Always On:: Unpacking the challenges of living with insulin pumps, to design novel solutions

Abstract

Insulin pumps are effective tools for the precise control of glucose levels, for type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. Unfortunately, many design and usability challenges still exist with these technologies. We investigated current shortcomings and limitations through survey (N=105), interview (N=7), and participatory workshop (N=3) data collection methods. Our findings revealed issues with current technolog y including wear-ability and accessibility in public, operation while performing demanding tasks, interruptions during social activities, continuity of maintenance, and interface operations. Using the data from our investigative work, we produced design criteria to develop a novel wrist-worn interface and separate pump design for a closed loop system. We then evaluated the design through remote usability testing sessions (N=7) with insulin pump users. Our study aspires to inform the future design of novel insulin pumps that enable people with T1D to maintain better control of their glucose through consistent interactions with these tools, during their everyday activities.