Kilowh.at – Increasing Energy Awareness Using an Interactive Energy Comparison Tool

Abstract

Abstract:Reducing the use of energy is important for several reasons, such as saving money and reducing impact on the climate. However, the awareness among non-experts of how much energy is required by different activities is generally low, which can lead to wrong prioritizations. In this study, we have developed an interactive tool to increase "energy awareness". A group of 58 students first did a test to benchmark their current energy awareness, then tried the tool for 10 minutes, and then did the same test immediately after trying the prototype and one week after trying the prototype. In addition, they answered questions regarding which, if any, of the energy requirement of different activities surprised them, any thoughts about their own energy used aroused after using the prototype and what they thought about using the tool compared to more conventional methods of learning. The results showed a significant learning effect in energy awareness with a very strong effect size of 1.689, that they were most surprised by the energy required to produce a hamburger, 39 of 58 explicitly said they intended to change one or more aspects in order to improve their energy use, where 24 actions involved changing habits and 18 actions was of a one-time investment character. The attitude towards using such a tool instead of more conventional learning was very good and the words most frequently used to describe the tool was good, simple and easy to use, fun, and interesting, but five users also said they were bored after a while. In total the results indicate that using an interactive tool like this even for a limited time is a good way to in an efficient and fun way increase energy awareness.

The energy piggy bank — A serious game for energy conservation

“…Interest/Enjoyment was highest for the player type Achiever (4,02) and the Undefined group (4,21), with a mean score of 3,6 across all player types including the undefined group. Value/Usefulness score was highest for the player type Explorer (4,98), with a mean score of 4,50 across all players types including the undefined group.…”

“…Looking at an energy efficiency context, Johnson et al [20] found that gamification and serious games appear to be of value, and evidence was found for a positive influence on behavior change, knowledge levels, learning, and improving user experience. Adding interactive elements have also been shown to have a positive effect on learning and engagement when learning about energy-related issues [21]. Previous work on user motivation suggest that different users interact with game-like systems in different ways and have different motivations [22], however, the extent to which effects of serious games interventions vary across user groups is still unclear [20].…”

“…One way ICT could support a transition toward sustainable energy consumption patterns is by enabling such behavior change [5]. ICT can and has (for a fairly long time) been used for persuasion [6], eco-feedback [7], quantified self [8], and can be useful in increasing awareness and knowledge on how everyday choices affects the environment [9] and let the user adjust behavior accordingly.…”

Energy weight: Tangible interface for increasing energy literacy

“…In our own previous studies we could also confirm that users had not a good understanding of quantitative kilowatt hour information or of the differences in scale between different energy uses [3].…”

“…In previous studies we have explored the use of simulation and playing as a way of making sense of abstract units such as kilograms of carbon dioxide [4], and kilowatt hour [3]. In these applications, users could translate quantitative information such as 1 kWh to more everyday activities such as charging a mobile phone.…”