“Feedback Loops” and Next-Gen Intelligent Transportation Systems

The recent emergence of new mobile computing technologies has enabled ITS practitioners to develop a wide array of next-gen transportation solutions.  The new technologies have also instituted an increased focus on the use of traditional “Feedback Loops” as a mechanism for implementing behavior management and process improvement strategies.

Feedback loops (a subset of cybernetics) consist of four distinct stages: the evidence stage, relevance stage, consequence stage and action stage.  The first stage (evidence) measures, captures and stores behavior data.  The second stage (relevance) relays compelling, emotionally resonant information (not raw data) to the individual.  The third stage (consequence) presents one or more viable alternative paths ahead that confront the individual. Finally, the fourth stage (action) represents a concise moment where an individual can modify a behavior or make a choice regarding a potential path.  The resulting action is then measured (evidence) as the loop continuously repeats.

(Graphic from Wired)

Feedback loops have been utilized by ITS practitioners for a number of years, most notably for traveler information systems.  Feedback loops are implemented to provide travelers with information about their actions (travel), and then provide travelers with viable alternative actions, allowing the travelers to alter their actions.  An early example of the use of feedback loops in ITS can be easily illustrated in overarching operations of travel time information systems.  Traffic data is collected, travel times calculated and decision-quality, actionable travel time information is disseminated to travelers (typically through the use of Dynamic Message Signs) at locations that allow travelers to evaluate their existing travel conditions and modify their trip as required.

(Picture From FHWA/GDOT)

So how is new mobile technology changing the use of feedback loops within the ITS environment? New mobile technologies have instituted the ability to implement next-generation feedback loops that incorporate dynamic, real-time functional capabilities.  New capabilities focus on the use of hyper-local connectivity and unique user needs through dedicated interfaces with each traveler.   Mobile technologies such as smartphones and connected vehicles allow for the use of real-time, context aware data collection and information processing based on real-time location-based conditions.  These new capabilities facilitate highly-tailored feedback loops based on each unique traveler within a system.  New feedback loops can incorporate individual user needs based on unique characteristics such as weather, scheduled appointments, transit alternatives, route preferences, vehicle type, job location, recurring trips, etc.

References and Further reading:
Harnessing the Power of Feedback Loops
http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/06/ff_feedbackloop/
Changing Behavior Through a Mobile-Enabled Feedback Loop
http://www.mobilebehavior.com/2010/03/29/sxswi-trend-1-changing-behavior-through-a-mobile-enabled-feedback-loop/