Afon Technology - Glucose Monitor

Afon Technology – Glucose Monitor

The Client

Afon Technology is a medical technology company based in South Wales. The business was originally established in 2015 (as Orsus Medical) with the purpose of creating a real-time, non-invasive, portable blood glucose monitor. Through the Welsh Government’s SMART Innovation programme, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Afon Technology secured a fully funded 8-day package of design support.

Design Challenge

The aim of the support package was to develop a wearable prototype device that could encapsulate the blood glucose monitor created by Afon Technology. In order to effectively monitor the glucose level of the user, the device needed to be located against the veins in the wrist. For this reason, ergonomics were a major consideration; as the device needed to suite a broad range of users yet consistency locate the monitor in a common position.

“ITERATE provide a refreshing product design perspective and are ever conscious of pragmatic, efficient and intelligent design solutions” Richard Slade, Client Services Director at Brandrefinery

Our Solution

The chosen design was based on a wrist worn strap that combined a rigid half with a flexible half. The rigid portion of the product secured the blood glucose monitor firmly in place; locating it against the wrist of the user. The flexible half then allowed the strap to be tightened. Ergonomic data was analysed to ensure that the device could accommodate users between the 5th to 95th percentile.

Final Outcome

Using in-house 3D printing and finishing capability, a functional device was created. The prototype incorporated an Apple Watch that displayed illustrations of blood glucose data. Furthermore, it enabled Afon Technology to gain early stage user feedback. The completion of this work package also marked a significant milestone in the company’s product development cycle prior to undertaking clinical trials. Click here to find out more about the Welsh Government’s SMART Innovation programme.