Projects and student work

Background: In relation to the VELOA project, UX methods, i.e. user-centered approaches from the field of user experience, have so far been used primarily in graphic design, marketing and human-computer interaction. They use qualitative insights into the experiences of users in order to consistently align products and services with their needs. Although behavioral research is a central element of mobility research, these methods have so far been little used in the social science field of mobility studies. Some organizations such as Transform Transport, UMX or BUX are already working with initial approaches, but UX methods are not yet considered an established research method in mobility research. This project aims to close this gap and introduce UX methods more strongly into the mobility sector in order to enable a more nuanced and user-centered understanding of cycling behavior.

Task: The task of this topic is to apply UX design methods such as journey mapping and empathy mapping in mobility research to gain a deeper understanding of why certain, often underrepresented groups rarely or never cycle. By analyzing their everyday experiences, needs and emotional hurdles using user-centered methods, the underlying factors that often remain unconsidered in classic transport studies should become visible.

Start: possible immediately.

Contact: Shreya Singh

FG Cycling and Local Mobility

Tel. +49561 804-1942

shreya.singh@uni-kassel.de

Background: The project is part of the CAMA project, which aims to explore the impact of real-life experiments on the mobility behavior of active mobility users and the improvement of walking and cycling conditions within the context of African cities. Real-life experiments are innovative, low-cost, temporary, and flexible interventions that adopt a bottom-up design approach and promote a "learning by doing" process (Bertolini, 2020, Kinigadner et al., 2024a). The project seeks to bridge the gap between pedestrians' and cyclists' perceptions and urban design practices by addressing the main research question: What role do real-life experiments play in changing mobility behavior in East African cities?

Task: In this work, we will explore how real-life experiments can influence the mobility behavior of active mobility users through the guiding questions: What role do real-life experiments play in shaping users' behavior in East Africa? And how do these experiments affect the daily experiences of active mobility users? We will use survey data for qualitative research and drone imagery for quantitative analysis. AI tools will be employed to analyze the drone imagery results. Students are encouraged to choose their own research focus within the project framework to align their individual interests with the overall objectives of the study.

Start: Possible immediately

Contact: MSc. Azeb Tesfaye

FG Cycling and Local Mobility

+49 561 804-2025

azeb.tesfaye@uni-kassel.de

Background: The Department of Cycling and Local Mobility at the University of Kassel offers the opportunity to write a Bachelor's or Master's thesis. This involves the development of a braking system with real-time resistance control for our bicycle simulator.

Task: The aim of the thesis is to create a realistic braking system in which the braking resistor can be controlled by the braking of the rider. In addition to programming in Python, a communication level to the smart trainer via LAN or Bluetooth must also be established. The resistance of the magnet/coil coupling on the flywheel must then be calibrated so that the braking resistance is realistically simulated. We are looking for a person with programming skills who enjoys technical problem solving. The project offers hands-on experience in hardware integration and simulation technology with practical application in bicycle research.

Requirements: Ideally you have an engineering background, a passion for solving technical problems and are already familiar with sensor technology and have experience with hardware. Please submit your CV, a short letter of motivation and any relevant work or project examples. We would be delighted if you are motivated to contribute to the realism of our bicycle simulator platform.

Start: immediately
Contact: Dr. rer. nat. Sina Mousavion

Research Group Cycling and Local Mobility

Tel. +49561 804-7922

sina.mousavion@uni-kassel.de

Background: How can traffic routing at roadworks be designed so that it is perceived as safe by all road users? In roadworks areas, traffic routing is interfered with for a comparatively short period of time and areas for different types of traffic are reduced or removed. This can lead to conflicts between road users and to a reduction in subjective and/or objective safety.

Task definition: As part of the BRAVOUR research project, selected roadworks situations were investigated in cooperation with the Hanseatic City of Hamburg, users were counted in these areas and video recordings were made. By analyzing the traffic observations, typical conflict situations between pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are to be identified and examined in more detail. How do road users behave and how can the traffic situation be optimized to avoid conflicts in the future? This analysis should be accompanied by a literature review and the development of recommendations for traffic management in roadworks areas. It is possible to implement your own ideas in connection with the topic. The specific task will be adapted to the scope of the work.

Start: possible immediately

Contact: M.Sc. Frederik Hilden

FG Cycling and Local Mobility

Phone +49 561 804-2391

frederik.hilden@uni-kassel.de