A final run-through of our 150+ amazing submissions in this year’s DiabetesMine Design Challenge reveals some of the “prettiest” entries — those that obviously come from the world of artful design rather than medical utility. And why shouldn’t more medical devices be more aesthetic?!

PicoSulin mini insulin pump

- weighs just 2 oz. and uses and insulin penfill cartridge, plus it looks a heck of lot like an iPod Nano -

(click on the image below to see the full entry)

Flexy Pump

- an armband pump only 1.5cm wide at its thickest point -

(click on the image to see the details; yes, I realize the actual mechanism of insulin delivery is a bit unclear)

Flex Insulin Pump

- “light, discreet, flexible and comfortable” -

This one was featured in an ADA Conference talk about futuristic patient-friendly pump designs, although honestly, I think it looks a bit like wearing a banana slug.

Sleep-O

- not sure why this comfortable hypo-detection device should only be worn at night? -

Kardia

- VERY pretty, but where do you keep your lancet and test strips? -

Well, no matter how you slice it, new healthcare designs with a “consumer bent” is a H-O-T topic. Have a look at this new Ning network called Designing for Care, and the ensuing book in the works.

Friday, June 26th, 2009 | Permalink | Comments (3)