How to Understand Type 2 Diabetes

As a UX designer beginning this project, my understanding is that Type 2 diabetes is more than a medical condition. It is a lifelong experience that requires people to make ongoing decisions about their health, often with the support of digital tools, healthcare providers, and personal routines. To design an effective solution, I need to understand who these patients are, their comfort level with technology, and the barriers they face when managing their condition day to day. By learning about their behaviors, needs, and digital habits, I can help create an experience that feels accessible, supportive, and empowering in managing Type 2 diabetes.

Defining the Patient Value Proposition

Stakeholders had a clear vision for the product, technology, and business opportunity. My challenge was to uncover the corresponding user need and identify how the experience could create meaningful value for patients.

Business Perspective & User Perspective

Connected Care → Feel Supported
Data Visibility → Understand Progress
Adherence Tracking → Staying on Track
Clinical Insights → Have Better Conversations
System Integration → Spend Less Time Managing Care

Identifying the Biggest Opportunity

Research uncovered a consistent theme across interviews, stakeholder conversations, and ecosystem mapping: patients weren't looking for more data. They wanted confidence that they were managing their condition correctly.

Help patients manage diabetes confidently
Know I Took My Dose
Dose History
Last Recorded Dose
Missed Dose Visibility
Stay On Track
Habit Formation
Routine Building
Progress Tracking
Feel Supported
Clinical Guidance
Feedback Loop
Ongoing Reassurance