Digital Life Centre amply represented at Dutch Design Week 2019
11-11-2019
The theme of the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven this year was: 'If not NOW, then WHEN?' With over 2600 (inter-)national designers, spread over 120 locations and 9 design areas, there was more to see at DDW19 than ever before. Three projects of our Digital Life research group got attention on stage: 'Growing Roots', 'Smart Agents for Empowerment' and 'Guiding Environments'.
For the 'Growing Roots' project, lecturer Somaya Ben Allouch and researcher Josca van Houwelingen - Snippe spoke. They explained how you can connect elderly with each other through virtual nature. There is also a correlation with happiness in this regard. Research results to date include, for example, increasing feelings of connectedness, stimulating prosocial behavior and a higher rated social support.
In the context of her research 'Smart Agents for Empowerment', Nazli Cila spoke about the theme: 'When everyday objects appear to have a mind'. She discussed aspects such as human likeness, needs and current offer, as well as delegation of human control. An accompany robot could support our wellbeing and at the same time motivate us to be healthy.
Both presentations were part of DRIVE 2019: the Design Research & Innovation Festival.
For the 'Guiding Environment' research project, the findings of the first user tests were presented as part of the 'Drivers of Change' exhibition. At the well-attended demo, visitors could experience how a 'Guiding Environment' helps residents to get through the day safely and healthly.
Digital Life is happy to be present again at DDW20!