Idea Puzzle® is decision-support software that helps doctoral students and researchers to structure proposals, articles and theses with greater scientific coherence.
Based on the Philosophy of Science – the branch of philosophy that studies the foundations, methods, assumptions and implications of scientific activity – Idea Puzzle® presents 21 key questions that guide research design. The tool helps users to reflect critically on each dimension, facilitates the preparation of responses and allows self-assessment of progress throughout the process. It also includes instructions, practical tips, award-winning examples and supporting bibliography.
The software is available on the Idea Puzzle® website and access is free for the entire U.Porto community, upon registration with an institutional email address.
Features:
Structure the design and review of research projects in any scientific area;
Support the management and development of research designs;
Facilitate the learning and teaching of research methodologies;
Increase scientific productivity, enhancing the production of projects and publications.
Idea Puzzle® is applicable to all fields of knowledge and allows the export of results in PDF or Word format, including a visual puzzle that graphically illustrates the status and progress of the research design.
Annually, Idea Puzzle® awards a €1,000 prize to the best doctoral research design created with the software at a licensed university, four of which have already been awarded to U.Porto.
The licensing of Idea Puzzle® by U.Porto was sponsored by Caixa Geral de Depósitos, reinforcing the university’s commitment to scientific research, innovation and advanced training.
For additional information, please visit the Idea Puzzle® website.
On the UPdigital website, the list of other software licensed by U.Porto of cross-cutting interest to the academic community is also available.
Copyright 2026 © Research and Projects Office of the University of Porto.
All rights reserved.