The main goal of this project is to develop a new methodological design paradigm for patient self-management technologies to move beyond use as simple chronic disease care diagnostic tools to support life activities. As an initial step towards this goal, we are focusing on assessing existing patient self-management devices, starting with the glucometer.
In the initial phase of this project, we conducted an expert analysis on thirteen glucometers. For each glucometer, we identified features and functions influencing their usability. To determine these influential factors, three methods were used: Task Analysis, Time Study, and Usability Heuristics. The next phase of this study involves identifying factors influencing usability from a diabetes patient perspective with the information being applied to the design of a new glucometer.