Innovation Game: Applying Serious Game Design for Better Health

Uppsala University, The Research Training Committee, Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy

The course will discuss innovative processes and new techniques that can improve both healthcare and individual health management. The course will introduce methods and terminology in game design, behaviour change, teamwork and how innovative thinking can be used to understand a problem, generate an idea, visualise a goal and find a creative solution of value to the end- user.

The prerequisites for running projects and solving problems in multidisciplinary teams will be based on self-reflection and identification of competencies and skills. Pedagogy applied is so-called challenge-based learning where the challenges come from the health sector or other external potential stakeholders in the health area. The course will integrate the basics of game design with practical applications of games and simulations as tools with assigned challenges. Game design will also be used as a pedagogic tool to enhance the four pillars of learning: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. Psychological knowledge theories of behavior change will also be discussed. At the end of the course, the groups will present and defend their ideas and/or solutions to a panel of experts and stakeholders.

This is a three week course. Online week 1, preoperational studies. On campus Uppsala University week 2-3. Teaching is highly student centered with a focus on seminars, team-work and individual studies.

Application deadline 30 April 2026

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