Design tensions: exploring the negotiation tensions when living with type 2 diabetes

Abstract With the rising cases of diabetes, more people are living with the complexity of this condition and calling for innovation and harmonisation of lifestyles, healthcare, technology and policy. This study explores the tension of this experience as a starting point to support the development of experience-focussed innovations for people living with diabetes. Existing experience literature was analysed through the previously designed Health Experience Insight Cards: Living with Diabetes Edition, previously developed by the authors. The cards were inductively sorted by the research team to understand the tensions within this experience. Five dimensions of tension were identified; (a) Person as expert and Doctor as expert, (b) Cost and benefit, (c) Medical ideals and Life priorities, (d) Quality of support and Quantity of support and (e) Stability and the Need for change. This research contributes to the field of health design through providing an exemplar of how in-depth research on a health experience can be collated, framed, presented as a tension tool and used in health experience design to embrace the complexity of living with diabetes. The tensions and the tool can be used by designers, health professionals, service providers and policymakers to evaluate and identify opportunities for experienced-centred health innovation.