Sander Hermsen
Sander studied Social Psychology at Radboud University Nijmegen and conducted research into the formation of stereotypes after obtaining his master's degree. However, the limited practical application of this type of this research made him decide to switch his career path. He went on to study Graphic Design at the Artez Academy of Fine Arts in Arnhem and then worked as an independent designer.
Yet psychology and in particular psychological backgrounds of design and persuasive communication continued remained his primary interest. He has been affiliated with the HU since 2011 and is involved in the development and implementation of research and education at the intersection of design and psychology. This is reflected in his promotional project, which is an investigation into the effect of digital feedback in altering stubborn habitual behaviour.
In recent years, Sander’s work for the PubLab has been on the design and implementation of a series of projects that enable communication professionals to design products and services that encourage sustainable behaviour, such as the ‘Touchpoints’ project and the ‘Ontwerpen met Fundament’ (‘Designing with Fundament’) project. Sander regularly gives lectures, courses and workshops on this theme.
Publications
- Are agile design approaches useful in designing for health? A case study
- Co-designing behaviour change prototypes with paediatric physical therapists Integrating insights on behaviour and social systems in a participatory design process
- Does feedback from this device change unhealthy habits? Lessons from my PhD project