Max Birk

Max Birk is an Associate Professor in the Human-Technology Interaction group at Eindhoven University of Technology, affiliated with the Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute (EAISI). His research bridges psychology, game design, and digital health, focusing on how games can enhance mental health and well-being. He explores both positive game design strategies (e.g., avatar customization) and harmful exploitative practices, contributing to fields like games user research and motivational interface design.

Education:

• PhD in Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan (2018)
• MSc in Psychology, University of Trier (2012)

Research Interests: Video games' mental health impacts, game-based digital biomarkers, ethical behavioral design, and player experience optimization. Recent work includes developing biomarkers for stress assessment and combating attrition in self-improvement programs through avatar customization.

Awards & Roles:

• Member of The Young Academy (KNAW)
• TU/e Young Researcher Award 2023
• Editor for JMIR Mental Health
• Co-organizer of CHI PLAY conferences

Projects: Leads the NWO Veni-funded project on game-based digital biomarkers for stress and collaborates with global tech companies like Tencent and indie developers.

Labs/Teams: EAISI Health, Human-Technology Interaction group.