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Didi is an iPad game for children coping with Diabetes 1 that helps them transition effectively from paediatric to adult care, later in life. With this game, the child cares for a Diabetic creature by feeding it, clothing it, playing games with it and giving it the right amount of insulin throughout the day. Didi reflects the child’s experience of Diabetes cultivating an emotive and visceral bond between the two, offering companionship and fostering a sense of control over the condition. Incentive to engage with Didi is created by rewarding the child with Didi Points which are used to purchase items for the creature, such as games, food and clothing to dress it up.
To cultivate awareness of the need for insulin treatments, Didi incorporates the DidiBand. This is a wristband that connects via bluetooth to a Continuous Glucose Monitor worn by the child. When the child needs insulin, Didi also asks for insulin by alerting them, with haptic feedback.
Diabetes requires constant monitoring and Didi builds habitual nurturance with daily incentives for engagement. The game teaches Diabetic children about what goes into caring for themselves and creates a long-lasting sense of empathy, and consistency in self-care when they transition to independent treatment.