team, in whatever frequency they need.
track and manage
blood sugar data
Marketing
Strategy
track and manage
blood sugar data
tailored diet
and fitness reccs
tailored diet
and fitness reccs
tailored diet
and fitness reccs
data reporting
to doctors
data reporting
to doctors
data reporting
to doctors
let's get low …fidelity
let's get low …fidelity
let's get low …fidelity
Using the features previously proposed, I created a sitemap that I then used to sketch potential screens for the final solution.
Using the features previously proposed, I created a sitemap that I then used to sketch potential screens for the final solution.
Using the features previously proposed, I created a sitemap that I then used to sketch potential screens for the final solution.
Those sketches were then taken to the original interviewees and tested yielding 2 rounds of mid-fidelity iterations for the potential solution.
Those sketches were then taken to the original interviewees and tested yielding 2 rounds of mid-fidelity iterations for the potential solution.
Those sketches were then taken to the original interviewees and tested yielding 2 rounds of mid-fidelity iterations for the potential solution.
Proposed sitemap
Marketing
Strategy
Proposed sitemap
screen sketches
screen sketches
screen sketches
low-fi user
testing
low-fi user
testing
low-fi user
testing
testy testing
testy testing
testy testing
The first iteration proved somewhat confusing to test subjects, especially in terms of relevance to the primary user and eventually led me to reduce the main navigation menu items down to three - dashboard, reports, settings.
The first iteration proved somewhat confusing to test subjects, especially in terms of relevance to the primary user and eventually led me to reduce the main navigation menu items down to three - dashboard, reports, settings.
The first iteration proved somewhat confusing to test subjects, especially in terms of relevance to the primary user and eventually led me to reduce the main navigation menu items down to three - dashboard, reports, settings.
The Dashboard feature reaffirms relevance as a customizable look at tools users deem important to them while the Recommendations, and Needs More Info sections gamify the experience by keeping the user incentivized for keeping the product up to date.
The Dashboard feature reaffirms relevance as a customizable look at tools users deem important to them while the Recommendations, and Needs More Info sections gamify the experience by keeping the user incentivized for keeping the product up to date.
The Dashboard feature reaffirms relevance as a customizable look at tools users deem important to them while the Recommendations, and Needs More Info sections gamify the experience by keeping the user incentivized for keeping the product up to date.
Simplify
the solution
Marketing
Strategy
Simplify
the solution
make it
customizable
make it
customizable
make it
customizable
try gamifying
something
try gamifying
something
try gamifying
something
Is this home?
Is this home?
Is this home?
Before digitizing these sketches, as well as the considered features for this product, I developed and iterated on the following user flow and this process…
Before digitizing these sketches, as well as the considered features for this product, I developed and iterated on the following user flow and this process…
Before digitizing these sketches, as well as the considered features for this product, I developed and iterated on the following user flow and this process…
…made me aware of potential confusion around usability, especially in terms of helping users understand what the sections of the product are as they relate to one another. This insight forced me to seriously consider the “dashboard” section as a sort of “home” for the user.
…made me aware of potential confusion around usability, especially in terms of helping users understand what the sections of the product are as they relate to one another. This insight forced me to seriously consider the “dashboard” section as a sort of “home” for the user.
…made me aware of potential confusion around usability, especially in terms of helping users understand what the sections of the product are as they relate to one another. This insight forced me to seriously consider the “dashboard” section as a sort of “home” for the user.
primary
user flow
Marketing
Strategy
primary
user flow
clarify the
navigation
clarify the
navigation
clarify the
navigation
users need
subtle direction
users need
subtle direction
users need
subtle direction
Clarity baby
Clarity baby
Clarity baby
Insights from mid-fidelity testing indicated that users found the simplicity useful and agreed largely on potential product adoption.
Insights from mid-fidelity testing indicated that users found the simplicity useful and agreed largely on potential product adoption.
Insights from mid-fidelity testing indicated that users found the simplicity useful and agreed largely on potential product adoption.
However, confusion arose regarding the necessity of a profile image and around consistency issues, prompting several changes including removal of arrows for clarity and for refining layout, as well as, more detailed and specific labeling of navigation items for improved usability.
However, confusion arose regarding the necessity of a profile image and around consistency issues, prompting several changes including removal of arrows for clarity and for refining layout, as well as, more detailed and specific labeling of navigation items for improved usability.
However, confusion arose regarding the necessity of a profile image and around consistency issues, prompting several changes including removal of arrows for clarity and for refining layout, as well as, more detailed and specific labeling of navigation items for improved usability.
mid-fidelity
user testing
Marketing
Strategy
mid-fidelity
user testing
"why the
profile pic?"
"why the
profile pic?"
"why the
profile pic?"
Confusing labels
Confusing labels
Confusing labels
Just trust us
Just trust us
Just trust us
Synthesizing insight from user interviews and competitive research I gave it the name SugarSync and identified core brand values to guide further design decisions.
Synthesizing insight from user interviews and competitive research I gave it the name SugarSync and identified core brand values to guide further design decisions.
Synthesizing insight from user interviews and competitive research I gave it the name SugarSync and identified core brand values to guide further design decisions.
Those core values ended up being that the product would be “accurate, approachable, dependable, and streamlined”. The logo and colors chosen in this case are intended to establish a level of trust and dependability for users in the final product and its ability to support their health.
Those core values ended up being that the product would be “accurate, approachable, dependable, and streamlined”. The logo and colors chosen in this case are intended to establish a level of trust and dependability for users in the final product and its ability to support their health.
Those core values ended up being that the product would be “accurate, approachable, dependable, and streamlined”. The logo and colors chosen in this case are intended to establish a level of trust and dependability for users in the final product and its ability to support their health.
brand name
and logo
Marketing
Strategy
brand name
and logo
brand values
and colors
brand values
and colors
brand values
and colors
trust and
dependability
trust and
dependability
trust and
dependability
Change change change
Change change change
Change change change
Insights from my high-fidelity prototype testing reveal mixed user feedback including an appreciation for customizable features and concerns around readability.
Insights from my high-fidelity prototype testing reveal mixed user feedback including an appreciation for customizable features and concerns around readability.
Insights from my high-fidelity prototype testing reveal mixed user feedback including an appreciation for customizable features and concerns around readability.
A lack of contrast in chosen colors and confusion over terminology like "In Progress" on the Reports screen led to new color choices for increased readability, clarifying terminology, and further streamlining navigation to enhance user engagement.
A lack of contrast in chosen colors and confusion over terminology like "In Progress" on the Reports screen led to new color choices for increased readability, clarifying terminology, and further streamlining navigation to enhance user engagement.
A lack of contrast in chosen colors and confusion over terminology like "In Progress" on the Reports screen led to new color choices for increased readability, clarifying terminology, and further streamlining navigation to enhance user engagement.
hi-fi user
test results
Marketing
Strategy
section titles
were confusing
section titles
were confusing
section titles
were confusing
colors decreased
readability
colors decreased
readability
colors decreased
readability
before testing
after testing
2
1
1 All screens underwent major revisions in color to improve accessibility.
2 Users found key text difficult to read - like titles of cards - due to color.
before testing
after testing
4
3
In addition to changes in the color palette helping to clarify titles, users
showed a need for clarification with the 3 “In Progress” section - therefore
it’s name was 4 changed to say “Today’s Report”.before testing
after testing
Users helped me to notice a missing background for this overlay and the
colors were again updated to help users read most pertinent information.before testing
after testing
2
1
1 All screens underwent major revisions in color to improve accessibility.
2 Users found key text difficult to read - like titles of cards - due to color.
before testing
after testing
4
3
In addition to changes in the color palette helping to clarify titles, users
showed a need for clarification with the 3 “In Progress” section - therefore
it’s name was 4 changed to say “Today’s Report”.before testing
after testing
Users helped me to notice a missing background for this overlay and the
colors were again updated to help users read most pertinent information.before testing
after testing
2
1
1 All screens underwent major revisions in color to improve accessibility.
2 Users found key text difficult to read - like titles of cards - due to color.
before testing
after testing
4
3
In addition to changes in the color palette helping to clarify titles, users
showed a need for clarification with the 3 “In Progress” section - therefore
it’s name was 4 changed to say “Today’s Report”.before testing
after testing
Users helped me to notice a missing background for this overlay and the
colors were again updated to help users read most pertinent information.before testing
after testing
2
1
1 All screens underwent major revisions in color to improve accessibility.
2 Users found key text difficult to read - like titles of cards - due to color.
before testing
after testing
4
3
In addition to changes in the color palette helping to clarify titles, users
showed a need for clarification with the 3 “In Progress” section - therefore
it’s name was 4 changed to say “Today’s Report”.before testing
after testing
Users helped me to notice a missing background for this overlay and the
colors were again updated to help users read most pertinent information.
before testing
after testing
2
1
1 All screens underwent major revisions in color to improve accessibility.
2 Users found key text difficult to read - like titles of cards - due to color.
before testing
after testing
4
3
In addition to changes in the color palette helping to clarify titles, users
showed a need for clarification with the 3 “In Progress” section - therefore
it’s name was 4 changed to say “Today’s Report”.before testing
after testing
Users helped me to notice a missing background for this overlay and the
colors were again updated to help users read most pertinent information.before testing
after testing
2
1
1 All screens underwent major revisions in color to improve accessibility.
2 Users found key text difficult to read - like titles of cards - due to color.
before testing
after testing
4
3
In addition to changes in the color palette helping to clarify titles, users
showed a need for clarification with the 3 “In Progress” section - therefore
it’s name was 4 changed to say “Today’s Report”.before testing
after testing
Users helped me to notice a missing background for this overlay and the
colors were again updated to help users read most pertinent information.before testing
after testing
2
1
1 All screens underwent major revisions in color to improve accessibility.
2 Users found key text difficult to read - like titles of cards - due to color.
before testing
after testing
4
3
In addition to changes in the color palette helping to clarify titles, users
showed a need for clarification with the 3 “In Progress” section - therefore
it’s name was 4 changed to say “Today’s Report”.before testing
after testing
Users helped me to notice a missing background for this overlay and the
colors were again updated to help users read most pertinent information.before testing
after testing
2
1
1 All screens underwent major revisions in color to improve accessibility.
2 Users found key text difficult to read - like titles of cards - due to color.
before testing
after testing
4
3
In addition to changes in the color palette helping to clarify titles, users
showed a need for clarification with the 3 “In Progress” section - therefore
it’s name was 4 changed to say “Today’s Report”.before testing
after testing
Users helped me to notice a missing background for this overlay and the
colors were again updated to help users read most pertinent information.
Feedback from user testing highlighted areas for improvement, prompting a reevaluation of design choices for better readability and usability and looking ahead, I aim to integrate user feedback earlier in processes.
Feedback from user testing highlighted areas for improvement, prompting a reevaluation of design choices for better readability and usability and looking ahead, I aim to integrate user feedback earlier in processes.
Feedback from user testing highlighted areas for improvement, prompting a reevaluation of design choices for better readability and usability and looking ahead, I aim to integrate user feedback earlier in processes.
Confronted with the challenge of consolidating several management tools for blood sugar into one and armed with user research from interviews I created SugarSync, a one-stop-shop solution diabetic users could depend on.
Confronted with the challenge of consolidating several management tools for blood sugar into one and armed with user research from interviews I created SugarSync, a one-stop-shop solution diabetic users could depend on.
Confronted with the challenge of consolidating several management tools for blood sugar into one and armed with user research from interviews I created SugarSync, a one-stop-shop solution diabetic users could depend on.
