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Check out the latest news from the Digital Life Research Group
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Research group
Digital Life
Digital Solutions for Better Health
We develop innovative technologies that focus on digital solutions for the health and well-being of citizens. Our research explores new technologies in sensors and digital information for health, well-being, and participation, always keeping people at the center.
What we are working on
Reducing Workload in Dementia Care with AI
The Wie Zorgt project focuses on reducing the workload in dementia care by developing an Intelligent Care Environment, using sensors and AI for personalized care.
DCODE -Rethink Design – Change our future
The digital transformation has profoundly changed our society, but traditional design practices have struggled to keep up with these rapid developments. The DCODE project aims to bridge this gap by developing new knowledge, skills, and roles necessary to integrate autonomous technology design with human values, fostering a sustainable and human-centered digital future.
Tackling COVID-Related Math Deficits with a Social Robot
The Sorocova project develops social robots to assist teachers and students in grades 4, 5, and 6 in overcoming math learning gaps caused by COVID-19.
TV App Improves Quality of Life for People with Dementia(opent in een nieuw venster)
Mr. illi is an accessible television app designed for people with dementia. The new prototype enhances quality of life and autonomy, providing a space for calm, relaxation, and recognition, while also encouraging engagement and activation. Additionally, Mr. illi supports care professionals and caregivers, helping people with dementia live independently at home for as long as possible.
More about Mr. Illi
Meet the experts
The experts of Digital Life.
Somaya Ben Allouch
Professor Digital Life – Expert in Human-Computer Interaction, Social Robotics and AI for Health & Wellbeing
Dr. Somaya Ben Allouch has been a professor of Digital Life at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences since October 2018. She is also involved in the SIA-SPRONG project “People in Motion,” which focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle and sustainable behavioral change through the use of creative technology. Since January 2021, Somaya has held the position of Distinguished Professor of “Human-System Interaction for Health and Wellbeing” at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). This chair was established by the Bèta Plus Foundation. Her expertise includes human-centered interaction and the acceptance and evaluation of technologies such as social robotics and wearables. She previously earned her Ph.D. from the University of Twente and worked as a visiting researcher at Stanford University. In addition, she participates in international research projects and serves on the editorial boards of scientific journals. In 2023, she was elected a fellow of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering.
Simone de Droog
Associate professor Child Technology Interaction - Expert child-technology interaction, social robotics, digital characters and interaction design for healthcare and education
Simone de Droog is Associate Professor of Child Technology at the Digital Life research group. Her work focuses on how technologies — such as social robots and digital characters — can positively and sustainably support children's development and wellbeing.
- Get in touch
- [email protected](opent in nieuw venster)
Bin Yu
Associate professor Interaction Design for Emerging Technology – Expert human-computer interaction, human-centred AI, health technology and the responsible design of emerging technologies
Bin Yu is Associate Professor at the Digital Life research group. He is a design researcher specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and health technology. With a multidisciplinary background in biomedical engineering, industrial design, and HCI, he brings a unique perspective to his work. His research explores how emerging technologies like AI can be designed and applied responsibly to promote human wellbeing.
