Three dimensions of empathic mobility

A look at the dimensions of empathetic mobility

Dimension 1:
Conditions for happiness — identity, connectedness, and well-being

The conditions for happiness are built around the happiness triangle (source: geluksdriehoek.be), a framework focusing on three core aspects of human well-being:

• Identity: Mobility affects how we see ourselves. It supports independence, pride, and confidence. For example, a cyclist choosing a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.
• Belonging: Mobility strengthens communities and relationships. Safe and accessible infrastructure fosters social interaction and a sense of belonging.
• Well-being: Mobility influences physical and mental health. Active travel like cycling promotes fitness, while stress-free mobility solutions enhance mental well-being.
  

Dimension 2:
Emotions — understanding the feelings mobility evokes

Mobility decisions spark a wide range of emotions:

• Positive emotions: Joy, trust, pride. For instance, the satisfaction of cycling safely in a well-planned city.
• Negative emotions: Fear, frustration, anger. Common with changes perceived as restrictive.
• Complex emotions: Hope, tension, or surprise, such as when anticipating cleaner air from new measures.
  

Dimension 3:
Diversity — designing for everyone

Mobility solutions affect people differently depending on factors like age, cultural background, income, and physical ability. Empathetic mobility means creating inclusive, flexible solutions that work for diverse needs.

Case: Redevelopment of the City Square

Dimension 1: Conditions for Happiness (identity, connectedness, well-being)

Identity:

• Positive: By removing parking spaces and replacing them with green areas, the square is redefined as a place for people instead of cars. This supports the identity of a community that prioritizes sustainability and health. For individuals, it provides a sense of pride and independence by granting access to a space that aligns with their lifestyle.
• Negative: The loss of parking spaces can evoke feelings of alienation among residents who associate the square with a practical function or nostalgic value. In car-oriented communities, this change may be perceived as an attack on their way of life. Additionally, if the redesign feels too generic, it could weaken the unique character of the square, making it less recognizable as a feature of the neighborhood.

Connectedness:

• The square becomes a gathering place that facilitates social interaction, such as local markets, events, or informal meetings.
• A green and safe environment strengthens relationships among residents, fosters a sense of community, and makes the city more appealing to visitors.

Well-being:

• Replacing gray parking spaces with greenery directly contributes to better air quality, cooling during warm periods, and mental relaxation.
• The physical space encourages active mobility, such as walking and cycling, which enhances physical health.

Dimension 2: Emotions

Positive emotions:

• Joy: Residents feel delighted by the addition of greenery and the opportunity to use a renewed space.
• Pride: The project can become a symbol of collective progress toward a more sustainable and inclusive city.

Negative emotions:

• Frustration: Drivers may resist the loss of parking spaces.
• Anxiety: Local shop owners may worry about the impact on their customer base.

Complex emotions:

• Hope: The expectation that the green space will enhance the area's livability and value.
• Conflicted feelings: Some residents may simultaneously look forward to the new space while feeling concerned about the transition period and practical implications.

To address emotions, open dialogue is crucial: city meetings, consultation sessions, and communication about tangible benefits, such as reduced air pollution and improved social cohesion, are essential.

Dimension 3: Diversity

Inclusivity for all users:

• For the elderly: Design seating areas and safe walking routes.
• For children: Provide safe and inviting play areas.
• For people with disabilities: Ensure accessibility through flat sidewalks, clear signage, and supportive infrastructure.
• For cyclists: Include bike parking and logical traffic flows to avoid conflicts with pedestrians.

Addressing resistance:

• Drivers: Offer alternatives such as nearby park-and-ride facilities with shuttles and efficient public transport.
• Local shop owners: Involve them in the design process and demonstrate how pedestrians and cyclists can boost their revenue.

Conclusion: Making mobility truly empathetic

Empathetic mobility is about more than transportation. It’s about designing systems that connect lives, strengthen communities, and promote well-being. If you’re planning a new mobility innovation or implementing impactful policies, take the time to explore the three dimensions of empathetic mobility. By adjusting strategies to include emotional and social perspectives, you can maximize positive outcomes.

The Empathic Mobility Toolbox provides tailored methods to explore the three dimensions of identity, connectedness, and well-being, depending on the specific case. It utilises tools such as open-question surveys, roundtable discussions, and interviews to gather diverse perspectives from stakeholders. The integration of AI is key to processing the broad and open-ended input efficiently, enabling the analysis of large amounts of qualitative data. This approach ensures that participatory methods remain inclusive and open while delivering actionable insights in a streamlined and effective manner.

Are you interested in learning more? I offer presentations and workshops that dive deeper into these principles. Together, we can design mobility solutions that truly make a difference. Contact me today to get started!

Conditions for happiness

Understanding emotions

Focus on diversity

Interested in empathic mobility?

I offer presentations and workshops that dive deeper into these three dimensions. Through practical exercises and insights, I help you design mobility solutions that truly make a difference.

Get in touch for more information or to schedule a session!