Understanding the lived experience of adolescents with type 1 diabetes: opportunities for design

Webster, M; Foster, E; Comber, R; Bowen, S; Cheetham, T; Balaam, M

doi:10.1145/2771839.2771854

Understanding the lived experience of adolescents with type 1 diabetes: opportunities for design

Lookup NU author(s): Mary Webster, Dr Emma Foster, Dr Robert Comber, Dr Simon Bowen ORCiD, Professor Timothy Cheetham, Dr Madeline Balaam

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Abstract

Type 1 diabetes affects approximately 1 in every 500 children in the UK. Although it is a lifelong condition, there are few if any overt manifestations, which can make it more difficult to meet people with the same condition. To avoid the risk of health complications, an emphasis is placed on a routine of self-management behaviours. However, factors such as the desire to 'fit in' with the peer group may impede adherence and thus increase the probability of diminished health later in life. Creating appropriate peer support networks may be valuable in aiding a young person with diabetes to attend to their condition through interactions with otherwise unseen peers. Through a series of design workshops the context of living with type 1 diabetes and the value of peer support are explored from the perspective of an adolescent. Four types of support are reported: informational; emotional; tangible; and belonging/companionship, and design opportunities explored.