What is this research about?
The goal of this social design project is to explore if and how participatory design methods can help promote behavioural change in the context of sustainable transport usage. By exploring gendered barriers and pain points in the cycling journey, the aim is to co-create a mobility solution to form new and accessible ways in which women can relate to public space and participate in active mobility, outside the scope of infrastructural change.
This study is being conducted as part of an undergraduate design thesis (User Experience Design) at IU International University.
Who can participate in the study?
This research study is aimed at people who meet the following criteria:
- Women aged 18 or above
- Live in Greater Melbourne area
- Have recently started their cycling journey, cycle irregularly or have never cycled but have considered it in the last 12 months
What will I be asked to do?
Should you agree to participate, you will be asked to fill out a short screener questionnaire to ensure your suitability and the diversity of the participant group. If selected, you will be invited to attend a one-on-one interview which will be held online and last around 30 minutes.
In the interview, you will be asked questions about things like your attitude towards cycling or your past experiences with cycling. The first round of interviews will take place between September 16 - September 30, 2024.
Participants will receive a $10 digital gift voucher upon completion of the interviews.
What are the possible benefits of this research?
The findings from this research will inform design decisions and build the foundation of a sustainable mobility solution as part of an undergraduate design thesis. The design solution aims to combine technology and social practices to promote cycling as a means of transport among those groups whose mobility needs have historically been neglected by city planners and policy makers.
What are the possible risks?
Apart from giving up your time, we do not expect there to be any risks associated with taking part in this study.
What will happen to information about me?
Your personal data will be processed as part of the preparation of a thesis with the (preliminary) title “Addressing the Gender Gap in Cycling Transport: A Participatory Design Approach”. Any information or personal data used in the thesis will be anonymised.
Who can I contact to get further information?
For any question please reach out to:
Student: Nicole Müller (
[email protected])
Supervisor: Prof. Felix Klingmüller (
[email protected])
