http://hdl.handle.net/10174/963 Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:09:01 GMT 2026-07-30T05:09:01Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41185 Title: Inspiration Mining: Exploring Design Research[ers] Strategies Part III Authors: Maldonado, Paulo; Seiça, Pedro; André, Ana; Matos, Vera Editors: Markopoulos, Evangelos; Goonetilleke, Ravindra; Luximon, Yan Abstract: We know the difficulties inherent to the discovery of a timely research topic, capable of becoming a significant contribution to knowledge and science in Design. The article describes and presents the results of an atypical process of Design research, tested in a Masters in Design. The objectives of the research process under analysis focus on the development of research skills and critical reflection in a collaborative environ- ment of exploration of the (apparently) unknown (i.e. outside the areas of individual comfort), in search of new meanings. The starting point is the exploration of concepts, ideas and themes (inspiration mining) starting with a proposal for curation of reference titles, with the purpose of discovering, through the stablishment of relations more or less (im)probable, relationships and conceptual leaps and flashes of inspiration through the ideas with the greatest potential (first in a perspective of divergence and expansion, then in a perspective of convergence and oncentration), possible points of interception, new (disruptive) concepts, ideas and unexpected themes inspirers for the individual research project, going through the itinerary – discovery > interpretation > ideation > experimentation > transformation. Starting with a curation of 12 printed reference titles (some of the titles may be lateral to the scientific area of study) plus 2 key titles, the students select and use (for 60 minutes) 6 reference titles of their choice, identifying and registering, under the form of a mental map and on paper (A3), 18 concepts, ideas and themes (3 per title). They then elaborate an analytical index of the 18 concepts, ideas and themes and depart to relate and discuss 9 of the 18 concepts, ideas and themes. The process culminates in the construction of a distinctive narrative originating in the 9 concepts, ideas and themes (in the form of text and deographic). The result of the process is translated into a document in the form of a scientific article that can use the new media as a communication support and can be suppor- ted by artifacts (images) that contextualize the discourse. The research environment is an incubator of possible futures for design research, testing innovation through content curation, collaboration and connectivity, supported by the inspirational collaborative and interactive intelligence platform - inspædia (www.inspaedia.com). Rapid prototyping of possible ideas for research topics among participants (inspired cultural provocateurs) coach, prepares and transforms educated thinkers into highly educated thinkers to be innovation. This article (Part 3) presents a synthesis of the selected works developed by the students in the current academic year (2022-2023). Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41185 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41175 Title: Mutatio - a natural alphabet Authors: Merkens, Alice; Maldonado, Paulo Editors: Silva, José; Marques, Tiago Abstract: The alphabet(s) and, consequently, typefaces, written messages and texts are still mostly used and visualised on a two-dimensional plane, communicating in a static way and without volume. We consider it pertinent to explore new ways of increasing the capacity for non-verbal communication, facilitating reader-user empathy, using three-dimensionality and the movement of the elements that make it up. This article corresponds to a first moment in the dissemination of a master’s degree project in Design. The digital artefact Mutatio explores and intersects Design, Nature and Art, using Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence to communicate dynamic messages through natural and organic elements. Tue, 30 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41175 2025-09-30T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41131 Title: Ilha de Moçambique and its buffer zone – proposal for a landscape structure Authors: Matos, Rute Sousa; Simões, Paula; Batista, Desidério Editors: Trofymchuk, Oleksandr; Rivza, Baiba Abstract: The high risk of natural disasters to which Ilha de Mocambique (IM) and its Buffer Zone (BZ) are naturally exposed and the demographic explosion it has suffered increased the loss of ecological wealth, biodiversity and the mischaracterization of the cultural identity it holds. Thus, there are required urgent measures for its values safeguard, preservation and valorization. The primary objective of this proposal is to improve the sustainability of IM and BZ enhancing its development trough landscape and urban planning. The proposal will target a multifunctional and sustainable landscape structure trough food production, protection of environment, resources, biodiversity and leisure promotion. This structure will articulate the IM open spaces with the ones of the BZ. Methodology will include: collecting information about the target area as a basis to all project decisions; work cartography production; a Productive Landscape Component Map; a Continuous Landscape Component Map; a Productive and Continuous Landscape Structure Plan. The expected results are: improvement of resources preservation, biodiversity and environmental quality; increasing of community gardens area; increasing of public open spaces; decreasing construction on ecological sensitive areas; recovering ecosystems and biodiversity; increasing awareness and cooperation of communities and regional authorities; increasing local Nature-Culture based tourism; increasing local economy. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41131 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41130 Title: THE WALKWAYS LANDSCAPE IN PORTUGAL: – AMIEIRA DO TEJO CASE-STUDY Authors: Matos, Rute Sousa; Azevedo, António; Freire, Francisco; Silva, Luis Abstract: Considering the concept of landscape as a vital experience, this paper seeks to ethically and aesthetically address walkways and their role in the landscape of inland Portugal. As such, the Amieira do Tejo walkway shall be employed as a case study, exploring the appropriation of these walkway by communities and tourists as well as the benefits they provide. The methodology used was based on bibliographic research and on the results of surveys and interviews carried out about the walkways. The data was quantitatively analysed in order to understand: the user’s perception of the quality of the landscape, the user’s perception of the impact of walkway on the landscape, and the benefits of the walkway to people’s quality of life. The results confirm the importance of the walkway to the landscape thanks to the extent to which they improve the quality of life of local inhabitants. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/41130 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z