The aim was to connect the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex World Heritage Site and the surrounding districts of Essen with sustainable mobility. A real-world laboratory integrated users, political motives and systemic requirements from the outset to ensure maximum user acceptance and feasibility.
In a multi-stage process, the different needs of mobility users were first researched in order to then transform the findings into mobility scenarios in a collaborative and participatory manner – for the start of a sustainable mobility transition.
In order to achieve the goal of a joint mobility concept that takes into account the various stakeholders in the district and the Zollverein World Heritage Site, the user research must be strategically divided according to target group.
The main users were divided into three main target groups and corresponding challenges: Residents, commuters, visitors.
These user groups are in turn heterogeneous in terms of demographic backgrounds and personal context. The aim was to analyze the initial situation in all three areas: Existing situation, needs, development potential, potential incentives for behavioral change.
The findings gathered from the user research formed the basis for a methodically guided development of ideas for mobility solutions within a participatory workshop.
During the workshop, ideas and then prototypes were developed for each challenge (residents, commuters, visitors).Â
Due to a significant delay in the start of the project, it was carried out in the summer from December to February. The weather conditions were therefore very challenging.
In addition, controversial insights from the research were strongly questioned by the public sponsors.
The research resulted in five co-creatively developed ideas that served the project team as a foundation for the development of transportation concepts. As methodological consultants, we handed over the user insights to the university and Dynamis for the practical part of the project. In addition, controversial insights from the research were strongly questioned by the public sponsors.
