In brainstorming for our project, three of our teammates discovered a shared connection: all our families are affected by cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This realization led us to explore how design could alleviate some of the challenges these patients face, especially considering the significant life changes post-surgery
Crowned as the leading cause of death in the U.S., coronary heart disease affects millions. Each year sees about 500,000 open heart surgeries, often involving complex procedures. Post-surgery, patients typically undergo major life changes and need extra care.
During the course we have had many interviews with 5 patients and a doctor (Cardiologist) and a medical startup owner. We also reached out to Health+Design Organization in RISD and got connected to some professions. We tried to understand the users as well as get an understanding of the industry.
Post-cardiovascular surgery, many individuals experience drastic lifestyle changes and often need a family member for daily support. For those without a caregiver or whose family members are uninformed about their health, a smart assistant can be crucial to manage recovery activities and maintain communication with loved ones.
Help cardiovascular disease patients facilitate a better recovery journey after surgery.
We brought our prototypes to a senior house. We observed the life of a post - CVD patient for a day. We drew this timeline to conclude her daily life.
We recognized that surgery dramatically alters a person's life, and observed the numerous limitations they face post-surgery. From this understanding, we conceived LIVIA as not just a companion, but also as a facilitator for their daily life.
A key feature of LIVIA is its capability to integrate with other intelligent devices. Our initial model, a MVP (minimum viable product), is a smart ECG monitor designed to work in conjunction with LIVIA for everyday monitoring.
The depicted user experience demonstrates how LIVIA acts as a bridge linking patients with their loved ones who, though physically distant, deeply care about them. Additionally, LIVIA is designed to seamlessly integrate with the smart devices of others.