João Bernarda

João Bernarda is an Assistant Professor at Universidade Europeia (IADE) in Lisbon, where he teaches courses in Production Design, Creativity and Innovation, and 3D Modelling. He is a researcher at UNIDCOM and ID:Co.Lab - Collaborative Research Lab in Design and Sustainable Innovation, focusing on collaborative design methodologies in the social and health sectors. His work validates design's role in improving services for vulnerable communities.

• Ph.D. in Design (IADE, 2020)
• M.Sc. in Design (IADE, 2011)
• B.Sc. in Industrial Design (IADE, 2005)

Bernarda's research bridges design with social sciences, emphasizing collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches. He explores how design can empower resilience, enhance community dynamics, and address challenges in memory loss, mental health, and neurodevelopmental disorders. His work integrates pedagogical tools to promote social activism and sustainable futures.

His publications highlight trends in collaborative design, social innovation, and sustainable development. Key areas include multidisciplinary learning, cognitive stimulation for dementia patients, and engineering-design synergies to improve human conditions.

He leads projects like a cognitive stimulation initiative under Associação Alzheimer Portugal and collaborates with project development departments as an invited specialist. His labs (UNIDCOM, ID:Co.Lab) focus on design research, sustainable innovation, and community engagement.