Andreia Sousa

Andreia Sousa is an active researcher at Universidade Lusófona's Faculty of Communication, Architecture, Arts and Information Technologies (FCAATI), where she contributes to the Human Environment Interaction Lab (HEI-LAB). With an ORCID ID (0000-0001-8070-8970), she maintains a robust research profile spanning from 2013 to the present, with multiple ongoing projects extending through 2026. Her academic work bridges design, technology, and human factors with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations including dementia patients, cancer patients, and older adults.

Dr. Sousa's research interests center around human-computer interaction, user experience design, and digital health applications. Her work consistently applies user-centered methodologies to address real-world challenges in healthcare, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. She demonstrates particular expertise in interface design for medical contexts, virtual reality rehabilitation systems, and digital platforms promoting healthy behaviors. Her research fingerprint reveals strong connections to centered approaches, interface design, cancer patient care, user experience, information architecture, and journalism.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward increasingly impactful applications of design principles in healthcare contexts. Starting with foundational work on e-health trust and credibility in 2016, her research evolved toward specialized applications including cancer patient onboarding (2020), virtual rehabilitation (2022-2024), and dementia caregiver support systems (2025). A notable trend is her growing focus on algorithm experience and digital platform design, culminating in her 2025 work on YouTube advertising performance.

• Best Practices of research and teaching (2022)

Dr. Sousa actively contributes to multiple research projects including SiX (focusing on social re-connectivity for patients with Locked-In Syndrome), MARTageCARE (developing toolkits for older adults), and FEMglocal (studying feminist movements). Her role as a researcher on these projects demonstrates her collaborative approach and ability to secure external funding. She regularly participates in academic activities including invited talks, conference organization, and peer review services, indicating her growing recognition within her fields of expertise.

As a member of HEI-LAB, Dr. Sousa contributes to an interdisciplinary research environment focused on human-environment interactions through digital technologies. Her work connects design principles with practical healthcare applications, creating meaningful impact in both academic and real-world settings.