OVERVIEW
Enabling safe, unrestricted physical activity for insulin pump users.
YEAR
DURATION
ADVISORS
TOOLS USED
2021
3 months
Rebecca Pailles-Freidman
Adobe InDesign • Adobe Illustrator • Adobe Lightroom • Sewing Machine
Women with Type 1 Diabetes, who use an insulin pump, are faced with a barrier to be physically active. This is because while exercise is highly effective in controlling long term blood sugar levels, their apparel does not accommodate their pump.
THE PROBLEM
THIS IS THE MOST POPULAR INUSLIN PUMP ON THE MARKET
THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS OF RECIEVING INSULIN BUT THIS PROJECT FOCUSES ON INSULIN PUMP USERS
TYPE 1 DIABETES
Thinking of my family members’ own struggle with diabetes, I wanted to examine the experiences of people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). I discovered that over 1.6 million people in the US have T1D where the body requires the injection of insulin in order to mitigate blood sugar levels.
DESIGNER, PODCAST HOST, AWARD WINNING CHILI CHEF, JDRF RUNNER, AND INSULIN PUMP USER.
IMPROPER PUMP STORAGE CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE PUMP, INTERRUPTION OF INSULIN, AND IRRITATION OR INFECTION OF THE INJECTION SITE.
STAYING SAFE TO STAY ACTIVE
Being active is a proven way of managing blood sugar. But for those who use an insulin pump everyday, secure and comfortable pump storage is a big issue. Kinks in the insulin tubing or damage to the pump can interrupt insulin flow. Risks range from lower athletic performance to dangerously high blood sugar.
FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE FROM ALECIA WESNER
In an interview with Wesner who is a designer herself, she mentioned her inconvenient experiences using an unsulin pump while being active. “You have to disconnect the pump from yourself ... which is annoying and cumbersome”
ANALYZED 30+ POPULAR ADAPTIVE AND NON-ADAPTIVE WOMEN’S ATHLETIC SHORTS LOOKING AT PRICE, MATERIAL, SIZE, STYLE, STORAGE, AND PERFORMANCE FEATURES.
CHOOSING TO LOOK GOOD OR FEEL GOOD
Conducting a general market survey, I identified that women’s athletic shorts highly lack pump accomodation. In-depth competitive analysis revealed that existing shorts designed for insulin pump users, adaptive shorts, are functional, but lack the style and storage variety of non-adaptive athletic shorts.
To design a pair of women’s athletic shorts that accommodate an insulin pump by combining the functionality of adaptive shorts with the style and storage variety of non-adaptive shorts.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
TWO LAYER DESIGN INSPIRED BY BOTH ADAPTIVE AND NON-ADAPTIVE SHORTS.
INNER POCKET OPENS FROM OUTFACING AND SKINFACING SIDES ENABLING SAFE, CONVENIENT, AND DISCREET PUMP ACCESS.
CHOSEN CONCEPT: POCKET IN POCKET SHORTS
This concept is inspired by both adaptive and non-adpative women’s atheltic shorts. It features a loose-fitting, lightweight outer layer with a form-fitting, stretchy inner layer. The inner layer has two pockets which open from both outfacing and skin-facing sides. This way the pump can be accessed from the outside while the insulin tubing stays connected to the skin.
TESTING PATTERNS AND SEWING TECHNIQUES
TESTING PUMP PLACEMENT FOR OPTIMAL COMFORT AND RANGE OF MOTION
LEARNING AND REFINING
Though the process of prototyping these shorts I learned how to pattern and sew for the first time which was a challenging but rewarding experience. I undertook multiple rounds of user testing, countless trial and error, and nonstop refinement of the design to make the shorts as comfortable, functional, and flattering as possible.
DOUBLE POCKETS ON BOTH SIDES PROVIDE ENOUGH STORAGE EVEN WHILE CARRYING A PUMP
UPPER INNER THIGH PUMP PLACEMENT ENABLES FREE RANGE OF MOTION WITHOUT DISCOMFORT
SAFETY, COMFORT, AND VERSITILITY
The Pocket in Pocket shorts have a loose outer layer and secure inner layer which enable a large range of motion suitable for a range of physical activities. Double pockets on both sides provide plenty of storage for other items like mobile phones, emergency snacks, or earbuds.
Insert insulin pump into secure inner pocket without disconnecting from injection site and tuck in tubing.
Easily access insulin pump through the outer pocket without exposing skin or tubing getting caught.
Conveniently check insulin and blood sugar levels at anytime during physical activity when needed.