Dr. Monique Simons
Researcher gamification & urban health
Monique is a scientific researcher with a special interest in digital (game) technologies for promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in an urban environment. She works in close collaboration with policy, industry and the end-users and believes that involving all stakeholders during the whole research process is crucial for creating societal impact.
She is passionate about sharing knowledge with students and is involved in diverse teaching activities such as supervising bachelor, master and PhD students, contributing to summer schools and hackathons, and giving lectures and seminars.
WHAT IS GAMIFYING URBAN HEALTH?
Gamifying Urban Health is the promotion of healthy lifestyles in urban environments by harnessing the potential of digital (game) technologies.
By utilizing the power and fun of technology and games, healthy behaviors can become not only the more easy option, but also the more fun and enjoying option.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
In the research program Gamifying Urban Health, I develop and implement knowledge on the effectiveness and added value of gamification for promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors in the urban environment. Here you can find an overview of the projects I’ve been working on:
Intergenerational games
Older adults, children, adults 2016-2017 Funded by ErasmusPlus. Intergenerational games for promoting social interactions An exploration on how to design and the social benefits of digital games to promote [...]
Exergames for social inclusion of refugees
Children, refugees 2017 Funded by Sport & Society (seed money Utrecht University) Exergames for social inclusion of refugees An exploration on how an ice-skating exergame can overcome social barriers [...]
Technology-enabled Weight Management
Overweight and obese people February 2017 to December 2017 Funded by VRI Agder (Norway) Evjeklinikken Norway: Digital technology to support weight loss maintenance Exploring the role of digital technology [...]
Gamifying Urban Cycling: evaluation of Flo
Playful interactive technology to improve cycling experience in the city.
Playful Data-driven Active Urban Living (PAUL)
Development and evaluation of a personalized gamified app to promote physical activity in urban spaces using sensors (beacons) in the public environment.
