Award Citation
Dr Maximo, who was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in his childhood, was inspired by his learning experience to become the type of teacher that he had never come across and to promote the kind of learning experiences that he had dreamed of. During his four years of teaching, armed with a strong will to help others, Dr Maximo has made significant contributions and achieved many of his personal aspirations. To promote diversity, equity and inclusion, he has integrated more inclusive design concepts into the design programme curriculum and created a new subject known as “Design Meets Disabilities”. Through active collaborations with different non-government organisations, Dr Maximo has engaged his students in community projects and applied an empathic approach to guide them to develop a personal understanding of their users’ needs, thereby designing more suitable products for those with disabilities.
In this student-centred learning environment, his students feel comfortable and supported to develop, practise and demonstrate their design and thinking abilities. Dr Maximo’s teaching has made a positive and long-term impact on his students’ learning and personal development. His dedication and commitment to creating an inclusive curriculum and learning experience are exceptional qualities that deserve support and recognitions.