J.E.M.H. Van Bronswijk

Papers

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About

J.E.M.H. Van Bronswijk is a pioneering figure in gerontechnology, a field at the intersection of engineering, social sciences, and aging research. Her work centers on creating supportive technologies that enhance the quality of life for older adults, with a particular focus on aging-in-place and smart-home systems. One of her key contributions is the innovative application of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to evaluate smart-home technologies, as detailed in her most-cited paper, "Addressing Maslow’s deficiency needs in smart homes" (2013, 8 citations). This work systematically assessed how integrated smart-home systems—combining home automation, robotics, and telehealth—address fundamental human needs, bridging technical design with psychological theory. Van Bronswijk also advanced practical methodologies for user-centered design, notably in "Working Method to Enhance End-User Value for Aging-in-Place" (2010, 4 citations), co-authored with F.J.M. van Gassel. Additionally, her paper "The gerontechnology engineer" (2011, 4 citations) reflects on the evolution of this interdisciplinary field, advocating for a community of practice between engineers and social scientists. Through her research, Van Bronswijk has helped shape gerontechnology as a distinct discipline, emphasizing the importance of end-user value and holistic design in technology for an aging society.