This body of work entitled Mhaolú (cushion in Irish), is a service that supports major trauma patients in the transition from hospital to home. While the HSE is currently developing a network to aid those affected by major trauma, it doesn't address the move from rehabilitation to community care.
As a designer with a commitment on improving healthcare inside and outside medical settings, my project focuses on this transitional period. It has two elements- a mobile app and co-living spaces which is underpinned by my design ethos where healthcare is human-centered first and system-oriented after.
The mobile app helps patients to create and maintain an online support network. The co-living spaces involve a more supervised transition, encouraging patients' physical and social interactions. Through design strategies, it provides patients with a safe space to regain their confidence, adjust and find a new direction.
![*Mhaolú* consists of both physical and digital elements](https://2023.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/cristina-rusu/d9cfc2d489-1684668803/1-1-cristinarusu-1500x-q90.jpg)
Mhaolú consists of both physical and digital elements
![](https://2023.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/cristina-rusu/19f37fd2ca-1684668803/2-2-cristinarusu-1500x-q90.jpg)
![House model, the Brochure and Welcome Guide for patients](https://2023.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/cristina-rusu/7a8a64365e-1684668803/3-3-cristinarusu-1500x-q90.jpg)
House model, the Brochure and Welcome Guide for patients
![The Cloud Board and Name Board, house elements assisting the residents](https://2023.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/cristina-rusu/0a799984be-1684668803/4-4-cristinarusu-1500x-q90.jpg)
The Cloud Board and Name Board, house elements assisting the residents
![The app features support the patients through their journey](https://2023.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/cristina-rusu/885c7d7234-1684668803/5-5-cristinarusu-1500x-q90.jpg)
The app features support the patients through their journey
![Cloud Buddy variations](https://2023.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/cristina-rusu/45dd958a24-1684668803/6-6-cristinarusu-1500x-q90.jpg)
Cloud Buddy variations
![Service Requirements, a document helping with the service implementation](https://2023.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/cristina-rusu/16aa350f8b-1684668803/7-7-cristinarusu-1500x-q90.jpg)
Service Requirements, a document helping with the service implementation
Research
![Map of the current system and how *Mhaolú* fits in](https://2023.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/cristina-rusu/2bd70fca3c-1684668803/8-8-cristinarusu-1024x-q80.webp)
Map of the current system and how Mhaolú fits in
![Service and Cloud Buddies development](https://2023.ncad.works/media/pages/graduates/cristina-rusu/2b573c5191-1684668803/9-9-cristinarusu-1024x-q80.webp)
Service and Cloud Buddies development