Francesca Tosi

The proliferation of new interactive, digital, and connected objects is bringing significant transformations to the world we live in, generating new ways of living and new channels for communication. The healthcare sector is one of the areas most affected by this digital revolution. From a theoretical perspective, digital health technologies can support successful aging; however, in practice, the results achieved often fall short of the expectations of older users, as the elderly population has less access to new technologies and is generally less open to innovation. The objective of Task 1.1 is to define guidelines for the design of physical and digital interfaces that promote active and healthy aging.

Modern neurophysiological techniques have significantly expanded our understanding of cortical dysfunctions underlying many neurological diseases. In pediatric contexts, conditions such as brain injuries, epilepsy, and stroke are increasingly prevalent and associated with high rates of mortality and disability. Continuous and non-invasive electroencephalography (EEG) is crucial for the diagnosis and management of acute brain injuries, as well as for monitoring critically ill patients. However, the use of EEG systems in children presents various challenges related to usability and device acceptability. Traditional recording systems require electrodes attached to the patient, limiting mobility and comfort. Although recent developments have led to portable, wireless, and flexible EEG devices, a key challenge remains finding a balance between comfort, aesthetics, recording efficiency, and adaptability to different operational contexts. The primary objective of this research was to investigate and develop innovative solutions to optimize brain activity monitoring in pediatric patients by analyzing current challenges, evaluating existing devices, and designing a new wearable device to improve the overall experience for both patients and medical staff. Conducted at the Meyer University Hospital (AOU Meyer) in Florence, the study applied Human-Centred Design (HCD) and User Experience (UX) principles to analyze human–medical device interactions. Thanks to a multidisciplinary team, workflow challenges in EEG monitoring were identified, and new innovation scenarios were explored. Field investigations, applying various HCD methodologies (direct observations, interviews, questionnaires, etc.), allowed for evaluating the effectiveness of current brain monitoring services and EEG devices, with a focus on usability and emotional impact. The collected data guided the assessment of critical issues and the definition of requirements for a new EEG device. Usability problems, bulkiness, excessive cabling, and discomfort for both patients and operators were identified. Current systems are often unattractive, generating anxiety and fear in patients. These insights led to the development of the Cosmo+ EEG System concept. Compared to existing commercial solutions, Cosmo+ enables personalized monitoring through three innovative, modular units that can be positioned on different scalp areas according to the international 10–20 system. The proposed device aims to advance wearable EEG technology, offering a more user-friendly and familiar system for end users. Features such as a modular system, visual feedback, dry electrodes, and connectivity to apps and external devices provide an innovative solution for brain activity monitoring, making the product versatile and easy to use both in clinical wards and at home. Cosmo+ has the potential to optimize workflow, reduce patient waiting times and ward overcrowding, prevent errors, and facilitate assembly. Its ergonomic design, color palette, and materials make the device less invasive, enhancing interaction and fostering comfort and calm in young patients. All these aspects represent a significant step forward in neurophysiology. The proposed system has potential applications across clinical, research, and monitoring contexts—not only in hospital wards but also at home—contributing to the advancement of neuroscience and the understanding of the human brain.

As in the rest of the world, the phenomenon of an ageing population is marked in Italy. Data show an increasing number of older adults in Italy, which may continue in the future, placing it among the countries with the most older adults globally. Gerontechnology (Bouma et al., 2007; Chen, 2020; van Bronswijk, 2009), a recent field of research, studies the interplay between increasing longevity and the development and application of emerging health technologies, providing solutions that can promote the well- being of older people and facilitate active and healthy ageing. However, several studies are highlighting the problems of technologies developed for older people, such as the limited fit between older people's daily lives, their needs and the available technologies (Greenhalgh et al., 2015; Sanders et al., 2012), high privacy or security concerns (Yusif et al., 2016), and the presence of economic or socio-cultural barriers on the part of older people (Wang et al., 2016). As stated by Manchester & Jarke (2022), the field of gerontechnology has been influenced by Human-Centred Design, an approach to design that places users at the centre of the design process, the overall aim of which is to design for and with end-users, meeting the acceptability, usability and User Experience requirements of artefacts through observation, empathy and active listening.

Hospital communication and wayfinding, especially in pediatric contexts, represent significant challenges today, with direct impacts on the quality of care. The complexity of hospital environments, combined with the emotional management of patients and families, can generate stress and delays in care processes. New technologies, such as mobile applications, offer innovative solutions to enhance the hospital user experience, making navigation more intuitive and efficient, and communication clearer and more personalized. However, adopting these technologies requires careful consideration of usability and the effectiveness of the orientation system, taking into account complex procedures and family dynamics. The integration of technological tools could significantly help reduce the sense of disorientation and frustration experienced by users in waiting rooms, anonymous wards, and maze-like corridors, thereby improving well-being and optimizing operational efficiency in healthcare facilities. This study, conducted at the Meyer University Hospital (AOU Meyer) in Florence, investigated the role that communication design can play in supporting and enhancing the orientation of those navigating hospital spaces. While hospitals focus on physical well-being, they often overlook the high levels of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty induced by these environments. Therefore, the main objective was to provide an effective navigation service for the Medical Day Hospital, promoting autonomous orientation and optimizing the hospital user experience in terms of time and psycho-physical well-being. The research applied the theoretical and methodological tools of Ergonomics for Design and Human-Centred Design (HCD) to define practical design solutions for improving the orientation system. Following an initial phase of literature review and benchmarking on intra-hospital navigation systems, field investigations were conducted involving consultations with experts and healthcare professionals and the application of HCD tools (architectural surveys, field observations, semi-structured interviews, task analysis, scenarios, etc.) to understand user pathways, identify user needs, evaluate the current system’s critical issues, and define design requirements. The collected data enabled the development of intervention solutions that led to the concept of a mobile app, downloadable at the hospital entrance and linked to CUP 2.0 scheduling through a simple scan of the patient’s fiscal code. The app includes a digital map featuring the main reference points that users can locate directly within the architectural space and a dedicated area for appointment booking and management of the clinical dossier, including remote access. Furthermore, it offers dual navigation modes: a “parent” mode focused on efficiency in completing tasks in the shortest possible time, and a “child” mode that engages and empowers the patient through gamification, combining games and virtual reality adventures. Additionally, considering inclusion for users with sensory vulnerabilities and diverse cultural backgrounds, the app provides accessibility tools such as voice guides and language selection. The research highlighted the role that communication artifacts can play in pediatric hospital settings—not only in supporting and enhancing orientation but also in contributing to an environment that considers children’s cognitive and emotional needs, ultimately creating a space that is inclusive, welcoming, and efficient for all. Investing in such solutions can thus yield tangible benefits in terms of patient satisfaction, operational effectiveness, and overall well-being within healthcare facilities.

The theme of inclusion is a central aspect of the vision and mission of contemporary museums. The general objective of this work is the development and testing of a scientific and operational process for inclusive design in the context of free access to cultural heritage. The methodological approach and results of the research project “XAll – A Whole Different Guide” are presented from a critical perspective. The project was funded by the TIM Foundation, with partners including the University of Florence, the Politecnico di Milano, and three Florentine museums: Museo di Palazzo Vecchio, Museo Bardini, and Museo del Bargello. The project involved the creation of an interactive, customizable support tool integrated with the tangible context of the museum visit, aimed at enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of the visitor experience.