Development of a Simplified Insulin Pump Interface for Improved User Interaction

Type 1 Diabetics must constantly monitor blood glucose levels and carbohydrate intake to maintain health and avoid adverse health consequences. Insulin pump technology has advanced rapidly with the introduction of closed loop systems that match pumps with Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM), creating networks that simulate the pancreas. The goal of this project was to develop an interface that improves usability when it is not possible to interact directly with the Pump. Survey respondents described a variety of factors that limit this interaction, outlining the opportunity for an improved user interface. Our developmental methodology consisted of; (1) Online survey; (2) Interviews; (3) Participatory Design Workshops, (4) Design of an Improved Insulin Pump and Interface; (5) Validation of this proposed design through Usability Testing. This paper will provide an overview of the research and development process and demonstrate how the proposed concept for an improved interface simplifies user interaction with one's GCM.