Salvo Andrea Denaro

Recent advances in EEG technology have addressed some crucial challenges, focusing on developing more advanced monitoring devices. However, finding a balance between comfort, aesthetics, recording efficiency and adaptability to different contexts, such as home and paediatric settings, remains an open challenge. It is known that children can be sensitive to uncomfortable or invasive devices; therefore, the article examines innovation scenarios in paediatric neuro- physiology. The research at Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence proposes an entirely new vision of the EEG monitoring device to ensure a more user-friendly and familiar system for children. Thanks to the application of Human-Centred Design and User Experience methodologies, it was possible to analyse the cur- rent critical issues and define the requirements of Cosmos+. This new system was developed to improve the experience of young patients, reduce discomfort and promote personalised monitoring even at home, representing a new frontier in paediatric neurophysiology.

Modern neurophysiological techniques have expanded the under- standing of cortical dysfunctions in paediatric neurological diseases, such as brain injuries and epilepsy, which are associated with high rates of mortality and disability. Electroencephalography (EEG), a crucial method for diagnosing and monitoring critical patients, presents significant challenges in paediatric use due to usability and comfort issues associated with traditional systems. The research at the Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence aimed to develop innovative solutions to optimise brain activity monitoring in paediatric patients. The interaction between the patient and the device was analysed using Human-Centred Design (HCD) and User Experience (UX) approaches. The investigation revealed critical issues in the current workflow, highlighting usability problems and discomfort caused by traditional EEG devices. These findings led to the design of the Cosmo+ EEG System, a modular device that offers personalised monitoring, providing a more user-friendly and less invasive experience. This device could improve workflow and patient satisfaction, representing a significant advancement in neurophysiology with potential clinical and research applications, including home use.

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.

Recent advances in EEG technology have addressed several critical challenges, focusing on the development of more sophisticated monitoring devices. Nevertheless, finding the right balance between comfort, aesthetics, recording efficiency, and adaptability to diverse contexts—such as home and pediatric environments—remains an ongoing challenge. Children, in particular, are known to be sensitive to uncomfortable or invasive devices. This article introduces new innovation scenarios in the field of neurophysiology, offering a novel perspective on EEG monitoring devices aimed at creating a more user-friendly and familiar system.