Ryan Timms is a PhD student at the Delft University of Technology , affiliated with the 4TU.Ethics and Technology research group. His work focuses on applying philosophical frameworks to analyze digital interfaces and cognitive processes. Key research areas include: Dark patterns in user interface design Hostile scaffolding in cognitive systems Situated cognition and its ethical implications Epistemological challenges in technology American pragmatism applications He actively contributes to interdisciplinary collaboration between philosophers and human-computer interaction (HCI) scholars, aiming to develop practical design guidelines. Ryan also serves as a PhD council member in the 4TU community (2024).
Professor Remco Veltkamp holds a faculty position at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science with a focus on Game and Media Technology . As Scientific Director of AI Labs and coordinator of the Utrecht Center for Game Research , his work bridges serious games, virtual reality, and human-centered AI applications. He leads the Dynamics of Youth Hub 'Healthy Play, Better Coping' exploring gaming's role in pediatric chronic illness management. Academic leadership in gaming technology Director of Utrecht's AI Labs Founder of Serious Game Society Editor of International Journal of Serious Games Research spans game design, AR/VR interaction, 3D object recognition, and multimedia systems with applications in: Healthcare gamification Energy conservation Bioinformatics Social behavior analysis Computer vision Recent work includes: 2025: Developing fatigue management therapy games 2024: Analyzing protest dynamics through social media 2023: Creating equine pain assessment systems 2022: Gamification in food sustainability As educator, he teaches Game Programming and Small Project Game and Media Technology , while pioneering applications of gaming in healthcare and education sectors.
Linghan Zhang is an Assistant Professor in Human Technology Interaction (HTI) at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Her research focuses on leveraging wearable/mobile sensors, AI, and data fusion to enable personalized human-computer interactions. Key interests include mobile/wearable sensing, affective computing, and assistive technologies. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from TU/e, specializing in voice authentication via mobile sensing. Education: Doctorate in Computer Science (TU/e), with thesis titled Enhanced Voice Authentication via Mobile Sensing . Courses taught include Programming for Psychology and Technology , Recognizing & Implementing Social Cues for HRI , and The Quantified Self in Health . Research explores stress detection in ICU environments, dementia care technologies, and biometric authentication systems. Recent work includes developing the Mindful Waters digital aquarium for dementia patients and analyzing heart rate-perceived stress correlations using Fitbit data. Active in interdisciplinary projects addressing healthcare, cybersecurity, and aging care. Publications span healthcare ergonomics, gaze tracking evaluation, and wearable-based authentication. No awards explicitly listed, but frequently collaborates on multidisciplinary projects. Supervises 7 academic works, though student names are not disclosed. Engages in lab activities within HTI's interdisciplinary environment.
Iohanna Nicenboim is a Researcher at Delft University of Technology's Department of Industrial Design Engineering, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), sustainable design, and more-than-human design paradigms. Her work explores the intersections of artificial intelligence, material ecologies, and ethical technology development. She leads the 'Resourceful Aging' project, empowering older adults through IoT technologies, and investigates posthumanist frameworks for reimagining design practices. Her research emphasizes decolonizing technology through decentering human-centric approaches, with notable contributions to AI ethics, regenerative material systems, and participatory design methodologies. Key projects include developing 'More-than-human Design' frameworks and creating experiential tools like 'Metaphor Gardening' to bridge AI-human collaboration. Dr. Nicenboim is affiliated with TU Delft's Sustainable Design Engineering and Materials and Manufacturing research groups. She actively contributes to academic discourse through special issues on more-than-human design and AI's role in redefining design practices. Her work spans theoretical explorations and hands-on prototyping, advocating for inclusive, resourceful, and ecologically mindful technologies.
Dr. Julian Frommel is a tenured Assistant Professor in the Interaction/Multimedia group at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science. His research in human-computer interaction and human-centered AI investigates the benefits and harms of interactive systems with a focus on creating healthy, meaningful, and enjoyable digital experiences for users. He is actively involved in several research themes including AI Labs, Dynamics of Youth, Game Research, Governing the Digital Society, and Human-centered Artificial Intelligence. Frommel earned his doctorate degree (Dr. Rer.-Nat.) in computer science from Ulm University in Germany. Prior to that, he completed both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at Augsburg University in Germany. Before joining Utrecht University, he was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, working with Dr. Regan Mandryk. His research focuses on assessing and modeling user states to predict when experiences go awry, leveraging games user and player experience research as a foundation for understanding digital experiences, implementing novel interaction concepts for solving problems inherent to new technologies, and studying social interactions between users to address human factors of negative experiences such as toxicity. He employs mixed methods with a strong emphasis on quantitative research and data-driven approaches. Frommel's recent publications demonstrate a clear focus on toxicity in gaming environments, player experience, and adaptive systems. His work spans virtual reality, esports, and traditional gaming contexts, with particular attention to how interactive systems can mitigate negative outcomes like harassment and toxicity. He has published extensively in top-tier venues including CHI, CHI PLAY, and IEEE Transactions on Games. Professionally, Frommel serves as Technical Program Chair for ACM CHI PLAY 2022 & 2023 and is a Review Editor for Frontiers in Virtual Reality: Technologies for VR. He is actively involved in building the academic community around game research and human-computer interaction. His approach to research integrates theoretical understanding with practical implementation of interactive systems. He has supervised numerous students through Master's projects and collaborates extensively with researchers in North America and Europe. His work on toxicity intervention systems, player state assessment, and game-based digital biomarkers represents significant contributions to the field. Frommel is affiliated with multiple research initiatives including Dynamics of Youth (DoY), Game Research, and Institutions for Open Societies (IOS). His 'Healthy play, better coping' research theme reflects his commitment to understanding how gaming experiences can positively impact mental health and well-being.
Joep Frens is an Associate Professor at the Industrial Design department of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He leads the New Futures research squad and chairs the Examination Committee of Industrial Design. His work bridges design practice and academic research, focusing on rich interaction in growing systems through hands-on making. MSc in Industrial Design from TU Delft PhD in Interaction Design from TU/e (2006) His research explores rich interaction and ultra-personalization in everyday products. Key themes include: IoT design with generative and distributed systems Embodied vs. digital tools for user engagement Feminist HCI principles in physical product personalization Energy interfaces for domestic comfort Recent publications examine ultra-personalization across safety footwear, workwear, and breast pumps, highlighting risks and opportunities in digital fabrication. He also investigates radical modularity in IoT through narrative design workshops. Nierenberg Chair of Design at Carnegie Mellon University (2014-2015) Joep supervises design research projects and collaborates with labs like Wearable Senses Lab. His teaching includes courses on IoT design, exploratory making, and digital craftsmanship.
Prof. Caroline C.M. Hummels is a Full Professor in Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), leading transformative design research focused on sustainable societal change. She holds a cum laude MSc and PhD from Delft University of Technology. Her work integrates design, philosophy, and practice to address complex challenges like climate adaptation and health inequity through embodied interaction, participatory sensemaking, and systemic design approaches. Key roles include Vice-Chair of the Systemic Change group, former Director of Education for Industrial Design, and founder of the TEI conference. She collaborates with organizations like Philips Design and the Province of North Brabant to co-create transformative practices. Her research emphasizes 'design-philosophy correspondence,' using design to explore ethical and existential questions about societal futures. Notable contributions include developing the d.centre|EU framework for sustainable transformation and pioneering methods like 'embodied aesthetics interactions.' She has delivered over 100 keynotes/invited talks globally and received the Frits Top 50 Influential Women Award (2013). Current projects include systemic design in agrifood systems and ethical value-sensitive design education initiatives. Education: MSc Industrial Design (cum laude), TU Delft (1993) PhD Industrial Design (cum laude), TU Delft (1993) Research focuses on: - Embodied interaction and non-discursive philosophy - Participatory methodologies for co-responsibility - Design strategies for socio-technical systems transformation - Ethical frameworks for emerging technologies Awards: Frits Top 50 most influential women (2013) Grants include €2M+ in EU-funded projects (Horizon 2020, TKI2106), with active collaborations across academia, industry, and government. She supervises over 100 graduate students and mentors early-career researchers through ID-dock consultancy (2004-2016).
Christine Utz is an Assistant Professor in the Digital Security group at Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands, affiliated with the interdisciplinary iHub research hub. Her work bridges computer security, privacy, and legal aspects of technology. She holds a Dr.-Ing. in Computer Science from Ruhr University Bochum, with a law degree from the University of Bayreuth. Her research focuses on empirical studies of online privacy, combining technical measurements with human-centered methods. Key areas include privacy risks in web/mobile ecosystems, usability of privacy-enhancing technologies, and the societal implications of tech-law intersections. She has collaborated internationally, including postdoctoral work at CISPA Helmholtz Center and visiting researcher roles in the U.S. and Sweden. Her work has been featured at leading venues like IEEE S&P, PETS, and CHI, addressing topics like cross-platform app analysis, ethical security research, and privacy policy impacts of GDPR/CCPA. She actively participates in program committees for major conferences (e.g., CHI, NDSS) and advises on cybersecurity education initiatives.
Sebastian Cmentowski is an Assistant Professor for Game Design and Digital Twins in the Industrial Design department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). His research leverages extended reality (XR) technologies to promote physical activity through engaging exergames, aiming to enhance user motivation via immersive experiences integrated into daily life. Dr. Cmentowski earned his Ph.D. from the University of Duisburg-Essen in 2022 with the highest distinction (summa cum laude), focusing on interaction in virtual environments. He then served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Waterloo, Canada, under the Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars, where he advanced immersive exergame applications. Prior to that, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher at Universität Duisburg-Essen. His research interests lie at the intersection of human-computer interaction, virtual reality, and game design. He explores innovative interaction and locomotion techniques in virtual environments, non-human character embodiment in VR, and ways to make VR more accessible. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals by promoting health and well-being through technology. The recent publications of Dr. Cmentowski reflect a strong trend in exergames, ethical considerations in XR, and AI integration in gaming. His work frequently appears in top-tier venues such as CHI and CHI PLAY, emphasizing user-centered design, cooperative gameplay, and the societal impact of immersive technologies. Scientific Awards: Honorable Mention Award, CHI 2018 Honorable Mention Award, CHI 2022 Honorable Mention Award, CHI 2023 Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars, University of Waterloo (2023) Dr. Cmentowski has served as Associate Chair for CHI and CHI PLAY conferences since 2023 and has taken on key roles including Student Volunteer and Works-In-Progress Chair. He has reviewed over 60 papers, demonstrating significant academic service. He is currently involved in a research project titled "New Skills And Competencies For Designers In The Netherlands" as a project member, funded at the third tier level. He is affiliated with the HCI Games Group at the University of Waterloo and continues to expand his interdisciplinary research agenda at TU/e, focusing on game design, digital twins, and XR technologies. No specific lab or team name is mentioned beyond these affiliations.
C.C. Risseeuw is a researcher at Delft University of Technology's Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering within the Materials and Manufacturing domain, specializing in the intersection of human-computer interaction, microbial design, and living materials. Their work pioneers the integration of flavobacteria into interactive systems for living color applications and aesthetic exploration. Risseeuw's research establishes a cohesive trajectory in microbial interaction design, focusing on three core dimensions: defining design spaces for direct microbial interaction (2024), developing computational tools for aesthetic tuning of living systems (FlavoMetrics, 2023), and creating taxonomic frameworks for microbial displays (2023). Their investigations consistently bridge biological processes with user-centered design principles, transforming flavobacteria's chromatic properties into tangible interfaces like Flavorium (2022) that demonstrate the functional and expressive potential of living materials in HCI contexts. Awards: Best Paper Honourable Mention at CHI 2024 for research on direct interactions with flavobacteria Risseeuw maintains active collaborations with Elvin Karana and international researchers, evidenced by co-authorship across multiple high-impact venues. While specific advising roles and grant funding remain undocumented, their work is deeply embedded within TU Delft's industrial design research ecosystem, contributing to emerging paradigms in bio-digital interfaces and sustainable interaction design.
Jascha Grübel is an Assistant Professor at the Laboratory of Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing, Wageningen University & Research. His work focuses on immersive digital twins, spatial cognition, and open-source software development for virtual environment analysis. Active in digital twin frameworks Researches spatial perception and VR/HCI Emphasizes reproducibility and open science Recent projects include AnywhereXR for real-time 3D environments and IUMENTA* for animal digital twins on open platforms. He collaborates on UAV tunnel inspection using UWB positioning technology. Specializes in affective workplace design Developed SPACE for cognitive evaluation via VR Advocates for experiment-as-code methodologies His publications highlight cross-disciplinary approaches combining geo-spatial analysis, digital twin systems, and human factors research. Current work involves creating open-source tools for immersive environments and behavioral studies in virtual infrastructure.
Dr. Lenneke Kuijer is an Assistant Professor in the Designing Quality in Interaction group within the Department of Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). She joined TU/e in 2016 after completing her PhD at Delft University of Technology and a postdoc position at the University of Sheffield. Her work bridges social theory and design practice, focusing on how interactive technologies shape everyday life and energy consumption. Dr. Kuijer's educational background includes: PhD in Industrial Design (Cum Laude) from Delft University of Technology (2014) Master in Product Innovation Management from Delft University of Technology (2006) Bachelor in Industrial Design Engineering from Delft University of Technology (2006) Her research focuses on applying social practice theory to design, particularly in the context of sustainable living and energy consumption. She investigates how everyday practices like bathing, heating, and cooling are shaped by technologies and how design can intervene to create more sustainable alternatives. Her work often involves speculative design and design fiction to explore future scenarios, particularly around thermal comfort without excessive energy use. Analysis of her publication trajectory reveals a progression from foundational theoretical work on social practice theory in design (2009-2013) through empirical studies on bathing and thermal comfort (2011-2018) to recent applied research on smart technologies and summer comfort alternatives (2022-2025). Her research increasingly focuses on developing design methods that account for the complex interplay between technology, practice, and sustainability, with particular attention to climate adaptation in domestic settings. Her notable recognition includes: NWO VENI grant (2019) for 'Anticipating the role of smart technologies in the dynamics of everyday life' Dr. Kuijer has supervised over 500 students throughout her career with an adaptive coaching style that combines weekly meetings with community building among students. She values deep theoretical grounding developed through hands-on making and experimentation. She has secured multiple research grants, including the NWO VENI project and the 'Just Prepare' project focused on energy transitions in underprivileged neighborhoods. Her research connects design with social science perspectives to develop methods for designing sustainable technologies that account for the complexity of everyday life. She leads research within the Future Everyday cluster at TU/e, collaborating with industry partners on projects related to summer comfort alternatives to air conditioning. Her work spans academic publications, media engagement (including multiple Dutch media appearances on sustainable cooling alternatives), and practical design interventions that challenge dominant energy-intensive forms of living.
Wilbert Tabone is a researcher at Delft University of Technology , affiliated with the Industrial Design Engineering school and Emerging Materials department. His work bridges Augmented Reality (AR) , Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) , and Pedestrian-Vehicle Interaction to enhance safety in automated transportation systems. He also explores Digital Cultural Heritage and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in museums and education. Research Trends : Tabone's recent publications focus on AR interfaces for pedestrian-automated vehicle communication, safety protocols in occluded scenarios, and immersive technologies like CAVE-based experiments. His work integrates Human Factors and User Experience Design to address challenges in urban mobility and AI ethics. Projects & Collaborations : He contributed to the EU-funded Shape-IT project (2019–2024), which developed human-AV interaction frameworks. Collaborators include J.C.F. de Winter, D. Dodou, and R. Happee. Media & Public Engagement : Tabone has been featured in international media (e.g., ICOM UK) and Maltese outlets, discussing AI's role in empowering society and Malta's national AI strategy.
National Research Institute for Mathematics and Computer ScienceNetherlands
Dr. Julie R. Williamson is a Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) at the School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow. She leads the FUSION ERC Consolidator Grant (€1.98M), focusing on stabilizing social interactions in Extended Reality (XR). Her work bridges social signal processing, immersive technologies, and ethical design. Key contributions include research on social XR, digital proxemics, and VR acceptance in public spaces. She has authored over 60 publications, including influential papers on VR user awareness, mixed reality in transit, and inclusive metaverse design. Williamson is a vocal advocate for open science, sharing rejected grant proposals to highlight iterative research processes. She holds an ACM Senior Member title and chairs ACM SIGCHI’s Publications Board. Her lab, SoCShop, supports electronics prototyping for interdisciplinary research. Education & Grants: ERC Consolidator Grant (2023), EPSRC Open Fellowship (2023), EPSRC First Grant Scheme (prior success). Research spans HCI, VR ethics, and public display systems. Advises PhD/MSc students on immersive tech and social computing. Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2023), ACM Senior Member (2019), multiple grant proposals rejected but iterated into successful frameworks. Grants & Labs: FUSION Grant focuses on XR social signal fusion. SoCShop lab provides prototyping resources for computing science research. Collaborates with CWI, Toyota Research Institute, and Northeastern University. Research Trends: Articles emphasize stable interpersonal realities, inclusive VR design, and ethical challenges in immersive tech. Recent work analyzes user acceptance of EMS and thermal security threats in hardware.
Prof. Lynda Hardman is a Professor in the Department of Visualization and Graphics at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science. Her primary affiliation is with Utrecht University, though she maintains strong ties to the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) in Amsterdam, where her research webpage is hosted. She focuses on interdisciplinary areas such as Human-centered Artificial Intelligence, Applied Data Science, and Augmented Reality applications in scientific research. Her work bridges computer science with fields like neuroscience and ecology, emphasizing tools for literature exploration, data visualization, and user-centric design. Research Themes: Applied Data Science Human-centered AI Augmented Reality for scientific exploration Metadata and digital library systems Her recent publications emphasize AR tools like DatAR for neuroscientists and methods to improve policy workers' search efficiency. She collaborates widely, with projects addressing topics from fish population monitoring to cultural heritage digitalization. She contributes to initiatives like the Digital Humanism Initiative, advocating ethical AI integration.
