Reflection
This project reminded me that design isn’t just about solving problems. It’s about caring deeply for the people behind them. Working on Blubee taught me the power of designing with empathy, especially when navigating sensitive health topics and building for children and families.
Without direct access to kids, I leaned into listening, but really listening, to parents, to research, and to context. Every design decision became an act of respect.
It pushed me to balance functionality with warmth, clarity with playfulness, and ambition with focus. And most of all, it reinforced that thoughtful, inclusive design can help transform challenges into connection, and routines into care.
Final prototypes
Key Challenges
1. No direct access to kids for interviews
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Couldn't gather firsthand insights from children.
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Workaround: conducted secondary research, joined Facebook groups, and asked parents observational questions.
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Acknowledgement: future testing should involve children directly to validate emotional and usability aspects.
2. Limited time to build both digital platforms
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Developing two interfaces split focus and doubled effort.
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Workaround: focused on developing core features for both platforms.
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Acknowledgement: secondary features were outlined in concept but not prototyped in depth.
Project Ideation
A key challenge in this project was its scope. To help organize my ideas and the features for each platform, I developed an architecture map that allowed me to distribute must-have and should-have features across the different screens.
BluBee
Project info:
Brand Identity
User research
Interface Design
Branding
Tools:
Figma
Illustrator
Figjam
A diabetes diagnosis (type 1 or 2) in children is life changing for families, bringing challenges in daily management, routine adjustments, and emotional well-being. Many feel overwhelmed due to a lack of engaging, accessible tools to support understanding and healthy habits.
Blubee is a digital companion that includes a tablet interface for kids and a connected mobile app for parents. The tablet allows children with Type 1 and 2 diabetes to log glucose levels, insulin doses, meals, and engage with supportive features like challenges and messages from caregivers. The parent app offers real-time monitoring, reminders, and family coordination through Bluetribe.
Project goals
Design for Daily Integration
Create an intuitive and engaging experience tailored to family routines and children’s preferences for seamless daily use.
Prioritize Meaningful Features
Focus development on the most impactful tools: tracking, education, and emotional support based on user needs.
Ensure Inclusive Design
Build a flexible solution that reflects diverse family dynamics and caregiving perspectives.
Supportive Visual Identity
Develop a brand voice and design language that feels clear, empowering, and empathetic to families managing diabetes.
