Jos Kraal

Dr. Jos Kraal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human-Centered Design at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. His work focuses on developing personalized eHealth interventions to improve health behaviors, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those with lower socioeconomic statuses. He leads projects like CapriXpress, an app supporting cardiac patients during rehabilitation waiting periods, and contributes to the ALIVE initiative, promoting lifestyle changes through interdisciplinary collaboration. Kraal emphasizes user-centered design, advocating for approaches that connect deeply with community needs. He received the 2024 Rehabilitation Year Award for his contributions to cardiac rehabilitation innovation. His research bridges gaps between healthcare, science, and design, ensuring interventions address real-world challenges through participatory methods.

Research Interests: Behavioral health, eHealth technology, health disparities, human-centered design, and cardiac rehabilitation. Kraal collaborates with institutions like Medical Delta and Erasmus MC to create inclusive solutions. His projects prioritize personalized approaches, such as community engagement through participatory design, ensuring interventions resonate with target demographics.

Awards:

• Rehabilitation Year Award 2024, Dutch Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine

Key Contributions:

• CapriXpress: Tailored eHealth support for cardiac patients during rehabilitation waiting periods.
• ALIVE: Interdisciplinary program addressing complex health challenges via design-driven solutions.
• Advocacy for user-centric design in healthcare, emphasizing trust-building and contextual understanding.