Sci-In Platform: UNESCO Design Award
Sci-In Platform: UNESCO Design Award
Sci-In Platform: UNESCO Design Award
Development of the "Sci-In" prototype for the UNESCO Design Award, being one of 50 projects nominated out of 2,000 submissions.
Development of the "Sci-In" prototype for the UNESCO Design Award, being one of 50 projects nominated out of 2,000 submissions.
Development of the "Sci-In" prototype for the UNESCO Design Award, being one of 50 projects nominated out of 2,000 submissions.
Team
Rafael Moraes Hilario
Paulo Serpa Ramos
Isabela Oliveira da Silva
Dara Morati Lopes
Jaqueline Stefane Ramos Ferreira
Year
2024
This prototype was conceived in the context of the Future Designer International Innovation Design Awards, promoted by UNESCO in 2024. This year, the initiative aimed to promote the transformation of national innovation systems to more effectively meet scientific and social demands, raising awareness about the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main challenge was to create, within this scope, a project capable of empowering the scientific community and democratizing access to knowledge.
This effort culminated in the project being named one of the 50 nominees out of a total of 2,000 submissions. According to UNESCO, these projects were nominated for their 'innovative approaches to pressing global challenges.
This prototype was conceived in the context of the Future Designer International Innovation Design Awards, promoted by UNESCO in 2024. This year, the initiative aimed to promote the transformation of national innovation systems to more effectively meet scientific and social demands, raising awareness about the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main challenge was to create, within this scope, a project capable of empowering the scientific community and democratizing access to knowledge.
This effort culminated in the project being named one of the 50 nominees out of a total of 2,000 submissions. According to UNESCO, these projects were nominated for their 'innovative approaches to pressing global challenges.
This prototype was conceived in the context of the Future Designer International Innovation Design Awards, promoted by UNESCO in 2024. This year, the initiative aimed to promote the transformation of national innovation systems to more effectively meet scientific and social demands, raising awareness about the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The main challenge was to create, within this scope, a project capable of empowering the scientific community and democratizing access to knowledge.
This effort culminated in the project being named one of the 50 nominees out of a total of 2,000 submissions. According to UNESCO, these projects were nominated for their 'innovative approaches to pressing global challenges.
My role
My role
My role
In this project, I was responsible for the research, UX Design, and UI Design stages, working from conception to the validation of the proposal submitted to UNESCO. My involvement included conducting secondary research, interviews with potential users for proposal validation, creating the information architecture and wireframes, as well as developing the final interface. In addition, I managed the team involved in the project and wrote (along with another team member) the case study presented at the 10th edition of Ergotrip Design.
In this project, I was responsible for the research, UX Design, and UI Design stages, working from conception to the validation of the proposal submitted to UNESCO. My involvement included conducting secondary research, interviews with potential users for proposal validation, creating the information architecture and wireframes, as well as developing the final interface. In addition, I managed the team involved in the project and wrote (along with another team member) the case study presented at the 10th edition of Ergotrip Design.
In this project, I was responsible for the research, UX Design, and UI Design stages, working from conception to the validation of the proposal submitted to UNESCO. My involvement included conducting secondary research, interviews with potential users for proposal validation, creating the information architecture and wireframes, as well as developing the final interface. In addition, I managed the team involved in the project and wrote (along with another team member) the case study presented at the 10th edition of Ergotrip Design.
User Research
User Research
User Research
User Experience Design
User Experience Design
User Experience Design
UI design
UI design
UI design
Research
Research
Research
The research in this project had two main roles: the structuring of the initial idea and the validation of its usefulness. Firstly, considering the project's scope, we had the idea of creating an application focused on collaboration between researchers. In this sense, the project would be aligned with both SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), by stimulating the development of technological solutions and favoring innovation, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by allowing researchers from institutions with fewer resources to connect with researchers from institutions with greater investment.
Based on this initial idea, we conducted research to validate the product's usefulness. The bibliographic research confirmed the proposal, with several authors highlighting the importance of scientific collaboration and its benefits, including: increased productivity, reduced possibility of error, expanded funding and resources, wider dissemination of research, as well as the potential for conducting multidisciplinary studies. In this context, the application presents great potential to foster this collaboration from a globalized, contemporary, and innovative perspective.
After this stage, we decided to talk to potential users of Sci-In and contacted a total of five students who represent a sample of the application's target audience. Participants were contacted using the snowball sampling technique, where each person referred contributed by suggesting new participants for the research. In general, the students evaluated the solution quite positively, with great potential for adoption. Some participant reports include: Participant I: "Although other networks like LinkedIn already exist, these are very niche, which makes it difficult for people who are not entirely market-focused to access them." Participant II: "The application is interesting because it facilitates research and helps people work together".
Furthermore, we conducted a benchmarking analysis, examining other existing solutions, such as LinkedIn. This stage helped us to structure the application with the goal of maximizing the user experience, by considering benchmarks and established practices in similar apps.
The research in this project had two main roles: the structuring of the initial idea and the validation of its usefulness. Firstly, considering the project's scope, we had the idea of creating an application focused on collaboration between researchers. In this sense, the project would be aligned with both SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), by stimulating the development of technological solutions and favoring innovation, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by allowing researchers from institutions with fewer resources to connect with researchers from institutions with greater investment.
Based on this initial idea, we conducted research to validate the product's usefulness. The bibliographic research confirmed the proposal, with several authors highlighting the importance of scientific collaboration and its benefits, including: increased productivity, reduced possibility of error, expanded funding and resources, wider dissemination of research, as well as the potential for conducting multidisciplinary studies. In this context, the application presents great potential to foster this collaboration from a globalized, contemporary, and innovative perspective.
After this stage, we decided to talk to potential users of Sci-In and contacted a total of five students who represent a sample of the application's target audience. Participants were contacted using the snowball sampling technique, where each person referred contributed by suggesting new participants for the research. In general, the students evaluated the solution quite positively, with great potential for adoption. Some participant reports include: Participant I: "Although other networks like LinkedIn already exist, these are very niche, which makes it difficult for people who are not entirely market-focused to access them." Participant II: "The application is interesting because it facilitates research and helps people work together".
Furthermore, we conducted a benchmarking analysis, examining other existing solutions, such as LinkedIn. This stage helped us to structure the application with the goal of maximizing the user experience, by considering benchmarks and established practices in similar apps.
The research in this project had two main roles: the structuring of the initial idea and the validation of its usefulness. Firstly, considering the project's scope, we had the idea of creating an application focused on collaboration between researchers. In this sense, the project would be aligned with both SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), by stimulating the development of technological solutions and favoring innovation, and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by allowing researchers from institutions with fewer resources to connect with researchers from institutions with greater investment.
Based on this initial idea, we conducted research to validate the product's usefulness. The bibliographic research confirmed the proposal, with several authors highlighting the importance of scientific collaboration and its benefits, including: increased productivity, reduced possibility of error, expanded funding and resources, wider dissemination of research, as well as the potential for conducting multidisciplinary studies. In this context, the application presents great potential to foster this collaboration from a globalized, contemporary, and innovative perspective.
After this stage, we decided to talk to potential users of Sci-In and contacted a total of five students who represent a sample of the application's target audience. Participants were contacted using the snowball sampling technique, where each person referred contributed by suggesting new participants for the research. In general, the students evaluated the solution quite positively, with great potential for adoption. Some participant reports include: Participant I: "Although other networks like LinkedIn already exist, these are very niche, which makes it difficult for people who are not entirely market-focused to access them." Participant II: "The application is interesting because it facilitates research and helps people work together".
Furthermore, we conducted a benchmarking analysis, examining other existing solutions, such as LinkedIn. This stage helped us to structure the application with the goal of maximizing the user experience, by considering benchmarks and established practices in similar apps.
Information Architecture
Information Architecture
Following the feedback from the contacted students, we defined a total of 12 screens to be developed for the award. For this, we built an information architecture (IA) that organizes the content to facilitate access and navigation, which is crucial for ensuring the platform's usability.
In the developed IA, navigation begins with registration, where users enter their personal information and institutional affiliations. After creating an account and logging in, the researcher is directed to the feed, a central area that displays relevant publications and offers advanced search tools, allowing for filtering by publications, researchers, or research groups. From the feed, users can navigate through different layers of the application, such as their profiles, where they can add and manage publications, insert keywords that reflect their interests, as well as brief biographies.
Additionally, the application allows for the creation of and participation in scientific collaboration groups. Each group has its own chat space, facilitating the exchange of information and the establishment of partnerships. In the IA presented below, yellow circles indicate new flows, blue rectangles represent data entry points, diamonds correspond to decision actions, and green rectangles symbolize visualization stages:
Following the feedback from the contacted students, we defined a total of 12 screens to be developed for the award. For this, we built an information architecture (IA) that organizes the content to facilitate access and navigation, which is crucial for ensuring the platform's usability.
In the developed IA, navigation begins with registration, where users enter their personal information and institutional affiliations. After creating an account and logging in, the researcher is directed to the feed, a central area that displays relevant publications and offers advanced search tools, allowing for filtering by publications, researchers, or research groups. From the feed, users can navigate through different layers of the application, such as their profiles, where they can add and manage publications, insert keywords that reflect their interests, as well as brief biographies.
Additionally, the application allows for the creation of and participation in scientific collaboration groups. Each group has its own chat space, facilitating the exchange of information and the establishment of partnerships. In the IA presented below, yellow circles indicate new flows, blue rectangles represent data entry points, diamonds correspond to decision actions, and green rectangles symbolize visualization stages:
Following the feedback from the contacted students, we defined a total of 12 screens to be developed for the award. For this, we built an information architecture (IA) that organizes the content to facilitate access and navigation, which is crucial for ensuring the platform's usability.
In the developed IA, navigation begins with registration, where users enter their personal information and institutional affiliations. After creating an account and logging in, the researcher is directed to the feed, a central area that displays relevant publications and offers advanced search tools, allowing for filtering by publications, researchers, or research groups. From the feed, users can navigate through different layers of the application, such as their profiles, where they can add and manage publications, insert keywords that reflect their interests, as well as brief biographies.
Additionally, the application allows for the creation of and participation in scientific collaboration groups. Each group has its own chat space, facilitating the exchange of information and the establishment of partnerships. In the IA presented below, yellow circles indicate new flows, blue rectangles represent data entry points, diamonds correspond to decision actions, and green rectangles symbolize visualization stages:
Wireframes
Wireframes
Visual Identity
Visual Identity
Typography
Inter
Inter
Inter
The Inter font is a popular sans-serif, widely used in applications and digital interfaces due to its readability, versatility, and open-source nature.
The Inter font is a popular sans-serif, widely used in applications and digital interfaces due to its readability, versatility, and open-source nature.
The Inter font is a popular sans-serif, widely used in applications and digital interfaces due to its readability, versatility, and open-source nature.
Color Palette
#03254C
#03254C
#1167B1
#1167B1
#FFFFFF
#FFFFFF
#D0EFFF
#D0EFFF
#187BCD
#187BCD
#2A9DF4
#2A9DF4
Final Solution
Final Solution
Login and registration screens
The researcher's registration occurs in two stages with the aim of reducing the information load that the user needs to process: the first collects basic personal data, such as name, email, and country; the second gathers academic information, such as institution, Capes research area, and supporting documents. This process ensures that the user network meets the project's objectives, with the application serving as a collaboration network among researchers. Upon completing the registration, the system displays a feedback on the analysis and validation of the information.
The researcher's registration occurs in two stages with the aim of reducing the information load that the user needs to process: the first collects basic personal data, such as name, email, and country; the second gathers academic information, such as institution, Capes research area, and supporting documents. This process ensures that the user network meets the project's objectives, with the application serving as a collaboration network among researchers. Upon completing the registration, the system displays a feedback on the analysis and validation of the information.
The researcher's registration occurs in two stages with the aim of reducing the information load that the user needs to process: the first collects basic personal data, such as name, email, and country; the second gathers academic information, such as institution, Capes research area, and supporting documents. This process ensures that the user network meets the project's objectives, with the application serving as a collaboration network among researchers. Upon completing the registration, the system displays a feedback on the analysis and validation of the information.
Home screen and search page
The home screen follows the social media feed model, as users more easily understand and navigate interfaces that follow known patterns. On this screen, the user can interact with publications from other researchers and groups they are part of. It is possible to like, comment, share, or create new posts with text, images, and keywords. The screen also has a search function to locate groups, profiles, and content by name or keywords, encouraging collaboration and engagement on the network. On the search results page, it is possible to view the results, and the application also presents content suggestions that may be of interest to the user.
The home screen follows the social media feed model, as users more easily understand and navigate interfaces that follow known patterns. On this screen, the user can interact with publications from other researchers and groups they are part of. It is possible to like, comment, share, or create new posts with text, images, and keywords. The screen also has a search function to locate groups, profiles, and content by name or keywords, encouraging collaboration and engagement on the network. On the search results page, it is possible to view the results, and the application also presents content suggestions that may be of interest to the user.
The home screen follows the social media feed model, as users more easily understand and navigate interfaces that follow known patterns. On this screen, the user can interact with publications from other researchers and groups they are part of. It is possible to like, comment, share, or create new posts with text, images, and keywords. The screen also has a search function to locate groups, profiles, and content by name or keywords, encouraging collaboration and engagement on the network. On the search results page, it is possible to view the results, and the application also presents content suggestions that may be of interest to the user.
Profile screen
The profile screen displays the user's photo, name, area of expertise, institution, an editable biography, and keywords that indicate their research interests. It also features links to the Lattes curriculum and LinkedIn. On this page, the researcher can create posts about their publications or share content relevant to the scientific community, in addition to viewing and leaving the groups they are part of.
The profile screen displays the user's photo, name, area of expertise, institution, an editable biography, and keywords that indicate their research interests. It also features links to the Lattes curriculum and LinkedIn. On this page, the researcher can create posts about their publications or share content relevant to the scientific community, in addition to viewing and leaving the groups they are part of.
The profile screen displays the user's photo, name, area of expertise, institution, an editable biography, and keywords that indicate their research interests. It also features links to the Lattes curriculum and LinkedIn. On this page, the researcher can create posts about their publications or share content relevant to the scientific community, in addition to viewing and leaving the groups they are part of.
Researcher profile view
Similar to the profile screen, this page displays the public view of another researcher's profile, including a photo, name, area of expertise, institution, biography, keywords of interest, and links to Lattes and LinkedIn. It also allows you to view recent posts, groups the researcher is a part of, and offers the option to start a conversation via chat.
Similar to the profile screen, this page displays the public view of another researcher's profile, including a photo, name, area of expertise, institution, biography, keywords of interest, and links to Lattes and LinkedIn. It also allows you to view recent posts, groups the researcher is a part of, and offers the option to start a conversation via chat.
Similar to the profile screen, this page displays the public view of another researcher's profile, including a photo, name, area of expertise, institution, biography, keywords of interest, and links to Lattes and LinkedIn. It also allows you to view recent posts, groups the researcher is a part of, and offers the option to start a conversation via chat.
Collaboration groups screen
The groups page facilitates collaboration among researchers with common interests. Users can create or join groups. Each group displays an image, name, main research area, a description with members' interests and institutions, as well as showing posts and allowing interaction via comments, likes, and shares. The page also features a collaborative chat for real-time discussions. The groups a user belongs to are listed on a specific page with summarized information and direct access.
The groups page facilitates collaboration among researchers with common interests. Users can create or join groups. Each group displays an image, name, main research area, a description with members' interests and institutions, as well as showing posts and allowing interaction via comments, likes, and shares. The page also features a collaborative chat for real-time discussions. The groups a user belongs to are listed on a specific page with summarized information and direct access.
The groups page facilitates collaboration among researchers with common interests. Users can create or join groups. Each group displays an image, name, main research area, a description with members' interests and institutions, as well as showing posts and allowing interaction via comments, likes, and shares. The page also features a collaborative chat for real-time discussions. The groups a user belongs to are listed on a specific page with summarized information and direct access.
Certificate of appointment
Certificate of appointment
Rafael Moraes © 2025. All rights reserved.
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Interested in what you saw?
Interested in what you saw?
Let's start a conversation!
Let's start a conversation!
Fill out the form below. If you prefer, send me an email: rafaelmoraes2611@gmail.com
Fill out the form below. If you prefer, send me an email: rafaelmoraes2611@gmail.com
Rafael Moraes © 2025. All rights reserved.