Author Archives: Alison Kidd

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About Alison Kidd

Research Psychologist

Energy Storage – Report of Smart Energy Wales Conference

The Prospectors recently attended a 1 day Conference organised by Smart Energy Wales on energy storage and smart grids. It was billed as ” bringing together the most experienced practitioners from industry, academia and the public sector to provide insights and … Continue reading

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Electric Car Running Costs

Individuals don’t generally buy things for their collective benefit, so industry and government would be wasting their time trying to persuade us to buy electric cars because they offer a better long term personal transport solution for society and the … Continue reading

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Chaotic or coherent behaviour?

Many years ago, we did some collaborative research on ant behaviour with a delightful group from the University of Bath. The way it challenged our thinking about human behaviour has stayed with us ever since. This recent article provides a … Continue reading

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Working on ideas which go against the mainstream

Refreshing to read a synopsis of Malcolm Gladwell’s latest book ‘David and Goliath, Underdogs, Misfits and the Art of Battling Giants‘.  In particular, Gladwell talks about the French Impressionists who were exploring a radically different way to paint and were … Continue reading

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Start of Boma 7 All Terrain Wheelchair trial

With their Eco Travel Network hats on, the Prospectors are running a trial this summer of a Boma 7 All Terrain Wheelchair designed and manufactured by Molten Rock Ltd. We are exploring whether a hiring model can work here in … Continue reading

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Money or Excitement? – David Hockney Quote

“I think I’m greedy, but I’m not greedy for money – I think that can be a burden – I’m greedy for an exciting life. I want it to be exciting all the time, and I get it, actually. On … Continue reading

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Doing or Having – which gives us the greater pleasure?

There’s been research evidence for a while that people enjoy longer lasting happiness from experiences (things they do) than from material acquisitions (things they have). This is partly because enjoyment from experiences can increase over time as we relive them … Continue reading

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Research Report – Electric Vehicle Trial on Eigg

With their Eco Travel Network hats on, the Prospectors have issued a research report on the 3 month trial of their modified Rural Twizy on the Hebridean Isle of Eigg. You can read the full report here .They have now … Continue reading

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Latest Eco Funky Travel Project News

The Prospectors have been back up in Scotland the past week finishing off the Eco Travel Network trial of Toro, our modified Twizy on the Isle of Eigg and moving Toro to Knoydart where his trial will continue until January. … Continue reading

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Exploring Boma All Terrain Wheelchair trial in Brecon Beacons

The Prospectory is currently exploring the possibility of running a trial in the Brecon Beacons National Park of a Boma All Terrain Wheelchair. The Boma (left) was developed by Chris Swift, a qualified engineer and tetraplegic, who wanted to enable … Continue reading

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