Do you have a great concept for a product that will help people with diabetes live better? Well, you’ve got until midnight this coming Monday, June 16, to tell us about it — and seize your chance to be one of two winners of the DiabetesMine Design Challenge. We plan to announce the results next Friday, June 20.
Just a reminder that we’re accepting entries in two categories: under age 18 and over age 18. Submissions can be in the form of a 2-minute video uploaded to the DiabetesMine Design Challenge Group on YouTube, or a 2-3 page written “elevator pitch” plus supporting graphics, emailed to us HERE.
A quick run-through of the cool entries we’ve received so far:
In VIDEO FORMAT (on YouTube)
BioFlips by StickMeDesigns — stylish used test strip disposal
Compact Case by Diabetes Designs — a smaller case that looks cool with any meter
Glucose Tablet Skins by Thomas, age 13 — fab covers for your glucose tablet case (sample the fun here!*)
Pelikan Sun electronic lancing device — by Pelikan Technologies. OK, this one’s rather more of a commercial for a product already on the market, but I included it anyway because I liked their homemade video. They’re reaching out to the community, so the least we can do is listen.
* Sample Entry:
In PAPER FORMAT (posted via Scribd)
The D-Wallet by Mark Dechand, Kansas — a wallet that can handle all your day-to-day diabetic gear
LanceLight by Sandra Leal, Arizona — a lancet with an integrated pen light that’s simple and can be used with any meter
Wireless Emergency Services Alarm by Mark Brown, California — a bluetooth-enabled “brain” that captures CGM data and automatically calls 911 when necessary
Two winning entries will each receive $1,600 in cash and a free two-hour workshop by IDEO design consultants specializing in health and wellness to help the winners refine their concepts. Winner of the adult category will also win one free pass to the next “innovation incubator” Health 2.0 Conference in San Francisco in October 21-23, 2008.
What We’re Looking For
Entries will be judged on three criteria:
- Efficiency – how does it solve a real-life problem for people living with diabetes?
- Clinical Efficacy – how realistic and applicable is this product from a medical standpoint?
- Aesthetics – it’s the look and feel, Baby! How good is the pure design?
The judging panel includes one MD/Editor from MedGadget.com, one of the prodigious design experts from IDEO, and myself from DiabetesMine — giving you the straight poop from a patient’s perspective.
We’re hoping some more of you have some cool stuff up your sleeves! Please submit yours by midnight PST on Monday, June 16. Release your inner innovator.
Of all the examples you could have chosen to show… I don’t understand why anyone would want to disguise what could be life-saving glucose tabs to look like a roll of quarters with smileys on it. Consumerism – for it. But let’s always put safety first.
Here is a site with most of the current diabetes products on the market. Might help next years contestants! http://www.diabetesproductsource.com
To Kevin:
Man, you folks are awfully critical these days. I chose this video to highlight because it was done by a 13-year-old boy who is obviously having some fun with his diabetes in this clip. Good for him.
I’m glad he’s having fun… but let’s always put safety first. (echo) safety first… safety first…
Thanks for your input, Kevin. But the focus of this particular contest is not so heavily medical; it has a lot to do with lifestyle with diabetes as well.