To cap off this week of copious diabetes creativity, I am presenting a few favorites from the “Most-Creative” category in the 2010 DiabetesMine Design Challenge as promised.
Again, using the Wired/Tired method, I’m also sharing some key comments from our judging team (below each entry today). Hopefully these ideas will not only motivate you to envision your own “ideal diabetes tool,” but will also provide some insight into our judging process.
Note that we struggled for a long time with the first entry highlighted today, the Pumpie, because it is so beautifully executed and such a practical concept — but maybe too practical? Could something as simple as a shower case like this really be crowned conqueror in an ambitious innovation competition?
Your turn to be the judge:
Pumpie
Judges say -
Wired: “A very useful product that meets a need.”
Tired: “Unclear how it will actually remain waterproof with the tube sticking out. Also, how great is the need to shower with a pump?”
Safe-D
Judges say –
Wired: “A great concept and a keen value proposition…”
Tired: “… but I don’t think a stranger would use this. They would panic and automatically call 911 and not want to risk attempting any kind of treatment”
EatSmart
Judges say -
Wired: “Great idea to make healthy eating a prominent issue right on the fridge!”
Tired: “Probably not technologically realistic, and could be a nuisance for family members.”
Before we all knock off for Labor Day Weekend: anyone have thoughts on these creative D-signs they’d like to share?
I think the Pumpie is a great idea. I regularly disconnect for showers, but I would much prefer to maintain the constant infusion. I used to use soap holder things for my pump, but my pump would easily fall off and hit the hard tub. The Pumpie would greatly reduce bathtub-related incidents.
I don’t think the tubing sticking out of the bottom would be a big problem. Considering gravity, the water would drip down, but not get inside.
Well, kind of “eh” to all three. One, I think Pumpie makes no sense as a name and I don’t understand how long a shower people are taking that a short break from the pump is going to be a huge detriment to health. I guess I have had times when I’m ready to shower and a square bolus is still going… That would be the only case I could see.
The second concept is an excellent idea, but I think the judges are right – this would be good for friends that you could kind of educate in advance but strangers would have no clue. Besides, you’d have to remember to keep it updated with fresh insulin, unless it can remotely access a pump. The last idea – I was with it up until the CGM being connected to the device. That’s getting a little too Big Brother to me.