Taking into Account User Appropriation and Development to Design Energy Consumption Feedback

Abstract

This paper reports on a study of the long-term appropriation of home energy displays. We hypothesize that learning underlies the sustained use of these devices and that it is therefore important to consider how user needs and competence develop over time to design engaging and appropriable systems. Our preliminary results show that displays prompt reflexivity about energy issues and, as questions emerge, they need to be addressed by a range of adapted systems (eco-feedback systems, control systems and relational programs).

Tackling Algorithmic Transparency in Communal Energy Accounting through Participatory Design

“…[32,33,39]) or enduser eco-feedback tools (e.g. [7,[10][11][12]25]). The former research tends to focus on the technical domain-specific challenges, where as the latter is more concerned with the suitability and effectiveness of such tools for 'nudging' [37] its users to continue using the tools and effecting positive behavioural changes to reduce the carbon footprint of its users.…”

Traces

“…Initially users explore by interacting more often with a system to build up their knowledge about it, then establish a particular use [7,12]. In some cases use is abandoned, in others, users become habituated to the presence of the display and access it only when needed (e.g.…”

“…In some cases use is abandoned, in others, users become habituated to the presence of the display and access it only when needed (e.g. checking the heating temperature if it feels cold [12]). Appropriation happens through collaborative and creative activities influenced by social context [8].…”

“…Would they identify value, or would their interactions disrupt the interpretations recurrent users found? Whilst research has argued the need to improve understanding of technological appropriation in public spaces, where users and practices are heterogeneous and dynamic [1,12,22,32], there is a lack of practical guidance on how to support this though embedded media. Although research has considered how users interact in different ways with wall displays (i.e.…”

Collaborative Appropriation: How Couples, Teams, Groups and Communities Adapt and Adopt Technologies

“…Second, while the notion of appropriation has been discussed in HCI/CSCW communities and plays an important role in system design, this aspect has been overlooked in the sustainability domain. Although there is a shift from understanding individual behaviors to understanding everyday practices (e.g., [35]), few researchers have further investigated appropriation in Sustainable HCI (e.g., [20,16]). As most research in this domain has taken a narrow focus on individual users, there is a need to uncover the participation of other users in appropriating technology (e.g., family members [31]) to support their collaborative sustainability intentions.…”