Invisible Imprints explores the hidden realities of diabetes through tactile materials, medical waste and experimental processes. By translating an often unseen condition into physical form, the project invites interaction, awareness, and a deeper sensory understanding of invisible illness.Where hidden conditions become visible through design.
My storyOn May 16th 2012, my life changed. However, this story started 8 months before that.
At 14 years old, I had lost a lot of weight, became lethargic, possessive over my water bottle, which led to many trips to the toilet and very irritable. With the knowledge I now have, these are the signs of Type One Diabetes. However, the doctor I saw dismissed my symptoms as being a teenager and simply wrote that I ‘felt unwell’.
Over 3 months later, I was lucky to have a friend at school who was Type One, who noticed the symptoms I had and checked my blood glucose levels. They were 27. Normal range is 4-8.
My diagnosis remains a bit of a blur, but my mum has told me that the morning after I got my first injection of insulin, she had her Maddy back. The happy, carefree girl she loved.
It has now been 14 years since my diagnosis. I have learnt to live with the condition, but that doesn’t mean it is easy. It is an invisible condition in which no one really sees the hidden imprints it leaves behind. Days in which it becomes overwhelming, frustrating and even frightening. But it has also been 14 years of being strong, capable and resilient.
This became the foundation for my Invisible Imprints project. To make the invisible visible.
To raise awareness of a condition that is incredibly misunderstood. Please remember the four T’s.
Thirsty
Tired
Toilet
Thinner