Dalla cognizione spaziale alle modalità di viaggio: l’analisi delle scelte di trasporto e delle abilità navigazionali a supporto di soluzioni di smart mobility

This thesis explores the interaction between spatial cognitive abilities, navigation styles, and travel modes, analyzing how these factors influence mobility choices. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and mobility sciences, the study investigates the role of Sense of Direction (SOD) and individual differences in the three navigation styles: landmark, route, and survey. It examines how these cognitive variables shape transport decisions and influence the preference for more sustainable travel modes. A key contribution of this research lies in the development of the Predominant Traveling Modality Index (PTMI) and the Cognitive Attitude Related to Smart Mobility Questionnaire (CARS-Q). The PTMI classifies predominant travel modes, highlighting preferences between public and private transport in relation to individual navigational abilities. The CARS-Q measures attitudes and behaviors related to sustainable mobility, providing a detailed understanding of the cognitive barriers and motivational factors influencing users' choices. By utilizing both real and virtual environments, the cognitive dynamics underlying navigation strategies and transport choices were examined. The findings highlight how individual differences in spatial representations and navigation styles significantly impact mobility preferences. The study has practical implications for developing personalized applications and navigation training tools based on virtual reality, aimed at enhancing mobility experiences and promoting the adoption of more sustainable travel modes. This thesis seeks to contribute to the understanding of the cognitive and behavioral dynamics of mobility, aiming to facilitate new research perspectives and offering innovative solutions to address global challenges related to the sustainability of transport systems.