Interaction Design

The Interaction Design group studies the impact that design can have as a means to create meaningful engagements and to influence behaviour of individuals, society and culture as a whole.

Research 

Our group generates knowledge on how to design for the interaction between people and the technology they surround themselves with. We focus on ways to design products and systems that people can understand and appreciate in a context where technological advancements fade the boundaries between hardware and software, device and users. In this context, we see it as the role of designers to integrate form, function, and to enrich human experience (i.e., meaning, emotion and (social) behaviour). With our research we aim to contribute to solving societal challenges of our time in domains such as sustainability, health, social connectedness and education. These are challenges that are by definition a combination of interdependent complex problems, where there is no single solution. The Interaction Design group has a close connection to the Designlab and is represented in the Personalized eHealth Technology research program of the University of Twente. 

  • Read more about our research methods

    Design has the potential to use its creative methods, such as divergent thinking and active making to address complex challenges. In our research we use both empirical and research-through-design methods. For instance, by systematically varying and measuring product features we reveal the influence of design on experience and behaviour change. We furthermore take an experiential approach, with doing (i.e., making and validating in context) as the mechanism for gaining insight into the design process. Because many of our research projects have a direct impact and connection to society we work closely together with several industry and public partners. Results of our research have been published in a.o. The International Journal of Design , Journal of Design Research, Design Issues, Journal of Engineering Design, Journal of Medical Internet Research, International Journal of Human Computer Interaction, Ergonomics.