Designed Minds: How Digital Technology Shapes Our Mental Health

On 18 May, we are pleased to welcome Prof. Dr Nejra Van Zalk from the Imperial College London, UK.

Abstract

This talk introduces Design Psychology, an emerging interdisciplinary framework that positions digital design as a modifiable determinant of mental health. Rather than focusing on how much time people spend with technology, the approach examines how specific design features—such as notifications, algorithmic systems, and interface structures—shape psychological mechanisms including attention, social comparison, and emotional experience. Drawing on insights from human–computer interaction, behavioural science, and digital mental health, the talk outlines a mechanistic pathway linking design affordances to mental health outcomes. It also highlights strategies for “mental-health-proofing” digital technologies, offering a research and design agenda for creating safer, more supportive digital environments. 

Guest Biography

Dr Nejra Van Zalk is an Associate Professor of Design Psychology at Imperial College London, where she leads the Design Psychology Lab. Her research focuses on how psychological mechanisms—such as emotion, cognition, and decision-making—can inform the design of products, services, and interventions that support mental health and wellbeing. She is also Co-founder and Programme Lead of the MSc in Design with Behaviour Science, equipping students to apply behavioural science to human-centred design and tackle complex real-world challenges.

More Information

Speaker webpage: https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/n.van-zalk

Speaker research nugget: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/198613/imperial-academics-inform-policymakers-preventing-online/

Event image by Freepik