Gabriele Pifferi

Education

Master ‘s course providing students with the necessary tools to navigate the many challenges encountered in human-technology interactions (both digital and physical). Emphasizing practical engagement, the course integrates hands-on activities, frequently incorporating empirical research and project-based learning to address relevant research questions.

• Design Experience: Advanced principles of interaction design, cognitive interaction, and cognitive ergonomics. Emphasis is placed on the significance of Participatory Design in project development, identification and fulfilment of user needs, enhancing their experience.
  The course pays great attention to the research and alignment in product development to users’ perspectives and preferences, Ultimately aiming to create something that resonates with their expectations and desires.

• Quantitative & Qualitative Research Methodologies: Acquired theoretical and practical proficiency in both quantitative (statistics) and qualitative methods (observations, interviews, and focus groups) through hands-on empirical research activities, data acquisition and analysis using R.

• Design for social inclusion: Focus into the concepts of “social inclusion” and “exclusion”, culminating in the development of a tangible solution (this being physical, technological, or organizational) that enhances the opportunities for inclusion of disadvantaged groups.

• Cognitive Neuroscience and Neurotechnology: Introduces the application of technologies for promoting personal well-being. Covers foundational concepts of Affective Computing, as well as the utilization of Machine Learning and Deep Learning techniques for the analysis, classification, or regression of data
  gathered from these study fields.

• Introductory course to Java

• Quantitative Methods for Life Sciences and Psychometrics: Provided with the necessary tools and techniques to analyze and interpret data in the field of psychology and research in general.

• Cognitive ergonomics: Delved into the study of interaction between humans and artificial systems (both digital and analogical). The course allowed for the development of competencies to create and evaluate designs and systems to enhance people’s productivity, fulfil their needs and promote their well-being.

Attended two modules during the exchange programme, namely:

• Human Factors and Engineering Psychology, which focused on the relationship between human cognition
  and technology, interfaces, and machines. Gained experience in designing user-friendly, reliable, and effective
  systems. Conducted supervised research and reported two research papers. Learned programming in Python
  (CircuitPython) through lectures and in-class problem-solving sessions.

• Health Psychology and Applied Technology, which covered major health psychology theories and persuasive techniques models and technologies. Participated in group work to develop a prototype application promoting personal well-being in one of the proposed fields. Worked on a research project focused on developing a support app for caregivers of people with dementia.

---

Projects

Took part in the TechFit Challenge hosted by the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), a project designed to promote healthier lifestyle and physical activity on campus through technologies, specifically targeting sedentary
students.
Working within a team, we proposed a social connecting application designed to help users find workout partners,
increase sociability, and facilitate arranging sports activities. The app included features for booking facilities, creating communities, competing with others, and collecting achievements. My personal contributions to the project were:

• Conducting research about potential users, their needs, and values.
• Engaging in ideation and brainstorming sessions to generate and refine ideas.
• Creating sketches and low-fidelity wireframes of the solution.
• Designing the visual composition of the prototype using Figma

An interdepartmental course (12 ETCS) offered by the University of Trento alongside traditional degree programs. The
SOI aims to equip participants with transversal skills to enrich personal knowledge and broaden their understanding
beyond the specific field of study. Some of the classes I had the opportunity to attend include:

• Basics of data science & Data science in action
• Intellectual property rights
• Innovation processes and the new production of users
• Creativity and Collective Creativity in Organizations

An international initiative led by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) aimed at exploring potential avenues for integrating AI into educational environments. This 12-hour activity involved collaborative teamwork to develop innovative solutions. The activity led to a strengthening of abilities such as teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability.

• Participated in a 30-hour course covering the following topics: Business and Technology, Smart Ecosystem, Digital Strategy, Digital Enablers, and Digital Innovation for Cultural Heritage.

• Selected among the top 25 students in the preliminary phase, worked with other students to develop a
  mock-up prototype application for Fondazione Dolomiti Unesco, addressing critical issues of tourism in the
  mountains, such as over-tourism and pollution

---

Working Experience

Contributing to the enhancement of ECIU offerings and community both locally and globally. I am responsible for organizing events and raising awareness about ECIU in Trento, as well as participating in the UX research team.

I contribute to reviewing quality data for my Master’s course, preparing reports and participating in meetings to discuss improvements to the academic offerings

As a University Collaborator at the University of Trento, I was responsible for assisting international students in
preparing all the necessary documentation for their studies in Italy. I supported them both before and upon
their arrival, helping them complete the required bureaucratic procedures for their stay and facilitating their
integration into the university environment providing information about offered services and living in Trento.

---

Certifications