Learning from Users: User Research Methods for Technology Design

Developing technologies that fit users’ lives and work requires a deep understanding of the practices and context of users. However, design and development teams often lack the tools to conduct user research by themselves. In this training course, Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS introduces participants to user research, co-design, and evaluation methods, to enable participants to start learning effectively and consistently about their users. Through the analysis of practical examples from years of experience in designing technology-mediated solutions for several user groups, including non-mainstream audiences, we are able to provide best-practices from real-world scenarios.

 

Target audience

 

> Professionals starting or consolidating a career as User Experience Researcher, User Experience Designer, or Interaction Designer;

> Professionals from Design, Engineering, Informatics, or related fields, looking forward to learn more from the users they are designing or developing for;

> Students from the areas of Design, Engineering, Informatics, or related fields interested in complementing their training on user research methods or in following a future career in User Experience or Interaction Design;

 

Objectives

 

> Familiarise participants with user research methods;

> Enable participants to experiment with user research methods through hands-on exercises and projects;

> Prepare participants to employ user research methods on their own projects.

 

Contents

 

Date	time	TOPIC
3 February 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Introduction of the course, Human-Centred Design, Ethnography and Design
5 February 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Observation I
10 February 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Observation II
12 February 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Interviews I
19 February 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Interviews II
24 February 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Surveys I
26 February 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Surveys II
3 March 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Participatory Design I
5 March 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Participatory Design II
10 March 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Qualitative Data Analysis I
12 March 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Qualitative Data Analysis II
17 March 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Evaluation Methods I
19 March 2026	17:00 — 20:00	Evaluation Methods II

 

 

Lecturers

 

Ana Correia de Barros is the Head of the Human-Centred Design department at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS, conducting research on assistive products and inclusive design strongly informed by qualitative fieldwork. With a background in industrial design, she holds a PhD in industrial engineering and management from UBI, was a researcher at IADE, led the R&I area at a rehabilitation centre (CRPG) and lectured at different universities.

Francisco Nunes is a senior researcher at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS. With a background in informatics, he holds a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction from TU Wien. Francisco is an expert in user research, ethnographically informed design, user-centred design, participatory design approaches, and evaluation of technologies, especially in the healthcare domain. He has lectured at University of Porto, TU Wien, and University of Copenhagen.

Ricardo Melo is a senior researcher at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS. With a background in communication design and multimedia, he holds a PhD in Design from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Porto. Ricardo is an expert in communication design, user experience, interaction, interface and game design, accessibility and usability. He currently lectures at the University of Porto and the Polytechnic Institute of Porto.

Beatriz Félix is a researcher Scientist at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS. She received a M.sc. in Biomedical Engineering from NOVA University. Beatriz has experience with user research, user-centered design and evaluation of technologies, particularly in the healthcare and well-being domain.

Joana Silva is a Design Researcher at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS, with a background in Communication, Interaction and Game Design. She has experience in creating and applying qualitative and participatory design methods, especially in healthcare contexts. She is enthusiastic about using playful strategies to support addressing sensitive topics with vulnerable populations.

Filippo Talami is a researcher in Interaction Design at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS in the Human-Centred Design department, specializing in user research, technology evaluation and the design of innovative solutions to improve people's quality of life. FT holds a BA and MA in product and visual design, specializing in assistive technologies and social robotics. His experience includes conducting user research in both industrial and healthcare settings. His research focuses on AR/VR accessibility, Human-Computer Interaction, Human-Robot Interaction, and the evolving relationship between people and emerging technologies.

Inês Silva is a design researcher at Fraunhofer Portugal AICOS, with professional experience in industry and research projects. Inês’s academic background is in Computer Engineering Sciences, complemented by a master’s in Multimedia, where she focused on human-centred design and ethnographic studies. Her work focuses on user research and participatory methods with diverse users, including vulnerable populations. She has a strong interest in speculative design and the ethical dimensions of ethnographic research.

 

Registration

 

> 75€ for students based in low- or middle-income countries, unemployed professionals, or people currently under financial strain;

> 150€ for students

> 300€ for professionals

 

Classes will take place in person, with the option to attend online (synchronously), and have between 10 and 30 students. Registration is done online at registration form . Payment is done by bank transfer to the following account PT50 0035 0328 0001 9909 5308 9. In the unlikely case that not enough registrations are received, we will reimburse all prospective students who registered. If you have any questions please email info@fraunhofer.pt.

 

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