Driving States of Mind: A Strategic Framework for Mobility Behaviour in Grand Paris 2040

Abstract

This thesis explores how future mobility in the Grand Paris region can be designed not only as an infrastructural solution, but as a meaningful and adaptive part of people’s daily lives. Conducted in collaboration with Mobilize—Renault Group’s urban mobility brand—and Delft University of Technology, the project applies the Vision in Product Design (ViP) methodology, complemented by systems thinking and biomimicry. The aim is to develop a strategic design vision and concept that responds to societal transitions, climate goals, and evolving human needs in one of Europe’s most complex metropolitan environments.

The Grand Paris region is undergoing major transformations, including the Grand Paris Express, stricter climate policies, and increasing urban density. Yet systemic barriers persist: suburban car dependency, social inequalities, and cognitive overload challenge the realisation of a more inclusive and sustainable mobility system. In this context, the core question becomes: how can Mobilize shape (sub)urban mobility ecosystems by 2040 in ways that align with emerging societal and experiential needs?

The research adopts a phased approach. First, it defines the design domain through the deconstruction of the current product–context relationship. Next, 199 interdisciplinary context factors were collected and clustered into twelve “emerging conditions”—narratives of probable societal change. These were structured into a framework of twelve “future states of mind,” combining two dimensions: human drivers of mobility decisions and perceptions of freedom. These states reflect how people may relate to mobility in 2040, not as users of a system, but as social, emotional, and cognitive actors.

The project then narrows its focus to one key worldview: the Resonating state. This mindset envisions people aligning their movement with collective rhythms—seeking not just autonomy, but awareness, timing, and shared flow. To translate this into a design response, the concept FLO was developed: a Product–Service–System that enables orchestrated micro-mobility “waves” across the metropolitan area. Through sync points, shared cues, and layered user feedback, FLO helps individuals move in sync with others, enhancing energy efficiency, psychological clarity, and social resonance.

The thesis delivers three core outcomes. First, a future-facing framework that supports strategic design explorations beyond infrastructure or technology. Second, a gap analysis revealing misalignments between current regional ambitions and lived mobility experiences. Third, a detailed concept—FLO—with user journeys, stakeholder roles, and a development roadmap aligned with Grand Paris 2040 goals.

Ultimately, the project shifts the perspective on mobility from movement alone to meaningful movement. It proposes a human-centric, systemic approach to mobility design that can inform Mobilize’s strategic direction, while offering broader insights for other cities navigating similar transitions.