Papers by Ifigenia Psarra
Academia Press eBooks, Dec 31, 2022
The paper describes the first implementation of the Unified Citizen Engagement Approach (UCEA), a... more The paper describes the first implementation of the Unified Citizen Engagement Approach (UCEA), a newly developed design-oriented framework for citizen engagement in the energy transition. The preliminary testing and evaluation of several of its pathways in Groningen, the Netherlands, show that the role of design in the energy transition is not limited to the adoption of (co)design tools and methods. Instead, design should be integrated in the process in a more holistic way and on multiple levels, taking into account broader issues than energy, the maturity of local initiatives, and effective communication with stakeholders.
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the insights gained by testing in a design studio a parti... more The purpose of this paper is to discuss the insights gained by testing in a design studio a particular research-by-design strategy, focusing on the generation of innovative solutions for climate change adaptation. The strategy is based on the Design Thinking Process and has been applied in the climate adaptation design studio, which took place in 2022 at a Master of Architecture degree program in the Netherlands. The case study area was the Zernike university campus in Groningen, the Netherlands, which is situated in the verge between the city and the surrounding rural landscape, facing the urgent climate change challenges of the wider region, mainly floodings due to increased frequency of rainfalls and sea level rise. Furthermore, the area faces particular challenges, such as the increasing demand for serving additional needs, beyond the current educational and business related functions, such as (student) housing. Three indicative design research projects were selected to illustrate the tested research-by-design strategy, while systematic input has been collected from the participating students regarding the impact of this strategy on their design process. The results reveal that this strategy facilitates the iterative research-by-design process and hence offers a systematic approach to convert the threats of climate change into opportunities by unravelling the potentials of the study area, resulting in place-based, innovative and adaptive solutions.
Advances in Complex Systems, Nov 1, 2014
The primary and secondary effects of various spatial and transportation policies can be evaluated... more The primary and secondary effects of various spatial and transportation policies can be evaluated with models of activity–travel behavior. Whereas existing activity-based models of travel demand simulate a typical day, dynamic models simulate behavioral response to endogenous or exogenous change, along various time horizons. The current study aims at developing a model of endogenous dynamics of activity–travel behavior. Endogenous dynamics are induced by stress, which is regarded as dissatisfaction with current habits. It is assumed that people try to alleviate stress by trying short-term changes, within the options known to them or by exploring new options. If these explorations prove to be unsuccessful, they will consider long-term changes, such as moving to a new residential location, buying a car, etc. Therefore, this self-improvement process can result in both short and long-term adaptations. In the proposed framework, choice-set formation is modeled, the key concepts of aspiration, activation, awareness and expected utility are integrated, while both rational and emotional mechanisms are taken into account. Numerical simulations are conducted in order to check the face validity of the model, as well as the impact of stress tolerance parameters on system performance.
A bounded rationality model of short and long-term dynamics of activity-travel behavior Citation ... more A bounded rationality model of short and long-term dynamics of activity-travel behavior Citation for published version (APA): Psarra, I. (2016). A bounded rationality model of short and long-term dynamics of activity-travel behavior. (Bouwstenen 213 ed.). Technische Universiteit Eindhoven.
Whereas existing activity-based models of travel demand simulate activity-travel patterns for an ... more Whereas existing activity-based models of travel demand simulate activity-travel patterns for an average or typical day, dynamic models simulate behavioral response and adaptation to endogenous or exogenous change along various time horizons. Prior research has predominantly addressed a specific kind of change. In contrast, the current study aims at developing a dynamic model of activity-travel decisions which links short and long-term adaptation decisions in a hierarchical manner. It assumes that travelers will first consider and explore easy to implement and demanding less effort, short term adjustments of their habitual activity-travel patterns, in order to cope with change and increasing stress. Only when such adaptation strategies turn out to be ineffective, they will consider more dramatic changes and long-term decisions, so as to adequately deal with the problematic situation. The paper will describe in detail the developed conceptual framework, which integrates the concepts of activity list, aspiration, activation and expected utility.
Modelling the dynamics of activity-travel behavior constitutes the next challenge on the internat... more Modelling the dynamics of activity-travel behavior constitutes the next challenge on the international research agenda. Long-term dynamics relate to changes in opportunities or constraints, such as residential and job choice, while short-term decisions relate to day-to-day experiences. Due to a bottom-up process, a constant series of negative experiences may trigger people to conduct long-term changes. The aim of the current study is to model the bottom-up process of influence into an agent-based simulation system of dynamic activity-travel behavior. This paper will discuss the conceptual framework underlying the model, as well as the results of numerical simulations. Specifically, the dynamic evolution of the choice-set that each agent generates for every activity type, at every time step will be simulated. Furthermore, the variation of the aspiration values that the agents hold for every activity type will be indicated. Finally, examples of short-term and long-term dynamics in agents' activity-travel behavior will be illustrated.
Transportation Research Record, 2014
As existing activity-based models of travel demand simulate activity travel patterns for a typica... more As existing activity-based models of travel demand simulate activity travel patterns for a typical day, dynamic models simulate behavioral response to endogenous or exogenous change along various time horizons. Prior research predominantly addressed a specific kind of change, which usually affected a specific time horizon. In contrast, the current study aims to develop a dynamic model of activity travel decisions that links short-and long-term adaptation decisions in a hierarchical manner. Specifically, this study focuses on the bottom-up process of influence, in which problems with rescheduling on a daily basis may induce a long-term change. The authors assume that travelers will first explore short-term adjustments of their habitual activity travel patterns so as to cope with change and increasing stress. Only when travelers recognize that such adaptation strategies are ineffective will they consider long-term decisions. The proposed framework integrates three key concepts: aspiration, activation, and expected utility. Moreover, both rational and emotional mechanisms are taken into account. The study demonstrates model properties by using numerical simulation. Individual travelers are represented as agents, each with their cognition of the environment, habits, preferences, and aspirations. The results offer insight into the dynamics of traveler learning-adaptation and into the evolution of long-term decisions.
Transportation Research Record, 2016
This study focused on short-term dynamics of activity-travel behavior as a response to travel tim... more This study focused on short-term dynamics of activity-travel behavior as a response to travel time increases. It is assumed that short-term changes are triggered by stress, which is defined as the deviation between an individual's aspirations and his or her daily experiences. When stress exceeds a tolerance threshold, habitual behavior is dissociated, and various adaptation strategies emerge. A stated-adaptation experiment was designed to trace behavioral change. The analysis results of the empirical data corresponding to travel time scenarios are presented. Specifically, a random coefficient logit (binary) model that focused on the decision of activating a short-term change was estimated. Next, a random parameters (mixed) logit model is presented; it indicates which specific activity attribute is adjusted once a short-term adaptation is chosen. Then one random coefficient logit (binary) model indicates whether an exploitation of the existing choice set or an exploration effort occurs once an activity attribute is chosen to be adapted. These analyses led to interesting results about the inertia characterizing people's behavior and their unwillingness to deviate from their habitual state. In addition, it is seen that richer choice sets lead to more short-term changes and specifically to more exploitation efforts. Moreover, heterogeneity plays a significant role in all these models. Finally, the effect of stress as well as of various sociodemographic and travel-specific variables (activity type, destination location, transport mode, and day of the week) is revealed and can be taken into account in the design of spatial and transportation policies.
Transportation Research Board 94th Annual MeetingTransportation Research Board, 2015
The current paper focuses on a model of dynamic activity-travel behavior and on an innovative app... more The current paper focuses on a model of dynamic activity-travel behavior and on an innovative approach of collecting empirical data to validate it. Specifically, the suggested model simulates the reaction of people to various exogenous changes and the way that habitual behavior is dissociated, so that various short or long-term adaptation strategies can emerge. Therefore, it focuses on a bottom-up chain of influence, according to which daily experiences of people lead to a learning process, which in turn feedbacks on whether there is a need of an adaptation. These endogenous dynamics are triggered by stress, which is defined as the deviation between an individual’s aspirations and their daily experiences. Moreover, this model aims at linking the short and the long-term time horizon and predicting at what point short-term changes are not considered to be fruitful anymore. Several bounded rationality mechanisms were incorporated in this model: both cognitive and emotional responses are taken into account during the decision-making process, choice set formation and memory activation are simulated, while updating of aspiration values and tolerance to stress play a key role. First, a series of numerical simulations was conducted in order to calibrate the model and illustrate its behavior under various scenarios. Finally, a stated adaptation experiment was designed, in the form of an interactive web-based questionnaire, in order to collect the appropriate data for validating the model. The data needs of such a model and the structure of the experiment are explained in this paper.
Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, May 1, 2015
ABSTRACT Models of activity-travel behavior can be a useful tool in order to predict the direct o... more ABSTRACT Models of activity-travel behavior can be a useful tool in order to predict the direct or secondary effects of various spatial, transportation or land-use policies. Whereas existing activity-based models of travel demand focus on a static, typical day, dynamic models simulate behavioral response to endogenous or exogenous change, along various time horizons. The current study focuses on modelling endogenous dynamics of activity-travel behavior. Endogenous dynamics are triggered by stress, which is regarded as dissatisfaction with current habits. It is assumed that people try to alleviate stress by conducting short-term changes, within or beyond their current choice sets. If these attempts prove to be unsuccessful, they may also consider long-term changes, such as moving to a new residence, and buying a car. In this study, this self-improvement process, which can result in both short and long-term adaptations, is modeled. In the proposed framework, choice set formation and the key concepts of aspiration, activation, awareness and expected utility are integrated, while both rational and emotional mechanisms are taken into account. Numerical simulations are conducted in order to check the face validity of the model, as well as the impact of awareness parameters on choice set formation and on the overall system behavior.
ABSTRACT Models of activity-travel behavior can be a useful tool in order to predict the direct o... more ABSTRACT Models of activity-travel behavior can be a useful tool in order to predict the direct or secondary effects of various spatial, transportation or land-use policies. Whereas existing activity-based models of travel demand focus on a static, typical day, dynamic models simulate behavioral response to endogenous or exogenous change, along various time horizons. The current study focuses on modelling endogenous dynamics of activity-travel behavior. Endogenous dynamics are triggered by stress, which is regarded as dissatisfaction with current habits. It is assumed that people try to alleviate stress by conducting short-term changes, within or beyond their current choice sets. If these attempts prove to be unsuccessful, they may also consider long-term changes, such as moving to a new residence, and buying a car. In this study, this self-improvement process, which can result in both short and long-term adaptations, is modeled. In the proposed framework, choice set formation and the key concepts of aspiration, activation, awareness and expected utility are integrated, while both rational and emotional mechanisms are taken into account. Numerical simulations are conducted in order to check the face validity of the model, as well as the impact of awareness parameters on choice set formation and on the overall system behavior.
Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen - Research Centre for Built Environment – NoorderRuimte, 2020
. A bounded rationality model of short and long-term dynamics of activity-travel behavior. (Bouws... more . A bounded rationality model of short and long-term dynamics of activity-travel behavior. (Bouwstenen 213 ed.). Technische Universiteit Eindhoven.
Modelling the dynamics of activity-travel behavior constitutes the next challenge on the internat... more Modelling the dynamics of activity-travel behavior constitutes the next challenge on the international research agenda. Long-term dynamics relate to changes in opportunities or constraints, such as residential and job choice, while short-term decisions relate to day-to-day experiences. Due to a bottom-up process, a constant series of negative experiences may trigger people to conduct long-term changes. The aim of the current study is to model the bottom-up process of influence into an agent-based simulation system of dynamic activity-travel behavior. This paper will discuss the conceptual framework underlying the model, as well as the results of numerical simulations. Specifically, the dynamic evolution of the choice-set that each agent generates for every activity type, at every time step will be simulated. Furthermore, the variation of the aspiration values that the agents hold for every activity type will be indicated. Finally, examples of short-term and long-term dynamics in age...
Purpose This chapter discusses the formulation of an agent-based model to simulate day-to-day dyn... more Purpose This chapter discusses the formulation of an agent-based model to simulate day-to-day dynamics in activity-travel patterns, based on short and long-term adaptations to exogenous and exogenous changes. Theory The model is based on theoretical considerations of bounded rationality. Agents are able to explore the area, adapt their aspirations and develop habitual behaviour. If they experience dissatisfaction, stress emerges and this may lead to short or long-term adaptations of an agent’s activity-travel patterns. Both cognitive and affective responses are taken into account, when agents evaluate available options. Moreover, memory-activation and forgetting processes play a significant role in the development of habitual behaviour. Findings Results of numerical simulations show the effect of memory-activation and emotion-related parameters on habit formation, on the decision-making process and on overall model behaviour. Effects of specific aspects of bounded rationality on the...
Whereas existing activity-based models of travel demand simulate activity-travel patterns for an ... more Whereas existing activity-based models of travel demand simulate activity-travel patterns for an average or typical day, dynamic models simulate behavioral response and adaptation to endogenous or exogenous change along various time horizons. Prior research has predominantly addressed a specific kind of change. In contrast, the current study aims at developing a dynamic model of activity-travel decisions which links short and long-term adaptation decisions in a hierarchical manner. It assumes that travelers will first consider and explore easy to implement and demanding less effort, short term adjustments of their habitual activity-travel patterns, in order to cope with change and increasing stress. Only when such adaptation strategies turn out to be ineffective, they will consider more dramatic changes and long-term decisions, so as to adequately deal with the problematic situation. The paper will describe in detail the developed conceptual framework, which integrates the concepts ...
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Papers by Ifigenia Psarra