Theses and Project Work

Background: With regard to the VELOA project, UX methods—that is, user-centered approaches from the field of user experience—have so far been used primarily in graphic design, marketing, and human-computer interaction. Although behavioural research is central to mobility studies, UX methods have so far found little application in the social science strand of mobility research. Organisations such as Transform Transport, UMX, and BUX are already developing initial approaches, but UX methods are not yet established as a standard research methodology in mobility research. TThis project aims to bridge this gap and integrate UX methods more fully into the mobility sector, with the goal of fostering a more nuanced and user-centered understanding of cycling behavior.

Task: The task is to apply UX design methods such as journey mapping and empathy mapping in mobility research, in order to develop a deeper understanding of why certain underrepresented groups cycle rarely or not at all. By analysing everyday experiences, needs, and emotional barriers through user-centred methods, underlying factors that are often overlooked in conventional transport studies should be made visible.

Start: Possible immediately

Contact: Shreya Singh

                Department of Cycling and Sustainable Mobility

                Tel. +49 561 804-1942

                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 behaviour 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 behaviour in East African cities?

Task: In this work, we will explore how real-life experiments can influence the mobility behaviour of active mobility users through the guiding questions: What role do real-life experiments play in shaping users’ behaviour 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 analyse 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

                Department of Cycling and Sustainable Mobility

                +49 561 804-2025

                azeb.tesfaye@uni-kassel.de

Background: The department offers the opportunity for a Bachelor's or Master's thesis on the development of a braking system with real-time resistance control for our bicycle simulator.

Task: The goal is to create realistic braking behaviour by enabling the braking resistance to be controlled by the cyclist. In addition to Python programming, communication to the smart trainer via LAN or Bluetooth must be established. The magnetic/coil coupling at the flywheel then needs to be calibrated so that braking resistance is realistically simulated. We are looking for someone with programming skills who enjoys solving technical problems. The project offers practical experience in hardware integration and simulation technology with direct application in cycling research.

Requirements: Ideally, you have an engineering background, a passion for solving technical problems, familiarity with sensor technology, and experience with hardware. Please submit your CV, a short motivation letter, and any relevant work or project examples.

Start:  Possible immediately
Kontakt: Dr. rer. nat. Sina Mousavion

                Department of Cycling and Sustainable Mobility

                Tel. +49 561 804-7922

                sina.mousavion@uni-kassel.de

Background: How can traffic routing at construction sites be designed so that all road users perceive it as safe? Construction zones temporarily reduce or remove space for different modes of transport, leading to potential conflicts between road users and a decrease in both subjective and objective safety.

Task: Within the BRAVOUR project, selected construction site situations were examined in collaboration with the City of Hamburg, including user counts and video recordings. Through analysis of traffic observations, typical conflict situations between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorised traffic are to be identified and examined. How do road users behave, and how can the traffic situation be optimised to prevent future conflicts? A literature review and the development of recommendations for traffic routing at construction sites are recommended. Own ideas related to the topic are welcome.

Start: Immediately possible

Kontakt: M.Sc. Frederik Hilden

                Department of Cycling and Sustainable Mobility

                Tel. +49 561 804-2391

                frederik.hilden@uni-kassel.de