Ines Mimoso | Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

Mrs Ines Mimoso, FFUP, Portugal

Inês Mimoso is a dedicated design professional with a strong focus on ethical and human-centered approaches to problem-solving. Currently serving as a Project Manager at Porto4Ageing-FFUP, she specializes in fostering innovation and smart environments. With experience spanning product design, virtual reality research, and participatory design, she has contributed significantly to health innovation, inclusive design, and climate adaptation projects. Her work emphasizes co-creation, user research, and accessibility. She has organized numerous scientific events and collaborated on research initiatives that enhance digital therapeutics and support aging populations. Passionate about improving lives through design, she has also engaged in volunteering and education-focused initiatives, including early childhood learning and social projects in East Timor. Inês has received several awards recognizing her creativity and impact in design and engineering. Her interdisciplinary expertise in UX, product development, and participatory research continues to drive her contributions to academic and industry advancements.

Publication profile

orcid

Education

Inês Mimoso holds a Master’s in Product Design (2018–2021) from ESAD Matosinhos, where she specialized in co-creation, human-centered design, and product design. Her dissertation focused on the Design of Playful and Pedagogical Objects for the Learning and Development of Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), showcasing her commitment to inclusive and innovative design. Prior to this, she earned a Degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (2014–2017) from FEUP, gaining technical expertise in materials science and engineering design. Her academic foundation was established through the Science and Technology Programme (2009–2014) at Escola Secundária Rodrigues de Freitas, where she developed strong competencies in STEM disciplines. Additionally, she has pursued specialized training in UX design, project management, circular economy, and inclusive design, earning certifications from Google, TU Delft, and HEC Montréal. These courses have enriched her expertise in user research, accessibility, and innovation strategies.

Experience

Inês Mimoso is currently a Project Manager at Porto4Ageing-FFUP (Dec 2024 – Present), where she leads the FITT-NESS project, focusing on smart homes and inclusive environments. Previously, she held an FCT Research Grant (Mar 2024 – Dec 2024) at Porto4Ageing-FFUP, where she managed the CAOP Project, addressing climate adaptation for vulnerable older adults through participatory design methods, including interviews and focus groups. Her experience also includes an internship in VR Design Research (Oct 2023 – Feb 2024) at Labrp – Escola Superior de Saúde, where she explored the adaptation of virtual reality scenarios for children and the elderly. From Jun 2021 to Dec 2023, she worked as a Product Designer at Flowco, engaging in R&D projects, communication design, and co-creation methodologies. Additionally, in 2024, she played a key role in organizing scientific events in health innovation, including the Future Health Conference Porto and COHES.io. Her work seamlessly integrates design thinking with technology, with a strong focus on healthcare, aging, and accessibility.

Awards

Inês Mimoso has been recognized for her innovative contributions across multiple disciplines. She won 1st place in the Ideas and Creativity Competition – Cork and Cork Oak Forest (2020) , held in Coruche, for her outstanding work in sustainability and materials innovation. She also secured 2nd place in the SMC BMC Alliance Award (2019) 🥈 in Stuttgart, further demonstrating her expertise in design and materials engineering. Additionally, she has been acknowledged through IACOBUS Papers 24-25, receiving recognition for her scientific publications. Beyond these accolades, she has been awarded training grants and has actively participated in competitive UX and design-related initiatives, reflecting her commitment to participatory design, user research, and innovation.

Research Focus

Inês Mimoso’s research is deeply rooted in human-centered design, co-creation, and participatory design, with a strong emphasis on health innovation, accessibility, and digital therapeutics. She specializes in inclusive and adaptive design, ensuring that smart home and healthcare solutions cater to vulnerable populations. Her work in digital therapeutics and UX research explores the user experience in healthcare applications, enhancing accessibility and effectiveness. She has also contributed to climate adaptation for older adults, designing interventions that promote urban resilience and well-being. Additionally, her expertise in playful-pedagogical design focuses on developing learning tools for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), using innovative methods to support their development. By integrating design, healthcare, and digital technology, Inês ensures that her research drives impactful and inclusive solutions across multiple fields.

Publication Top Notes

• Polypharmacy Prevalence Among Older Adults Based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe: An Update (IJERPH, 2025)
• Co-creation in the Development of Digital Therapeutics: Literature Review (IJERPH, 2024)
• Design of Playful-Pedagogical Objects for Learning and Development of Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (Springer, 2023)
• Master’s Dissertation – Design of Playful-Pedagogical Objects for Learning and Development of Preschool-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (ESAD, 2021)