Meet Joris, Manou and Zara: Health by Design students
"I wanted a study that is both creative and practical. "
What if you could combine technology, design, and healthcare to solve real problems in healthcare? That is exactly what students in the graduation track Health by Design are working on. Students with different backgrounds—from nursing to computer science and design—collaborate here on innovative ideas that can improve people’s daily lives.
Collaborating across disciplines
The strength of this master’s lies in collaboration. Joris Kunkeler, a graduate in Computer Engineering from HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, says: “I didn’t just want to programme, but to make a difference for people. In this graduation track, I developed a game that helps volunteer coordinators gain better insight into the talents of residents in care homes. This allows residents to participate more actively.”
Manou de Visser, who studied Nursing at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, adds: “The creative approach immediately appealed to me. Working with students from other disciplines, you discover solutions you would never come up with on your own.”
Zara Visser completed the bachelor’s programme New Design & Attitudes at St. Joost School of Art & Design (Avans): “I wanted to make a difference for people with dementia. Here, you work directly on real healthcare challenges and learn from other disciplines. That collaboration often leads to surprising insights.”
Practice-based learning
Students collaborate with healthcare institutions such as Amphia Hospital. Joost van der Ham, supervisor at Amphia, explains: “Students bring a fresh perspective and help us implement new technologies. For example, they studied the acceptance of the Electronic Patient Record. By combining empathy and design, they arrived at new insights that were immediately applicable.”
Practical and creative
Health by Design is a graduation track with the same level as a research university (WO) master’s, but much more practical. Joris: “The degree is equivalent, but you work hands-on and practice-oriented.” Manou: “I wanted a study that is both creative and practical, and this one fit perfectly with my bachelor’s.”
A master’s with impact
The first cohort of students is actively helping to shape the programme. Zara: “It’s great that our feedback is taken seriously. This way, we develop the master’s together while we learn.”