MINDcoil

What it does

Redesign Head Coil is a new MRI receiving coil for brain scans. It reduces patient discomfort and simplifies the work of healthcare professionals, all while ensuring high-quality signal reception through an ergonomic and intuitive design.

Your inspiration

This project began from a personal place, before it became an academic exploration. My grandfather undergoes frequent brain MRIs, and for him, each one is a stressful ordeal. His stories (the discomfort, the anxiety, the sense of helplessness) were my first, most important source of research. Seeing how such a highly technical device can profoundly affect someone’s experience made me ask: what if we designed starting from the human being? That’s when I felt the urge to rethink the object not just as a medical tool, but as a part of someone’s journey, and to put empathy at the heart of the project.

How it works

The coil consists of a single structure that opens and closes through a 50° rotating movement, guided by dual side hinges and blocked by a silicone stopper. The 24 internal receiving elements are split into three areas: 12 in the base, 6 in the fixed arch, and 6 in the moving arch. Each group connects to its own output via hidden cavities that allow cable passage and protect the wiring during rotation. The handle, inspired by infant car seats, improves grip and guides correct usage. Materials are chosen to optimize both function and comfort: PC for the shell due to its rigidity and resistance; TPE for the grip zone; and a cushion in memory foam, covered in PUL for hygiene and soft touch. The design ensures uniform signal reception, ease of cleaning, and simple, intuitive interaction for both the patient and the operator.

Design process

The project started with a thorough research phase on MRI technologies, patient needs, and use contexts. I directly visited radiology departments, observed procedures, and interviewed professionals to fully understand the existing issues. These experiences revealed how current coils are heavy, complex to handle, and often add stress to an already difficult medical experience. From there, I began sketching and creating physical models to explore better shapes and ergonomics. Several mock-ups helped determine ideal rotation points, dimensions, and the overall form. A full-scale prototype allowed real-world interaction testing, leading to the introduction of a handle for better grip and usability. Multiple 3D prints were produced to refine the rotating mechanism and the cable channel, while anthropometric data ensured compatibility with a broad range of patients. Throughout the process, each technical decision was shaped by a human-centered vision: to make the medical moment less intimidating and more supportive.

How it is different

This coil redefines the balance between technology and human experience. While traditional MRI coils focus almost exclusively on signal quality, this design places equal value on how the patient feels. Its single-piece, wrap-around structure is lighter, simpler to handle, and more reassuring in shape. By eliminating complex assembly steps, it reduces the operator's setup time and patient preparation stress. The curved, enclosing design recalls familiar forms — like child seats or soft helmets — which subtly reduce anxiety. Materials are selected not just for performance, but for tactile comfort and hygienic maintenance. Above all, this coil is designed to be understood and trusted at a glance: a rare trait in medical technology, and a critical shift toward more empathetic care.

Future plans

The next step is developing a working prototype with functional electronic components, in collaboration with partners in the medical technology sector. I aim to test the device in clinical settings to evaluate real patient feedback and refine usability. In the long term, I envision extending the concept to other types of MRI coils, always with a focus on human-centered design.

Awards