Dr Maria Rita Nogueira Lecturer, UX and Web Design

Dr Maria Rita Nogueira

I am Dr Maria Rita Nogueira, and I hold the position of Lecturer in Digital UX and Web Design at SODA. In my role, I am responsible for teaching and mentoring students in UX design and Web design. My day-to-day work involves developing and delivering lectures, creating course materials, and guiding students in their projects related to user experience and web design.

My background and expertise are the result of a diverse and enriching journey. I completed my BA and MA in Design and Multimedia at the Department of Informatics Engineering at the University of Coimbra. Before embarking on my PhD journey, I gained invaluable practical experience in the industry as a graphic and web designer. During this phase, I worked directly with various stakeholders in digital product development, gaining a profound understanding of the intricacies and demands of the industry.

Subsequently, I embarked on my PhD in Contemporary Art, a collaborative endeavour between the College of Arts and the Institute of Systems and Robotics, both integral parts of the University of Coimbra. My research revolves around the dynamic intersection of art, design, and technology. I have a particular passion for interactive art achieved through movement-based interactions and the innovative integration of artificial intelligence. The combination of academic exploration and practical industry experience has provided me with a holistic perspective on how art, design, and technology can converge to create captivating and boundary-pushing experiences.

My interests are centred on democratizing art and design, involving everyone as integral participants. I approach design with a strong focus on creating for others, incorporating elements of movement, interaction design, and creative coding to expand the horizons of art, design, and technology. Technology serves as a bridge between creators and audiences, while the design perspective acts as a mediator of communication, making art more accessible. My work is dedicated to crafting meaningful and engaging experiences and erasing barriers between artists and their audiences, all with the goal of enhancing lives through thoughtful design. 

As a researcher, I explore the synergy between these fields. My primary area of interest lies in the creation of new visual compositions that respond to human interaction. I’m passionate about real-time interaction through body movement and how it results in the visual creation of performances, interactive installations, and digital artefacts through the dialogue between humans and machines. In 2023, I received the Best Performance and Presentation award at Technarte Bilbao for my interactive performance titled “F O R M S.” Furthermore, my work was showcased at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston in the same year. In 2022, my work “Move In Tempo” was exhibited at the Czong Institute for Contemporary Art (CICA) in South Korea, and it was presented as a solo exhibition at the Machado de Castro National Museum, a UNESCO Heritage site. In 2021, “Move In Tempo” received the Best Artwork award at the Criatech Artistic Residences.

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57211534263

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=-zre4EcAAAAJ&hl=pt-PT

My interests outside of work reflect a well-rounded lifestyle. With a background in classical and contemporary dance, maintaining this artistic practice whenever possible is a natural priority for me. I have a deep passion for music, cinema, and photography. In my daily routine, I emphasize the importance of reading and finding contentment in life’s simple pleasures. Regular exercise is integral to my physical and mental well-being. This holistic approach to life, harmoniously balancing these hobbies with my professional pursuits, keeps me energized and focused, empowering me to excel in academia and creative endeavours.

You can find more about my work and interests on my website