BACKGROUND - H.H. Nap

Biography
I have a background in cognitive ergonomics. In 2002, I received my MSc degree in psychology at Utrecht University. During the study, the main interest was on reducing the complexity of current technology interfaces by cognitive support systems, with a special interest in user groups that face the most difficulties interacting with current media (e.g. seniors). December 2002, I started my PhD project at Eindhoven University. The research during the PhD focussed on stress in senior computer interaction. It was found that stress plays a role in senior computer interaction, and it can be reduced by positive feedback information. In addition to the subject of stress, the focus was on overcoming the problems that seniors face during computer interaction. By redesigning information retrieval interfaces and standard interaction devices to the knowledge and capacities of seniors, most seniors, even seniors without any computer experience, are able to successfully retrieve information from a digital information system. I've published journal & conference papers and I'm active as a reviewer of both.

Current research
Gaming has the potential to increase social contacts, train and uphold cognitive, motoric and visual abilities, or just to trigger the playful mind and enjoy time. All age groups could benefit from these potentials but the growing 65+ years of age group is currently not well served by the majority of games available. Although there is some focus on game design for seniors, for example brain training games, little is known about the needs and motivations of elderly gamers. Henk Herman Nap worked on seniors and gaming in the Games@Large project from 2008-2010, and started working as a project leader for Smart Homes in the LEAGE project (learning games for seniors) and in the CAALYX-MV project (February 1st, 2011).