João Franco
Student Researcher based in Portugal
Student Researcher at the Polytechnic of Leiria and Master's student in Mobile Computing - Computer Engineering. Passionate about building intuitive, accessible, and high-quality applications for Apple's platforms using Swift and SwiftUI, with interests in accessibility, spatial computing, and immersive technologies.
Work History
2025 - Currently
Teach undergraduate Computer Engineering students in Graphic Systems and Interaction, covering UI/UX design, digital prototyping, 3D modelling, and interactive 3D applications.
Department of Computer Engineering - ESTG, Polytechnic University of Leiria
2024 - Currently
Applied research at CIIC in mobile computing and human-computer interaction, focusing on the design, implementation, and evaluation of accessibility systems using spatial audio and immersive technologies on visionOS.
Computer Science and Communication Research Centre (CIIC), Polytechnic University of Leiria
2021
Contributed to product development by designing and implementing features using React for hospitality software.
Host Hotel Systems - Hospitality software solutions
Education
2024 - Currently
Polytechnic University of Leiria
2021 - 2024
Polytechnic University of Leiria
2018 - 2021
Escola Secundária de Peniche
Publications
2026
Journal | Computers in Human Behavior Reports
First author of a peer-reviewed systematic review on assistive technologies for blind and low-vision sports viewers, published in a Q1 journal on 2 Jun 2026.
2024
Conference | International Conference on Graphics and Interaction (ICGI), Vila Real
First author of a peer-reviewed IEEE conference paper describing a cross-platform AR shopping platform built with ARKit, ARCore, Three.js and WebGL, validated through a user study (SUS 93.5).
Projects
2026
Designed, built, and published a multiplatform app for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS that helps users manage smart home setup codes and device documentation. Engineered seamless iCloud synchronization, Apple HomeKit integration, and an intuitive user experience following Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines (HIG). Achieved 1.18K+ downloads and a 4.9-star App Store rating.
Download on the App Store
2025
Built Pommy, a focus timer app that helps you stay productive, sustain deep work sessions, and keep progress synced with iCloud for a cross-device flow.
Download on the App Store
2025
Built Gestos, an ASL learning app developed with Swift and SwiftUI, featuring real-time hand tracking and interactive 3D hand models to create an immersive educational experience. Recognized as a Distinguished Winner in the Swift Student Challenge 2025, selected among the top 50 projects worldwide.
Awards
2026
I was selected as one of the winners of Apple's Swift Student Challenge 2026. This recognition highlights my work in building with Swift, SwiftUI, and Foundation Models.
Awarded by Apple
2025
I was selected as one of only 50 Distinguished Winners worldwide among 250 winners and thousands of submissions in Apple's Swift Student Challenge 2025. I was recognized for Gestos, an innovative app that teaches American Sign Language through interactive lessons and games. As a Distinguished Winner, I'll attend Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC25) at Apple Park, Cupertino, California.
Awarded by Apple
2023
Recognized for designing the best interface for a 3D product visualization platform developed in collaboration with La Redoute.
Awarded by Polytechnic University of Leiria
Conferences
2026
Attended Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference at Apple Park as a Swift Student Challenge winner, participating in the Keynote, labs, and community events.
2025
Attended Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference at Apple Park as a Swift Student Challenge Distinguished Winner, participating in the Keynote, exclusive sessions with Apple engineers, labs, and community events.
2024
Presented a peer-reviewed IEEE conference paper on a cross-platform AR shopping platform built with ARKit, ARCore, Three.js and WebGL, validated through a user study (SUS 93.5), at the International Conference on Graphics and Interaction (ICGI) in Vila Real.
Licences and Certifications
Other
2024
Category B
2020
Peniche High School
Skills
Apple Frameworks
Swift
SwiftUI
UIKit
SwiftData
Vision
CoreML
CloudKit
RealityKit
Xcode
App Store Connect
Accessibility & UX
Accessible Design
UI/UX Design
Human Interface Guidelines
Prototyping
Methods & Tools
Scrum
Kanban
Git
LaTeX
Blender
Figma