Francesca Toso

Francesca Toso is an Assistant Professor in Human Centered Design at the University of Venice, where she contributes to interdisciplinary research at the intersection of design, technology, and human well-being. Her work actively supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in Education and Health. She has held external positions including Postdoctoral Researcher and Project Manager at Eindhoven University of Technology, where she led initiatives in AI ethics and healthcare robotics.

• PhD in Design, University of Venice (awarded May 2018)
• Postdoctoral Researcher & Project Manager, Eindhoven University of Technology (2020–2022)
• Assistant Professor, Human Centered Design, University of Venice

Her research focuses on human-centered and transdisciplinary design, with strong emphasis on ethical AI, co-creation methodologies, and inclusive technologies for vulnerable populations such as people living with dementia. She explores how design can empower marginalized users, promote equity in healthcare, and foster meaningful social communication through technology. Her work integrates psychology, social sciences, and computer science to create tools that are not only functional but also culturally and emotionally resonant.

The analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory toward critical engagement with emerging technologies—particularly generative AI—in educational and healthcare contexts. Her scholarship emphasizes participatory design, living labs, and stakeholder collaboration, often resulting in open-access outputs and datasets. Themes across her work include accessibility, inclusivity, ethical implications of AI, and the pedagogical transformation of design education.

Francesca Toso has delivered multiple oral presentations and organized academic events, including the workshop 'Á la recherche du santé perdue' in 2023. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through citations and downloads, though formal awards are not listed in the provided text.

She is actively involved in advising and mentoring through co-design practices in educational settings, as seen in her course development approach. Her collaborative network includes researchers from diverse disciplines and institutions, particularly in the Netherlands and Italy. She has contributed to projects involving industry partnerships aimed at improving technological products for dementia care, demonstrating applied impact beyond academia.

Francesca leads and participates in living labs and co-design initiatives focused on dementia care and invisible disabilities. Her dataset 'Á la recherche du santé perdue' exemplifies her commitment to open science and community-driven innovation. These labs function as multi-stakeholder networks integrating patients, caregivers, designers, and technologists to co-create sustainable, user-centered solutions.