Fraunhofer Center for Assistive Information and Communication Solutions – AICOS
23.12.2025
Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS has been recognised with two prestigious international design awards, reaffirming its excellence in applied research, innovation, and Human-Centred Design (HCD). These distinctions highlight the institute’s long-standing commitment to developing impactful solutions that place people, ethics, and real-world contexts at the centre of technological innovation.
As a research centre focused on human-centred computing and information systems, Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS combines multidisciplinary research, design methodologies, and technological expertise to address complex societal and industrial challenges. By integrating Human-Centred Design principles throughout the research and development process, the institute ensures that its solutions are usable, meaningful, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Winner in the Design Tools Category – 2025 GOOD DESIGN® Award
SIGNO – Card-Based Game Tool has been awarded a 2025 GOOD DESIGN® Award in the Design Tools category. The award is presented by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in collaboration with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Founded in Chicago in 1950 by Eero Saarinen and Charles and Ray Eames, GOOD DESIGN® is the world’s oldest and most internationally recognised programme for design excellence. In its 75th edition, the jury evaluated a record number of submissions from leading manufacturers, design studios, and research organisations from over 55 countries. More than 1,100 projects were selected for their excellence in sustainability, design quality, innovation, and functional performance.
SIGNO is a card-based game tool designed to support collaborative and participatory design processes. Rooted in Human-Centred Design practices, it helps multidisciplinary teams explore perspectives, stimulate critical reflection, and build shared understanding when addressing complex problems. The award recognises SIGNO’s contribution to design-driven innovation and its ability to translate research insights into practical, engaging tools.
Learn more about the award and the project here.
Winner in Conceptual / Industrial Product Design – European Product Design Award™ 2025
UniqueMark® has been distinguished with the European Product Design Award™ 2025 in the Conceptual / Industrial Product Design category.
The European Product Design Award™ celebrates outstanding international product and industrial designers whose work improves everyday life through thoughtful, innovative, and well-executed solutions. Organised by the Farmani Group, the award highlights strategic thinking, creativity, and design excellence, promoting winning projects to a prominent European audience.
UniqueMark® reflects Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS’ approach to applied research and concept development, where design, technology, and user needs are closely intertwined. The award underscores the institute’s ability to transform research outcomes into forward-looking design concepts with strong potential for real-world impact.
Discover more about UniqueMark® here.