National XR Day 2025

Nick Degens

Dr. Nick Degens is an expert in the field of interactive creative digital technology and is professor of (Dis)Connected Creativity & Technology at the Utrecht University of the Arts.

His background lies primarily in the integration of technology, creativity, user-centered design, user psychology, design research, and artificial intelligence. This mainly in the context of international and interdisciplinary applied research projects in which he works together with the ICT sector, SMEs from the Creative Industry, and public organisations & governments.

The ambition of his work so far has been to systematically understand how interactive creative technology can be used to achieve long-term positive and meaningful behaviour change. He does so from three research perspectives: 1) applying creative AI techniques to support society and individuals in their digital transformation (e.g. DALL·E and ChatGPT), 2) develop innovative technology, such as Virtual or Augmented Reality, to help deal with societal challenges, and 3) understanding how technology should be implemented in the life and work of people to ensure that it is meaningful, useful, and relevant (digital literacy and inclusion).


Which which institute are you affiliated?

Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht


Session

07-02
11:15
60min
Finding the Spark: Designing for Resonance and Transformation (workshop)
Christian Roth, Joanneke Weerdmeester, Nick Degens

Transformation starts with resonance, resonance begins with a spark.
In this workshop, we’ll explore what makes immersive experiences emotionally impactful. Together we’ll explore the concept of transformative experiences, compare practical insights, and thereby gain new perspectives on designing XR of the future.

Impact
Theil C2-3 (22p)