Household environments play a crucial role in human health and well-being. The PortoSense project, led by Fraunhofer Portugal Research, was selected in CommuniCity’s Second Open Call to develop an innovative digital solution aimed at improving thermal comfort and overall health quality in residential spaces.
A key aspect of PortoSense is its engagement with local communities, particularly in urban rehabilitation areas. The project involves collaboration with residents through focus groups to identify needs, evaluate sensing systems, and share best practices for home comfort and energy efficiency. By integrating human-centred design principles, the project prototyped a digital recommendation system that provides passive solutions for enhancing indoor living conditions.
“We worked on the PortoSense project to develop an application that could empower people to improve their thermal comfort through information and recommendations,” said Ana Vasconcelos, one of the researchers involved in the initiative.
Beyond technology, PortoSense is fostering behavioural change. One resident involved in the project highlighted the impact, stating, “It was wonderful to be part of the project because it makes sense to adapt the house and fight against mould and anything that could make living here more difficult.”
By providing residents with accessible data and practical recommendations, PortoSense supports informed decision-making to improve home comfort and indoor environmental quality. The pilot demonstrates how small adjustments and awareness can lead to meaningful improvements in everyday living conditions, particularly in urban areas.
The CommuniCity pilots from the Third Round of Open Calls continue running until the end of May 2025.