David Leistner and Veronika Hornung-Prähauser, the project coordinators of the DyMON (Dynamic Mobility Nudge), explain how they explored a novel approach that serves as a middle ground between these two extremes. Their team developed a system that combines real-time data to run a pilot that delivered highly personalised context-dependent nudges to commuters. These nudges have real potential to motivate open-minded commuters to become healthier and more sustainable citizens.
The project set out to uncover whether such a technology-driven approach could be technically feasible and to reveal if nudges motivate people to change their commuting behaviours. As the coordinators explain, their goal was to do exploratory research that pushes the boundaries of existing knowledge and to see what makes people tick. On a technical level, the project has already proven, from a technological perspective, that situation-aware nudging systems are entirely feasible.
Building Smarter Systems
“The special thing about our project was that we used nudges in situations where they would be appropriate,” explains project coordinator David. Rather than sending generic messages, the system combines multiple data streams – traffic conditions, weather forecasts, and other contextual information – to deliver relevant notifications.
The project developed a sophisticated data hub that could process various information sources and connect them to appropriate messages. “If it rained, the notification might read, ‘We know it’s raining tomorrow, but if you prepare accordingly, you can still travel by bike,'” David explains. This context-aware approach represents a significant advance in mobility nudging systems.
Researchers working with a health management app provider, Pandocs, integrated their nudging system into an existing wellness platform. This choice proved strategic, as Veronika, another project leader, explains: “Mobility is not only a factor of transport; it has to be incorporated in daily activities. People don’t go for Instagram on their transport app, but they do share information from wellness apps.”
Testing in the Real World
The project tested their system in Salzburg’s Itzling Science City area, a business district home to multiple companies and a university department. Sixty participants received notifications over three months, with researchers carefully calibrating the frequency. Two daily messages – one before work and one in the evening – proved optimal, with user feedback suggesting more would have been overwhelming.
The system included gamification elements to maintain engagement. Participants earned points for sustainable travel choices, contributing to a collective pool. Once certain point thresholds were reached, community events like picnics were unlocked, creating social incentives for participation.
While some participants dropped out over the three-month period, those who remained engaged provided valuable insights. The project found particular success with people who already occasionally used active transport – the nudges helped them do so more consistently.
Understanding What Works
Though the sample size was too small for definitive quantitative conclusions, qualitative feedback through three rounds of surveys revealed clear patterns. Messages focusing on health benefits proved most effective, followed by those highlighting environmental impacts, with generic inspirational messages coming third.
“These are soft interventions,” David notes. “They won’t sway someone who’s very set in their ways, but they can help people who are already on the fence or just need that last push.” This finding helps cities understand where such systems might be most effective.
The project’s technical implementation proved highly successful. The data hub effectively processed various information sources and delivered contextually appropriate messages. This open-source technical framework is now available, allowing other cities to build upon their work.
Nudging Cities Forward: Practical Tools for Smarter Transport Choices
The project produced several practical tools for cities wanting to implement similar systems. For instance, their comprehensive handbook is designed for practitioners and policymakers and provides accessible explanations and practical guidance for designing nudging campaigns.
The handbook’s ‘canvas’ pages are particularly innovative. These structured worksheets help planners consider every aspect of a nudging campaign, from identifying target groups to selecting data sources. “These are just some points to think through and remember when designing this,” David explains.
The project also demonstrated the value of working with companies. In Europe, increasingly businesses are supporting employee health and commuting initiatives. This corporate engagement provides another channel for promoting sustainable transport choices.
Ethics and Implementation
The project carefully considered ethical considerations regarding data collection and nudging. Rather than tracking individual behaviour, researchers relied on self-reporting through surveys at the beginning, middle, and end of the test period.
Their approach to corporate wellness programs also showed promise. By positioning sustainable transport within a health and wellness framework, the project found ways to engage both employers and employees in transport behaviour change.
Policy Recommendations
Through co-creation workshops before the field test, researchers identified important nuances in how nudging systems should work. Different user groups need different approaches—parents, for instance, need different messages than seniors.
The project’s policy recommendations emphasise that digital nudging must complement, not replace, proper infrastructure. As Veronika explains, “First, you must provide the infrastructure. If there are no bike lanes, how can you nudge someone to cycle?”
Expanding the Concept
In Uppsala, the project organised a hackathon to explore how their framework could be applied to different contexts. This event demonstrated the potential flexibility of their approach, showing how the basic concept could be adapted for various applications.
While the pilot was relatively small, it demonstrated both the technical feasibility and potential effectiveness of context-aware nudging systems. Most significantly, it showed how carefully designed digital interventions can support active mobility choices. As cities work to encourage walking, cycling and public transport use, DYMON’s approach offers a promising addition to their toolkit.
