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An idea to help children with diabetes collects DIP award for innovative use of plastics

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A clever and inspiring educational product to help children with type 1 diabetes has earned the Design Innovation in Plastics Robin Jones Award, for its creator, James Paulson, a fourth-year student at Northumbria University.



James Paulson, pictured centre, with, left to right, DIP committee member, Spike Reid, and the panel of DIP judges, Steve Blanks, Kristen Tapping, Alicia Chrysostomou, and Alastair Swanwick. Pic: @samfrost photography

 

James won the award at the New Designers show in London - a major event showcasing the UK’s most innovative emerging design talent - for the most innovative use of plastics.

 

DIP judges, Steve Blanks, Alicia Chrysostomou, Alastair Swanwick and Kristen Tapping, praised James for the detailed thought which had gone into the problems faced by children with diabetes. 

 

We caught up with James after the show and asked him to explain a little more about his product, and what inspired him to create it.

 

James, what is your product and what does it do?

'Bu' is a playful, educational kit for children aged 3-6 with type 1.diabetes. Interactive products and engaging characters make learning enjoyable for kids and adults.  The accompanying book,  Bu's Big Adventure,  teaches how to use the products and understand diabetes management.   A hoodie has a badge to track injection sites and concealed zip pockets for discreet insulin injections, reducing embarrassment.  A frog-themed pot with a stamper pen and sand timer helps to alternate pricking fingers and learn insulin timing, creating an engaging experience for parents and children.



Pic: @samfrost photography

 

Can you explain the plastics you used and why you chose them?

I decided to use an antibacterial polypropylene that would be injection moulded. This plastic would be easy to clean and help to keep the toys safe from bacteria when performing medical activities such as finger pricking. The frog pot, stamper pen and sand timer ends are all made from injection moulded anti-bacterial polypropylene and are easy to separate for both recycling and replacement purposes.

 

What other materials were used in the making of the product?

The hoodie is made from a fleece material to provide a soft feel onto the skin, with the hidden zips teeth being made from coiled nylon.  The bee badge is made from a soft yarn material so as not to hurt or poke the child while in the pocket

 

What inspired you to create it?

I was inspired to create my project after speaking to a range of people with diabetes and learning about the challenges of living with the condition. In particular, how intimidating it can be for children when dealing with vital activities such as injections and finger pricking. 

As this was my final major project at university, I spent around four months researching and identifying the challenges, and four months designing and building the products to provide a solution.

 

What does it mean to win an award at NDs?

Winning an award at New Designers was an incredible experience. It allowed me to discuss and gain feedback on my project from both my peers and a wide range of experts in design. I was incredibly pleased to hear I had won an award at the 2024 exhibition, which reaffirms the decisions I made during my project. It also recognised that other designers and creators appreciated the approach and solution I undertook.

 

What do you hope to do in the long term, now you have finished university?

I hope to continue to build on my skills and passion for product design and I am now looking to start a career in the creative industry. 

 

What the judges said

 

“James’s book helps to educate on the choice of foods to eat and how to manage diabetes

The hoodie, with its concealed pockets, makes it easier for the user to inject discreetly.  A plastic bee clip attaches to the hoodie showing where the child last had an injection, so it can be changed next time to prevent soreness.

 

“We also liked the frog-themed pot which contains an egg timer and finger pricker, allowing the child to put its finger inside and not actually see their finger being pricked.  A marker leaving a small stamped design on the finger, reminds the user which finger was last used, so that a different finger can be used next time.

 

“James created some great responses to the issue of helping children through the fear they experience when having to deal with diabetes, in particular, having to endure the sting of a needle each time they require insulin.

 

“He demonstrated good research and understanding of specialist polymers and additives in creating a complete response to the problem, and he pitched the idea with passion.”

James receives his winner’s certificate from DIP judge, Steve Blanks.  Pic: @samfrost photography

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London

United Kingdom

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