Design tackles diabetes

Nanotechnology Victoria (NanoVic) has developed breakthrough technology that will

enable some medications to be administered via an inhaler rather than injection.

NanoVic in conjunction with Monash University spent nearly $A 1 million developing the
technology for a device for the world’s growing number of insulin dependent adults and children
currently dependent on a regime of injections.

NanoVic wanted a prototype that was small, smart, lightweight, attractive, simple and safe to
use for exhibition to potential investors at an international exhibition.

For this Design Victoria business immersion pilot, Melbourne industrial design firm Charlwood
Design was selected to work with NanoVic to produce an end user prototype of the inhaler. This
sort of prototype looks externally like a final product but has only limited moving parts. It is
designed to convey a convincing image of the final product and is often used to attract further
investment.

Facts at a Glance

Critical success factor: Engaging the designer early so that the function of the product, not
just its aesthetics, could be influenced by design.

Most difficult issue: The technology `inside’ the prototype was still under development,
requiring the designer to adapt to changes during the process.

Solution: An end user prototype of a pulmonary inhaler with some detachable parts that
would give a sense of how the final product might look. The prototype was
complemented by an animation demonstrating the device in operation.
Summary

“The core of the nanotechnology development and inhaler design was to reduce the complexity,
risk, and discomfort involved with injecting insulin for the world’s growing number of insulin
reliant diabetics”, says designer Paul Charlwood.

Perhaps the most fundamental lesson out of this immersion was the benefit of engaging the
designer early in the product development process. Questions posed by the designer revealed
gaps in NanoVic’s thinking, enabling these to be addressed before fronting investors at an
important USA biotechnology exhibition in May 2007.

According to NanoVic, the design work helped to fundamentally improve the technology as well
as provide an aesthetically appealing prototype. NanoVic also discovered that a designer could
provide an insight into what the user / market wants / needs.

Though getting involved early is always advisable, Charlwood suggested that in this case it was
almost too early. That is, because the technology had not been absolutely specified this
information had to be back-filled while the designs were taking shape. In this case it worked, but
in others it is likely to delay the design process.

User interface

Careful consideration went into the interface design of the insulin inhaler device, taking into
account that it will be used by people of all ages, and from many different backgrounds and
cultures. It needed to incorporate a series of functions that are operated by the user, in a
specific order. These functions needed to be simple enough for a child to perform, while
ensuring consistently correct administration.

The current products on the market used by diabetics to check blood sugar levels and
administer insulin were analysed, as was the process in which they used these products. This
process then determined how the user would interact with the inhaler.
The design solution

Simple, attractive and safe for self administration by children and adults were priority objectives
for the design. The final inhaler prototype utilises a process that encompasses all aspects of the
product, including sterility issues, ergonomic limitations, technological constraints, and user
requirements; while still keeping the interface quite simple. This was achieved by not using a
large tactile dial rather than an LCD as the client had first requested.

The user simply loads the sterile insulin cartridge, dials the amount of insulin to administer, and
inhales. Audible, tactile and visual indicators aid the user, ensuring the process is carried out
correctly.

Because the device is to be carried by the user at all times, the size and shape of the design
needed to be small enough to fit in your pocket and comfortable when being held in the hand.

The overall ‘look and feel’ of the inhaler portrays a more playful feel, rather than a medical
themed device, making it more user friendly for children and adults alike.

“We had made up our minds that the device had to look something like a mobile phone. It was
gratifying that the designer challenged this thinking and pushed our limits.” - NanoVic

“We felt that if they wanted to take something to the conference and wanted people to say
`wow’ then it should have a look that attracted attention to the technology” – Paul Charlwood,
Charlwood Design

Results
The device boarded a plane on the due date, and was exhibited at the Boston conference in
May 2007. NanoVic reported potential investors were attracted to the device’s finished
appearance. Through the questions raised in the design process, NanoVic also had the
confidence to answer detailed questions on issues such as safety, battery power and actual
use. NanoVic demonstrated to their funding bodies (the Victorian government and universities)
that it was focused on moving from the technology to commercialisation.
Click here to read the full case study.

Related Links
Interstitial NanoSystems Pty Ltd — www.interstitial.com.au
Charlwood Design — www.charlwood.com.au