Wearable glucose monitoring
Global Wearable Devices, a Dutch-Chinese manufacturer, collaborated with a British biomedical company to develop the world’s first non-invasive Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device. The challenge was to design a smartwatch that seamlessly integrated medical functionality with consumer-friendly aesthetics, providing a non-stigmatizing alternative to traditional medical devices.
Global Wearables
Industry
Medical
My role
Industrial and UX designer
Discover
In the discovery phase, we focused on understanding the target users, the technical context, and the regulatory environment of a medical-grade wearable. Research revealed key insights, including the need for a non-clinical look to encourage daily wear and the importance of personalization to support user adoption. These findings laid the foundation for a user-centered design approach.
Industrial design & Engineering
We worked in close coordination with the client as their PCB architecture was evolving, requiring us to adapt the physical design in parallel with ongoing hardware developments.
This called for an agile, iterative approach, rapidly prototyping and testing form factors, ergonomics, and assembly methods to stay aligned with shifting technical constraints. Each prototype cycle allowed us to assess fit, comfort, and component integration while ensuring compliance with medical-grade requirements. The design also incorporated modular customization features, such as interchangeable straps, bezels, and removable casing elements, offering users flexibility in both function and style.
UX/UI design
On the digital side, we created a redesign of the GUI optimized for a 128×128 pixel monochrome memory LCD display. The interface prioritized clarity, simplicity, and quick access to essential functions. Supporting users with varying levels of tech familiarity.
Throughout the process, we aligned interface behavior with the physical design to ensure a seamless experience across touchpoints, focusing on intuitive interaction and accessibility.
Deliver
The project resulted in a customizable smartwatch that combined non-invasive CGM technology with a user-friendly, lifestyle-oriented design, enhancing daily wearability and reducing the stigma often associated with medical devices. We supported clinical trial readiness by producing a test series that met both functional and regulatory standards. Key takeaways included the importance of blending medical functionality with consumer-grade design, offering customization to drive user engagement, and embracing iterative development to balance usability with compliance.