R.D. van der Vlies

Papers

Total Citations

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About

R.D. van der Vlies is a pioneering figure in gerontechnology, a field at the intersection of engineering and social sciences that develops supportive technologies for an aging society. His seminal work, "The gerontechnology engineer" (2011, 4 citations), critically examines the evolution of this interdisciplinary domain, tracing its origins from social science roots to its formal adoption by engineers roughly two decades ago. Van der Vlies’ major contribution lies in questioning whether engineers and social scientists have successfully coalesced into a true community of practice, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in bridging these disciplines. While his citation count reflects the niche but foundational nature of his research, his work has shaped discourse on how technology can be tailored to meet the needs of older adults. Notably, van der Vlies is recognized for advocating a human-centered approach in gerontechnology, emphasizing collaboration over siloed expertise. His insights continue to inform researchers and practitioners striving to create inclusive, practical innovations for an aging population, making his work a touchstone for those exploring the sociotechnical dimensions of assistive technology.