Tandem Diabetes Care
Building the foundation powering the future of diabetes care.
Summary
I interned on the Tandem's mobile team as a UX designer, supporting a high-speed environment by developing the design system and prototyping features for a soon-to-launch algorithm.
Due to NDA restrictions, I am unable to share some of the context and visuals of the projects, so please contact me: kimlam@usc.edu if you want to learn more about my time there!
Role
UX Design Intern
Timeline
3 months (Summer 2025)
Scope
Rapid Prototyping
Design Systems
Cross-functional Collaboration
lego asset created by me!
Featured Works
During my time at Tandem, I delivered impact through 3 core initiatives:
This Project is Under NDA
This case study presents a generalized narrative of my contributions below. Specific product details, workflows, and visual designs are omitted to comply with my non-disclosure agreement.
Design System
Built a Foundation with Atomic Design
Transformed ad-hoc workflows into a standardized, scalable design system using Atomic Design principles, bringing structure and cohesion to a high-velocity team.
Key Takeaways:
Built Scalable Foundations: Developed slot-based components and reusable assets for maximum flexibility.
Streamlined Collaboration: Created a single source of truth that accelerated design and development handoff.
Ensured Long-Term Stability: Established practices for easy maintenance and adaptation of future features.
Rapid Prototyping
References Available
De-risking an FDA-Cleared Product
Developed high-fidelity, interactive prototypes that were integral to formative human factors testing and the FDA submission package.
Key Takeaways:
Mastered Regulated Design: Partnered closely with Human Factors engineers to operate within a rigorous testing framework, ensuring all prototype interactions were fully documented to meet strict regulatory submission requirements.
Championed Prototype Fidelity: Developed a deep passion for engineering pixel-perfect, high-functionality prototypes that accurately simulate the final product experience, leaving no room for user error or ambiguity during critical testing phases.
Ensured Flawless Execution: Applied meticulous attention to detail to map and build every possible user path, preventing test participants from going off-track due to prototype limitations and ensuring the collection of pure, unbiased usability data.
Hybrid Experience Concept
Selling the Future with Prototypes
I owned the creation of a hybrid high-fidelity prototype to secure executive and cross-functional buy-in for Phase 1 of the platform.
Key Takeaways:
Embraced Divergent Thinking: I maintained a "Canvas of Nightmares"—a dedicated space for all design explorations, good and bad. This practice provided a rationale for my decisions, fostered creative freedom, and became a valuable tool for addressing stakeholder questions.
Mastered Stakeholder Narratives: I learned to craft compelling presentations for non-designers, clearly articulating project goals, walking through flows, and justifying design choices to build consensus and secure buy-in.
Bridged the Strategy-Execution Gap: The prototype became a shared language, eliminating ambiguity and building collective confidence across Design, Engineering, and Leadership before any code was written, ensuring we all built toward the same vision.
current mobile design
Wrapping Up
Reflection & Takeaways
🗣️ Share Early, Share Often
"I realized that sharing your designs only worked in your favor."
Presenting unfinished work to 24+ senior designers was daunting. Yet, Tandem's culture of transparency taught me that vulnerability leads to growth. By sharing early prototypes in UX syncs and team channels, I gained invaluable feedback that sharpened my craft, deepened my design thinking, and built my confidence in articulating design decisions.
⚒️ Master the Craft
"Designing for an FDA-regulated environment demanded pixel-perfect precision."
In health-tech, "good enough" isn't an option. As a self-taught designer, I proactively sought mentorship to meet this high bar. I learned that rigorous attention to detail is a form of respect—for users, for engineers, and for the seriousness of the problem we were solving.
❤️ Empathy in Action
"The goal was... to give them this feeling of control to be out of the app more."
Health-tech is a powerful reminder of why we design. At Tandem, empathy wasn't a buzzword; it was practiced daily—from using inclusive language to fiercely advocating for users in meetings. I learned to design not for engagement, but for empowerment and trust, helping people with diabetes focus more on living their lives and less on managing their condition.
References Available
Don't Just Take My Word For It
While the confidential nature of my work at Tandem prevents me from showcasing specific project details publicly, I am incredibly grateful to have been managed by a brilliant and supportive leadership team who can speak directly to my contributions, work ethic, and growth.
To respect their privacy and ensure we use their time effectively, I will gladly provide the appropriate contact information upon request.
Email kimlam@usc.edu ↗