Cristobal Catalan, Doctoral Researcher, School of Arts and Creative Technologies
Coming from a creative background in interactive media and digital health, Cristobal is a PhD student in the School of Arts and Creative Technologies in collaboration with the Department of Health Sciences.
Our 60 seconds interview with Cristobal:
What do you do in the field of mental health?
My work involves researching how we can diversify digital health interventions by understanding therapeutic game design principles which can improve the player’s mental health.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
Being able to impact positively on people’s lives through the process of play.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
As the study of digital health interventions is an emerging field, establishing evidence of effectiveness and commitment of an intervention requires absolute rigour and creativity whilst aligning with changing mental health guidelines. It is a complex but fascinating journey.
What impact do you hope your work is having- or can potentially have?
I hope my work will form the foundation of a framework that will support and advocate for game designers, clinicians, stakeholders and service users to implement effective therapeutic game-based mechanisms that can be used across a wide array of games and interactive experiences.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
Laurel and Hardy.