19th May 2026
Lusófona University - Porto University Center
Portugal

DESIGN
FOR
SOCIAL
IMPACT

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Design for Social Impact [D4Si] – 2nd International Conference is a space for reflection on design for society. This biennial event brings together the work of researchers, academics, students, and designers from around the world. D4Si is centred on the field of Design, to promote an open, broad, and plural discussion across different areas of knowledge. By fostering multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration, the conference seeks to advance science and encourage holistic development. In the face of the growing complexity of the challenges that characterise contemporary society, designers must position themselves as an integral part of the solution, taking on an active role as agents of change. We believe in the contribution of research to society and therefore aim to offer a strong scientific programme that highlights contributions to quality of life, in line with innovation and sustainable development, whether in human, environmental, or economic terms.

KEYNOTE
SPEAKERS

CONFERENCE PROGRAM | 19th MAY 2026
All the time is based on Lisbon, Portugal Time (GMT+00:00)
Polo 3 – Rua Alexandre Herculano, 123

10h30 OPENING SESSION
Carla Cadete

¬ Chair: Paloma Vanrell

10h40 Designing for Agency and Social Innovation: Child-Centered AI, Co-Creation, and Educational Transformation
Clara Vieira Designer and founder of Claan and DESIGNEDIN.

11h20 Designing for Wellbeing in Microgravity: A Human-Centred Approach to Embodied Interaction in Orbital Habitation
Eliana Santiago Assistant Professor in the Department of Drawing and Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Porto.

11h50 COFFEE BREAK

¬ Chair: Henrique Ferreira

12h00 The process behind the Yes! magazine 5th edition
Chiara Bonapace [Erasmus Student] Lusófona University,CUP.

12h30 Beyond Fidgeting: Co-designing Tactile Practices of Self-Regulation with Adults with ADHD
Mariana Duarte Master's student in Industrial and Product Design at the University of Porto.

13h00 LUNCH

¬ Chair: Carolina Castro

14h30 Multisensory Experience as a Tool of Universal Design in the Context of Social Well-Being
Anna Wrzesień Faculty of Industrial Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź.

15h10 Connecting, Creating and Collaborating as a Public Service: The Bombarda App
Elisabete Monteiro Product Management Lead at Porto Digital.

¬ Chair: Ricardo Saraiva

15h40 Research for Social Impact
Micaela Fonseca Vice-Director of the HEI-Lab R&D Unit at Lusófona University,CUP.

16h10 Design with Values in the Prevention of Childhood Obesity
Julia Pinto Student on the Bachelor's degree on Communication Design at Lusófona University, CUP.

16h40 CLOSING SESSION
João Alves de Sousa

WORKSHOP
Anna Wrzesień

Faculty of Industrial Design at Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź, Poland

How Do We Look at Posters? Eye Tracking in the Analysis Composition and Typography

The workshop is structured in two parts: a theoretical component followed by practical application in small groups, with the following aims: (i) to understand how layout, colour, typography, and visual hierarchy influence the perception of posters; (ii) to acquire basic knowledge of the operation of a mobile eye-tracking system and of the interpretation of visual attention data (heat maps, gaze paths, and fixation points); (iii) to apply eye-tracking results in order to improve the effectiveness of visual communication; and (iv) to develop the ability to use data-driven insights in the graphic design process.

Data: 22 May 2026
Time: 9h30 to 1h30 and 2h30 to 6h30
Local: Universidade Lusófona, Porto
Polo 3 – Rua Alexandre Herculano, 123

Language: English
Registration: Free of charge, via email: carla.cadete@ulusofona.pt
Maximum number of registrations:15 Participants

ORGANIZATION
COMMITEE

Carla Cadete [PT]
Faculty of Communication, Architecture, Arts, and Information Technologies, Lusófona University,CUP.
carla.cadete@ulusofona.pt

Andreia Pinto de Sousa [PT]
Faculty of Communication, Architecture, Arts, and Information Technologies, Lusófona University,CUP.
andreia.pinto.sousa@ulusofona.pt

João Alves de Sousa [PT]
Faculty of Communication, Architecture, Arts, and Information Technologies, Lusófona University,CUP.
joao.alves.de.sousa@ulusofona.pt

VOLUNTEERS

Students of the Graphic Design
degree course:

Carolina Castro [PT]
Henrique Ferreira [PT]
Ricardo Saraiva [PT]
Paloma Vanrell [PT]