APP DESIGN • MOTION • PROTOTYPE ANIMATION
GlucoCare is a collaborative project designed to support children with Type 1 diabetes through engaging starter and monthly kits that build confidence, routine, and emotional resilience.
GlucoCare makes diabetes management feel less overwhelming and empowers children to grow toward independent self-care.
This project was completed collaboratively. GlucoCare app development by me; branding, visual design, and stuffed companion design by my teammates.
GlucoCare Children's App
Pages include: Our journey book, Homepage, Toolkit, hygiene and breathing activities.
Interviews — With generative tools
I interviewed a Patient Care assistant, a Pediatrician, and a child with Type 1 to better understand children with Type 1/chronic illnesses.
Pediatrician
Takeaways
Children ages 4-7 struggle most with:
Understanding their illness.
Expressing symptoms/feelings.
Dealing with treatment routines.
16 y/o child with Type 1 Diabetes
Takeaways
Biggest barriers were waiting periods, missing out on exercise/activities, and carb counting. Feelings of confusion and fear.
Digital Sorting activity
Providers use this to link emotions with different parts of the treatment process.
Emotion Cube:
Sparked conversations with kids based off of what emotion they rolled.
Diabetes Doll: Learn that our user didn’t want to hurt their practice doll because the treatment was scary to them.
Storyboard — Design system walkthrough
The Diagnosis Moment
The doctor explains the diagnosis; the child feels confused.
Doctor Explains Service
The child feels overwhelmed; the doctor uses the emotion storybook to explain.
Receiving First Kit
The family registers for GlucoCare and receives an introductory kit through the doctor.
Opening the Kit
The child and parent explore the items of the kit and download the app.
Downloading App
The child learns about their condition through guided, interactive app activities such as treatment procedures, guided by Gluco.
Practice Care
The child uses toy medical devices to prick the Gluco stuffed animal. With app guidance, this shows them how to practice it safely.
Treatment Attempt
The child can confidently prick their own finger with a parent’s support.
IA Mapping — GlucoCare app architecture
Designing for children — Research findings
Simplicity & Accessibility
Large touch targets (14pt)
Audio + visuals > reading
No scrolling or complex navigation
Interaction = Engagement
Tap, swipe, drag
Quick feedback (animation, sound, color)
Learning should feel like play
Learning Design
Content in small chunks
Start simple (what is diabetes → tools)
Real-life metaphors + interactive storytelling
️ Emotional Connection
Friendly characters + warm, safe visuals
Personalized to child’s age/level
Feels human, not clinical
Motivation Insight
Over-rewarding can reduce engagement → Focus on curiosity, not incentives
Parent Role
Parent onboarding + child profile setup
Parent mode with guidance overlays
Sketches — Lo-Mid Fidelity
Login • Onboarding • Home • Our Journey • Toolkit • Activities
Final walkthrough — Feel free to scrub through the video!
Guardian login → Child's health information → Home Page
0:00 | Onboarding
00:24 | Our Journey
00:46 | My toolkit
01:03 | Breathing & Hand washing exercises
01:49 | Pricking & Testing