In this episode, Nehar Mortuza is joined by Professor Katarzyna “Kate” Wac—an internationally recognized expert in digital health and the human experience of technology. Currently based at the University of Geneva, where she leads the Quality of Life Technology Lab, Kate shares her remarkable journey from studying electrical engineering in Poland to becoming a pioneering figure in human-centered computing.

Kate’s research sits at the intersection of technology, health, and behavior. She unpacks how wearables, smartphones, and behavioral data are being used to measure and improve quality of life—especially in aging populations and people with chronic illnesses. But Kate doesn’t stop at the technology. She challenges us to think more deeply about how factors like gender, race, disability, digital literacy, and socio-economic background impact access to and trust in digital health tools.

The episode explores the ethical complexities of collecting and using personal health data, the design bias embedded in devices, and the importance of co-creating solutions with diverse populations. Kate also discusses how cross-disciplinary education and bottom-up innovation are key to ensuring that digital health technologies truly serve those who need them most.

This is a must-listen conversation for anyone interested in inclusive innovation, behavior change, and the future of tech-for-good.

Show notes and Timestamp: 

[00:02:31] Kate’s Personal & Professional Journey: From her early days in Poland and technical training in electrical engineering to her evolution into a thought leader in digital health in Europe and the U.S.

[00:05:05] The Role of Human Behavior & Intersectionality: Why addressing the ‘user’ and the diverse tapestry of human identities is essential in tech design.

[00:10:49] Leveraging AI & Wearables for Quality of Life: How sensors, data-driven insights, and feedback loops are being used to monitor behaviors and improve health.

[00:06:00] Intersectional Dimensions in Healthcare Innovation: The impact of gender, race, disability, income level, and digital literacy on designing effective digital health solutions.

[00:20:31] Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Digital Health: Balancing privacy, personalization, and regulation across different regions and legal frameworks.

[00:17:00] Case Studies in Action: Insights from projects on migraine tracking, aging populations, and the design challenges that highlight bias and the need for adaptation.

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Organised by

Professor Henriette Steiner Head of Section, Landscape Architecture and Planning and Society  University of Copenhagen

Professor Kristin Veel  Department of Arts and Cultural Studies, University of Copenhagen