Dr. Ayla Schwarz is an Assistant Professor specializing in Implementation and Engagement in Digital Health at Wageningen University, part of the Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles chair group. Her research focuses on behavior change and technology, with a particular emphasis on promoting physical activity among children and adolescents. As the lead researcher of BEweegAPP+, she is currently working with JOGG, 8D, Kenniscentrum Sport en Bewegen and multiple municipalities to explore how policy can support effective scaling and implementation of physical activity apps.

What academic and social impacts can a design-driven, co-creative approach offer researchers? This article explores this question through a concrete example from our portfolio. Collaborating with researcher and biomedical scientist Lise Beumeler, we created a VR game designed to support recovery after an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. This development was part of her PhD project, and follow-up research with the prototype recently led to a new publication, making it an opportune moment to reflect on its outcomes.

Social design is a philosophy that translates academic knowledge into practical, usable solutions with societal impact. It bridges the gap between research and practice through co-creation, context-driven design, and sustainable implementation. Read our blog to explore the characteristics and benefits of social design—and why this mindset is so essential for researchers.