We live in a world shaped by design. Design surrounds us at every turn, influencing the way we live, work, and interact with our environment. Today, no corner of the planet is untouched by human ingenuity. Our progress is undeniable—thanks to the brilliance of design, we enjoy unprecedented levels of comfort, sophistication, and quality of life. Yet, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in history. The very systems that have propelled us forward now face immense challenges. Climate change, pollution, and the rapid loss of biodiversity are converging, posing significant threats to the future of life on Earth.

These global crises, fuelled by human activity, demands immediate and decisive action, as we have already surpassed critical planetary thresholds, and many of the systems we’ve built to support our societies are beginning to show signs of collapse. As we face these unprecedented challenges, one crucial question arises: How can design play a role in guiding us through this turmoil and help create a flourishing future for all?

To tackle these wicked and interconnected challenges, we need more than just conventional solutions. Design, which has long been a creative force embedded in a system that prioritises uncontrolled capitalist growth, fostering an overly anthropocentric and exploitative view of the planet, cannot escape its responsibility in the current state of affairs. Yet, this very awareness is what drives design today—transforming itself and taking on the mission of reshaping the future for the better.

Recognising the imminent tipping point, 21st-century design seeks to lead a collective effort to shape a better future, driven by the belief that a planned shift in paradigm is far preferable to one forced by catastrophe. In response to this pressing challenge, design is evolving, questioning its own dogmas and ethical dilemmas, and embracing new roles while expanding its reach into previously unexplored realms of intervention.

At UNIDCOM - IADE’s Research Unit in Design and Communication, we are contributing to this transformation. Through cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research, we are redefining design to be more-than-human, placing equal emphasis on humanity and the planet.

Our team crosses disciplinary boundaries to create artefacts and systems that promote diversity, restore ecosystems, and empower communities. By pushing beyond conventional limits, we turn theory into action and open pathways to a future where design—an increasingly holistic and collaborative practice—engages in meaningful dialogues, not only to minimise harm but to regenerate life. This is the vision of UNIDCOM: a thriving humanity, flourishing in harmony with the planet.

UNIDCOM has been at the forefront of design innovation, continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity and impact within the creative industries. Our mission is to conduct research across the wider field of design, including frontier areas, by developing design-led, modular, and incremental projects. These projects are carried out through interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations, employing diverse methodological approaches—whether experimental, collaborative, theoretical, or speculative. Our goal is to foster knowledge transfer, engage citizens, and raise awareness, all while encouraging active commitment in shaping our shared future.

Over the past five years, our researchers have embarked on a wide range of ground-breaking projects. From designing sustainable services and products to exploring sensory and emotional aspects of product design and delving into technological evolution and new forms of entertainment, UNIDCOM has addressed pressing global challenges. Our work aligns with the SDGs, Horizon 2020, and Portugal 2030 goals. With a focus on strategic innovation, we have not only contributed to academic excellence but have also made a tangible impact on society, through partnerships with industry and international collaborations.

We have made significant strides in knowledge dissemination, with publications in prestigious international journals, book chapters, and active participation in leading global conferences. Additionally, we support IADE Press and unReleased, a Design Research Podcast. Our researchers have earned awards and recognition, reinforcing UNIDCOM’s reputation as a leading research unit in design. Our annual Design Doctoral Consortium, now an integral part of the dynamic Design Research and Innovation Week, further solidifies our position as a global research hub, fostering the next generation of design innovators.

UNIDCOM is a recognised partner in the field of design conferences, serving as the organiser of Senses & Sensibility, a biennial international event held since 2003, and one of the first design conferences to be hosted in Portugal. These conferences provide an important platform for global discourse on design research, bringing together scholars, professionals, and students to explore cutting-edge topics. As a flagship event of UNIDCOM, Senses & Sensibility—whose recent editions have been co-organised with partner institutions across Europe and South America—both highlights its leadership in design research and reinforces its growing international influence.

With over 130 researchers from diverse national and international origins, UNIDCOM embodies a truly interdisciplinary approach to design research. Our team spans a wide range of expertise, from art and engineering to psychology, philosophy, marketing, management, health sciences, communication, computer science, history, and more. This rich diversity enables us to explore the intersections of Design, Communication, Media, Art, and Science, creating a collaborative environment that transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries. To support the growth of individual researchers and promote innovation within the scientific community, we offer both funded and unfunded doctoral and post-doctoral positions. These opportunities aim to foster vitality and advance research, contributing to the ongoing evolution of our vibrant academic network.

At UNIDCOM, we welcome the brightest minds from all around the world. PhD students come here not only to pursue their degrees, but to embark on a journey of discovery, innovation, and transformation. From the very first day, they become part of a dynamic research community—one where interdisciplinary collaboration is not merely encouraged but forms the very foundation of everything we do. Our mission is clear: to help these students realize their fullest potential, both academically and professionally. With UNIDCOM, they don’t just earn a PhD—they become innovators, thinkers, and pioneers, ready to make their mark on the world.

At UNIDCOM, we prioritise training and skill development by offering a range of workshops, seminars, and masterclasses tailored to researchers at all career stages. These initiatives are designed to enhance research skills, methodology, and academic writing, fostering continuous professional growth. We also provide valuable mentorship opportunities, pairing early-career and mid-career researchers with experienced mentors to guide their research and career development, cultivating a collaborative learning environment. Our centre offers access to a wealth of resources and tools for professional development, including research software, data analysis tools, and library services, among others. Additionally, we allocate research grants from our own funds to involve young researchers, including those enrolled in master's and doctoral programmes, in our internal projects.

The importance of knowledge transfer is evident in the five specialised laboratories at UNIDCOM, each focusing on key areas such as strategic design, biodesign, sustainability, art, and culture. These labs act as collaborative hubs, bridging academia and society to drive applied research, accelerate innovation, and facilitate knowledge exchange. They provide essential resources for research while also serving as hands-on training grounds for students, offering real-world experience and opportunities to apply theory in practice. In addition, we actively engage with companies, NGOs, and other public and private entities to address real-world challenges. These organisations can collaborate with or commission the services of our
researchers and students, further strengthening the link between academia and society.

With the support of a dedicated Science Management Office and highly trained senior technicians, UNIDCOM facilitated access to internal funding within our R&D centre, as well as assisting in applications to external funding bodies. We also provided guidance and encouragement to early-career researchers in applying for grants and fellowships to enhance their research and advance their careers. Our centre offered support with manuscript preparation, journal selection, and publication strategies, alongside resources and advice on open-access publishing and navigating the peer-review process.

As we continue to shape the future of design and communication, UNIDCOM remains committed to advancing knowledge, fostering equity, and creating lasting societal impact.

Our vision is clear: to be a beacon of design research excellence—nationally and internationally.

Our motto: "Designing Tomorrow, Transforming Today!"

UNIDCOM/IADE