Dr. Max Birk

Associate Professor

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Biography

Max Birk is an Associate Professor in the Human-Technology Interaction group at Eindhoven University of Technology. With an interdisciplinary background, he draws upon psychology, interaction design, data science, and game design to investigate the effects of game-based design strategies on mental processes and behavior change. His research significantly contributes to areas such as games user research, digital health, and motivational interface design, with projects aimed at promoting a healthy society and enhancing entertainment experiences like eSports. Max's work has been published in leading HCI venues and addresses key topics like player experience, individual differences in play, task adherence, and the intersection of video games and mental health. He has organized workshops internationally and led research initiatives across continents, collaborating with game designers in North America, Europe, and China, as well as independent developers and global tech companies like Tencent. Max holds a graduate degree in Psychology from the University of Trier, Germany, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. He has received several prestigious awards, including the TU/e Young Researcher Award in 2023, the Governor General’s Gold Medal, and the Bill Buxton Award, among others. He is also a member of KNAW's De Jonge Akademie and serves on various academic committees and boards.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2019-01-01 — Present

Eindhoven University of Technology • Eindhoven, Netherlands

Leads research and teaches in the area of Human-Technology Interaction, integrating a range of disciplines to foster innovative design methods.

Awards

#1

TU/e Young Researcher Award

2023-01-01
#1

MSc Teacher Industrial Design

2022-01-01
#1

Governor General’s Gold Medal

2018-01-01
#1

Bill Buxton Award

2018-01-01
#1

University of Saskatchewan Doctoral Dissertation Award

2018-01-01
#1

GSA Excellence Science Award

2018-01-01

Requirements for Eindhoven University of Technology

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:90
PTE
Listening
Required:65
Reading
Required:65
Writing
Required:65
Speaking
Required:65
Overall
Required:70
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline Specific subject knowledge related to the chosen program (e.g., Calculus, Linear Algebra) Maximum 15 ECTS deficiency for international applicants
Application Checklist
  • Certified copy of Bachelor's degree and transcript
  • Authenticated English/Dutch translation of documents
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivation Letter
  • Two letters of reference
  • Summary of Bachelor thesis/dissertation
  • Concise course descriptions of relevant subjects
  • Copy of passport
  • Proof of payment of application fee (EUR 100)
Specialization Notes

Specific departments like Industrial Design require a portfolio. Programs like Data Science and AI require a GRE-General test for certain international backgrounds.