Field study of the app
Field study ended
The field study ran until March 31, 2025, and has now ended. We thank you for your participation and the reports you submitted! A total of nearly 100 people registered in the app and created 255 reports (about three quarters were criticism reports and one quarter were praise reports).
We are now evaluating the results and will be holding discussions with city officials.
Here are a few examples of reports that were submitted:
Image 1: Sidewalk suddenly becomes very narrow. Image 2: Garbage bins blocking the sidewalk. Image 3: Path ends abruptly at a wall. Image 4: Unlit, dark path.
Who? What?
The St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, tbw research and bitsfabrik project team conducted a test run of the comfort:zone cell phone app. In this test, the cell phone app comfort:zone will be tested. For the test phase, we were looking for people who live, work or spend their free time in the cities of Baden, Korneuburg, Krems and St. Pölten. The app aims to help everyone get around their cities easily and feel comfortable on their journeys.
How does it work?
For a lot of people without a car, getting around the city is not very easy or pleasant. For example, people in wheelchairs or with walking aids, baby carriages, bicycles and scooters. Or people who avoid places and routes due to fear, bad experiences or other reasons. With the app, we collect information through text, photos and videos about difficulties or obstacles on paths.
When?
The test phase ended in March 2025
Questions?
Would you like to find out more about the project? Please get in touch with us: comfortzone@fhstp.ac.at
Information on the project
comfort:zone (comfort zone) is the name of a research project and is about ensuring that everyone can move around freely in their cities and feel comfortable on their journeys.
The St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences (Departments of Social Affairs, Mobility, Economics, Media), a research institute (tbw research) and a software company (bitsfabrik) are working together on the comfort:zone research project.
For a lot of people without a car, getting around the city is not very easy or pleasant. For example, people in wheelchairs or with walking aids, baby carriages, bicycles and scooters. Or people who avoid places and routes due to fear, bad experiences or other reasons. Together with people who live, work or spend their free time in the cities of Baden, Korneuburg, Krems and St. Pölten, we want to find out exactly what those obstacles are.
We invite everyone to send us their criticism or feedback via the comfort:zone app. The project is looking for ways through the cities that are comfortable for users. Later, the project would like to work with residents and city officials to see how problem areas can be changed and improved.
Do you need help?
You might find answers to your questions here: Questions about the app
If not, ask your contact person (ambassador) or you can send an e-mail to comfortzone@fhstp.ac.at.
Thank you for using the app and helping us to improve the roads for everyone!