Challenge:
Confidant’s business model focuses on helping people with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes) monitor their blood levels more effectively and provide reminders and encouragement for dealing with their disease. The technology was small; it couples with most commercially available glucometers and then communicates via Bluetooth to a cell phone, PDA or computer and so links to the appropriate network.

Innovative Thinking:
• The AA batteries that power the device are the tallest components. We used the batteries’ cylindrical form factor as a key element in the design, while keeping the overall size of the device as small as possible.

• A unique switch mechanism that integrates seamlessly into the form prevents inadvertent activation.

• The aesthetic is sleek but understated. The styling does not dominate that of any cell phone or glucometer it might be paired with; its appearance is deliberately one that fades into the “background” rather than leaps into the “foreground.”

Results:
The Confidant Communicator packages innovative technology in an unobtrusive but intelligent form.