Maarten Houben

Maarten Houben is an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial Design at Eindhoven University of Technology, affiliated with the TU/e Expertise Center for Dementia & Technology (ECDT). His research focuses on improving social, sensory, and aesthetic experiences for vulnerable individuals and communities through the design and exploration of multisensory and tangible technologies. He employs an inclusive co-creation approach, collaborating extensively with end-users, socio-cultural contexts, caregivers, and policymakers to create emerging technologies aimed at enhancing quality of life. Maarten holds a Master's degree in Architectural Engineering from KU Leuven and gained research experience in Human-Computer Interaction and Interactive Media Architecture during his time at the Research[x]Design Group. He completed his PhD in 2022 with distinction, focusing on the positive role of everyday sounds in dementia care technologies. His work has been featured in multiple top-tier academic conferences and has earned numerous awards.

• 2023–Present·Eindhoven University of Technology·Assistant Professor
  • Focused on designing and researching multisensory and tangible technologies, particularly in dementia care.
• 2022–2023·Eindhoven University of Technology·Postdoctoral Researcher
  • Conducted research on multisensory design and emerging technologies.
• 2018–2022·Eindhoven University of Technology·Doctoral Researcher
  • Investigated everyday sounds and their application in dementia care technologies.
• 2017–2018·Tilburg University (TRANZO Center)·Research Assistant
  • Participated in research projects related to health and welfare.
• 2016·KU Leuven (Research[x]Design Group)·Research Intern
  • Explored Human-Computer Interaction and Interactive Media Architecture.

• 2015–2017·KU Leuven·Master in Engineering Sciences (Architecture)
  • Focused on Human-Computer Interaction and Interactive Media Architecture.
• 2012–2015·KU Leuven·Bachelor in Engineering Sciences (Architecture)
  • Specialized in Architectural Engineering.