Empowering Children to Manage Diabetes Through Play
What began as a winning design challenge quickly transformed into a startup. Along the way, we connected with amazing mentors and collaborators who helped shape our vision. Buffle is a fun, gamified app that empowers children to take control of their diabetes management by making health tracking engaging, educational, and, most importantly, something kids look forward to.
Ames, Iowa
2023
Health Tech
Challenge
We found a significant gap in tools that effectively engage children in managing their diabetes. Traditional methods often feel like a chore, leading to disengagement and poor health outcomes. Parents struggle to keep their kids motivated and informed about their health, creating an urgent need for a more interactive and fun solution.
Results
Buffle fills this gap by transforming diabetes management into an exciting, game-like experience. By integrating challenges, rewards, and engaging content, we’ve created an app that motivates children to take control of their health in a way that feels enjoyable, interactive, and supportive, making it easier for parents to guide their kids on their diabetes journey.
6-12
Age group
30+
Screens designed
$10,000
Funding
Process
Research & Analysis: We conducted user interviews, surveys, and analyzed in-app analytics to understand the pain points and user needs. We also studied competitor apps and industry trends to gather insights
Information Architecture: Based on the research findings, we restructured the app's navigation and content, prioritizing features and information according to user needs.
Wireframing & Prototyping: We designed low-fidelity wireframes to visualize the new layout and navigation, iteratively refining them based on user feedback. Afterward, we built a high-fidelity, interactive prototype to test the design.
Usability Testing: We conducted usability tests with a diverse group of users to validate the design and identify areas for improvement. Based on the feedback, we made necessary adjustments to the design.
Visual Design & Style Guide: We developed a cohesive visual language, including color schemes, typography, and iconography, ensuring consistency throughout the app. We also created a style guide to maintain design consistency in future updates.
“ Buffle would be such a helpful tool for managing my child’s diabetes. It makes tracking easier and more fun, giving us both a sense of control and confidence."
Sarah Mitchell
Parent
Conclusion
Although Buffle never reached its full potential, the concept remains powerful. It’s designed to make diabetes management easier and more engaging for kids, helping families feel more connected and in control of their health.