The use of micromobility devices is on the rise, especially in denser urban environments, as people choose cycles, scooters, skateboards, and their electric counterparts to travel between destinations. While numbers vary by mode, ridership tends to be highest among white males and lower among women, black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and persons with disabilities. Inadequate infrastructure and parking, safety concerns, and societal expectations are among the many reasons cited for these disparities. Initial research identifies end-of-trip facilities as an opportunity area where improvements can be made to support underserved and underrepresented populations. The aim of this project was to collect feedback from these groups which informed the design of a multifunctional storage device. Current users of micromobility devices were surveyed to ascertain what amenities have had the greatest positive impacts on their transportation experiences, as well as those that are still largely missing but desirable. Concepts were developed, visualized, and presented to target audiences for further feedback used to improve the design and validate the solution.
(Georgia Institute of Technology, 2020-07-31)
Harper, Andy
This study examines the current technology of diabetes management devices, primarily insulin pumps. Insulin pumps are effective tools for the precise control of glucose levels, for type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. Many design and usability challenges still exist with insulin pump technologies. In this study, we investigated current shortcomings and limitations of insulin pumps through survey and interview data collection methods. Our findings revealed issues with current insulin pumps including:
1) wear-ability and accessibility in public
2) operating devices while performing demanding tasks
3) interruptions with social activities and interactions
4) continuity of maintenance, and
5) interface operations.
Using the data from our investigative work, we produced design criteria to develop a novel wrist-worn interface and separate pump design for a closed loop artificial pancreas system. We then evaluated the design through seven remote usability testing sessions with insulin pump users. Our study aspires to inform the future design of novel insulin pumps that enable people with T1D to maintain better control of their glucose levels through consistent and steady interactions with these tools during their everyday activities.