Innovation for Sustainable Cities: The Effects of Nudging and Gamification Methods on Urban Mobility and Sustainability Behaviour

Abstract

For more sustainable urban behaviour and mobility, innovative methods are needed to change behaviour. We discuss the results of an explorative study of the use of a personal mobility tracker (a digital, data-based tool) to motivate users to adopt a more sustainable city lifestyle. We examine motivational techniques that can influence citizens’ personal mobility on a day-to-day basis. Using a personal mobility app that incorporates gamified elements and nudging, citizens become part of a community. They are motivated to cycle more and to explore sustainable services in the city through tours and visiting points of interest. We present the first results of a trial of this mobile app: characteristics of users, and empirical data that indicate a change in cycling behaviour. We also show effects of nudging on personal mobility.