GAFU: A game to save fuel using social networks

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a social game to promote efficient driving and provide feedback to the user. The proposed system uses a fuzzy logic system in order to assess the driving style from the point of view of the fuel consumption. The output is a score between 0 (not efficient) and 10 (efficient). This value can be compared with the score from other users of the social network that have similar characteristics in order to do a fair comparison and obtain eco-driving advice adapted to the environment (e.g., braking frequency is greater on urban road than highway). Providing feedback to the user is essential in driving eco-systems for changing bad driving habits and not returning back to driving bad-habits. In our case, the system provides two types of feedback. The first type of feedback is provided in real time. When the user does not comply with any of a preconfigured set of eco-driving rules, he gets a warning message. The second type of feedback is based on a calculated relative score for each user according to his or her driving style, positioning the user into a ranking of eco-driving users and generating a set of eco-driving tips.

Sustainable behavior in motion: designing mobile eco-driving feedback information systems

“…Few could name specific points they could improve to save fuel [37]. Therefore, for instance, Vagg et al [38] introduce a driver assistance system to 15 vehicles. Their instantiation provides information on inefficient acceleration and early upshifting of the gears to achieve fuel-efficient DB.…”

“…Similarly, Magana and Organero [38] did not provide eco-feedback on the actual outcome of DB. Instead, their study provided an eco-score compared to other drivers' scores and, thus, constituted a gamification element based on social comparison.…”

“…Therefore, a key element of the design process is to explicitly investigate the effect of social comparison in the context of eco-driving. To date and in the context of eco-driving, only Magana and Organero [38] have shown that social comparison improves driving behavior. However, they have not quantified the effect in terms of reduction of fuel consumption.…”

“…As outlined, community information potentially triggers individuals even more to adjust their behavior. The community serves as a comparison and may vary from anonymous consumers [38,45,56] as well as to known consumers like neighbors [53], colleagues [57], or friends [58,59]. A popular way to carry out social comparison is rankings [38,39].…”

“…The community serves as a comparison and may vary from anonymous consumers [38,45,56] as well as to known consumers like neighbors [53], colleagues [57], or friends [58,59]. A popular way to carry out social comparison is rankings [38,39]. Altogether: DP4: Provide the system with the capability to present normative feedback on the DB of a peer community in order for the users to compare it to their DB, given that social norms serve as additional motivation.…”