DEXCOM
G7
Timeline
2021 - Present
Role
Visual Design Lead
Collaborators
Product Design
User Research
User Testing
Software Engineering
Background
In 2018, Dexcom began the design and development of G7, its next generation of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system. The existing product on the market is Dexcom G6.
Problem
Prior to G7, there was no software product design system available at Dexcom.
The existing visual language on the G6 app does not meet the growing needs of Dexcom’s global user base, including accessibility and diverse cultural representation.
Business Goal
My Role
Visual Design Lead on the Dexcom Product team of approx. 50 people. In this role, I manage and evolve our in-app illustration and animation output and systems along with UX and UI development for new generations of products.
Business Goals
Develop internal visual capabilities
Human Factors testing of new visuals prior to FDA submission
Iterate and re-test
Launch post FDA-approval
Collaboration with BUCK on Dexcom G7
Develop Internal Capabilities
After the collaboration wrapped up with BUCK, I focused on developing our internal capabilities to continue developing visual design assets within the framework co-developed with BUCK.
Expand to Animation
We began developing animated in-app videos to educate users about complicated feature sets based on the newly developed illustration style.
System and Process Development
Developed the Dexcom Illustration Component Library
Co-authored the Dexcom Polaris Design System guidelines
Developed Naming conventions
Defined Collaborative Workflow
Maintained Documentation
Testing Prior to FDA Approval
Given Dexcom G7 is an FDA-Class 2 medical device, many visual assets inside the G7 app are required to meet FDA safety criteria.
Impact
Revolutionized the visual language of Dexcom G7 to improve accessibility and cultural representation, while achieving superior outcomes in user testing. In a nutshell, we humanized diabetes.
The effectiveness for the sensor insertion visual graphics was rated 92 out of 100 based on surveys conducted with the beta user group.
As a result, new G7 app addressed feedback from our app store complaints regarding the G6 app’s visuals.
Reflections
It took 5 years to launch the Dexcom G7 globally. I learned how a company of over 6,000 employees rallied together to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and bring this product across the finish line. I’m honored to have played a role in this product, and proud to have pushed the visual boundaries of a medical device app, while improving safety and ease of use.
BEFORE
Dexcom G6
Inconsistent in-app creatives
A few different design systems at play
AFTER
Dexcom G7
Consistent Visual Language leveraging a harmonious
illustration system, motion system, and the Dexcom Polaris Design System
