ANDIELA:
A COLLABORATIVE HEART MONITORING EXPERIENCE

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Andiela reimagines a next-generation Magnetocardiography (MCG) cardiac monitoring system through the lens of emotional design, exploring how industrial design can support not only medical accuracy but also trust, communication and patient empowerment.

The project was developed through research with hospitals, healthcare professionals, researchers and clinical environments. Interviews, scientific research, stakeholder mapping and need-finding sessions were used to understand the emotional realities of living with cardiac conditions, including their impact on confidence, independence, communication and everyday life.

Rather than designing solely around the medical procedure, the project explores how principles of empowerment can be translated into tangible and usable experiences. The central question was: “How can product design support emotional recovery, not just medical accuracy?”

The resulting design principles focus on reducing intimidation and claustrophobia through clear communication, adjustable positioning, body support, soft materials, calming colors and visual feedback. The aim is to create an environment where patients feel more informed, comfortable and in control throughout the monitoring process.

To understand real clinical workflows, emergency departments and electrophysiology units were visited, with direct observation of medical procedures and conversations with doctors, nurses and technicians. Ergonomic research into body dimensions, movement, working postures, clearance zones, eye contact and spatial requirements further informed the design, highlighting the importance of mobility, compactness and rapid setup within hospital environments.

Early concepts were explored through AI-assisted visual ideation, allowing different formal, atmospheric and emotional qualities to be evaluated rapidly before physical development. The design process then focused on simplifying interactions through approachable forms, intuitive interfaces, modular functionality and emotionally supportive design decisions rather than adding unnecessary technological complexity.

Andiela also functions as part of a connected care ecosystem through a mobile application with role-based access for patients and clinicians. While the integrated device display remains focused on technical monitoring for healthcare professionals, the companion application extends communication, follow-up and patient involvement beyond the hospital.

At the center of the patient experience is AndielaBot, an integrated AI assistant designed to answer questions, explain medical information and support everyday health interactions. For urgent symptoms, it directs patients toward appropriate care, including emergency contacts or nearby hospitals. For non-urgent situations, it provides personalized recommendations and care routines approved by healthcare professionals.