From Motivation to Memory

This thesis investigates how documentation technologies can be designed to support reflective experiences in the context of cycling within the field of Human–Computer Interaction (HCI). Cycling experiences are increasingly shared through digital recording and visual storytelling. Documenting while riding is physically challenging and often conflicts with fully immersing oneself in the moment. At the same time, narratives about cycling continue to be mainly shaped by male perspectives. FLINTA* often remain underrepresented in both media and research. To explore how motivations, expectations and media practices shape the imagination and rec- ollection of solo bikepacking experiences, a qualitative workshop study was conducted with FLINTA* people preparing for such journeys. The collected data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Based on this, central themes regarding travel motivations, documentation habits and expectations toward technological support were identified. Building on these em- pirical insights, an automated prototype was developed. It autonomously records bike tours visually as a reflective travel companion. The prototype was deployed in an outdoor scenario. Participants reflected on their experiences with the prototype through an online questionnaire, the responses to which were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings show that documentation practices are closely intertwined with the embodied ex- periences of cycling and media consumption, shaping the interpretation of experiences before, during and after the ride. The prototype was perceived as helpful in preserving authentic mo- ments without disrupting the activity. It supports concentration while riding and thus facilitates later reflection and memory. By foregrounding FLINTA* perspectives This work is influenced by FeministHCI approaches. This work provides empirical insights into the use of technologies for documentation in specific outdoor cycling contexts. The study focuses on the setting of cy- cling travel. The qualitative findings are based on a workshop and an online questionnaire. The thesis defines documentation not merely as recording, but as a deliberate design element that, through an automated capture system, shapes how journeys are experienced and remembered. The completed version has been uploaded to the university's online library for public access and is also available as a physical copy in the library at the university of applied sciences.