CHANGING ENERGY CONSUMPTION BEHAVIOUR THROUGH SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN
DS 48: Proceedings DESIGN 2008, the 10th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Year: 2008
Editor: Marjanovic D., Storga M., Pavkovic N., Bojcetic N.
Author: Tang, T.; Bhamra, T.
Section: Eco design
Page(s): 1359 - 1366
Abstract
Energy consumption during the use phase of electrical products’ lifecycle has a significant environmental impact, mainly determined by the user behaviour. Product designers are in a position to shape the way in which consumption occurs and to bridge the gap between environmental values and user everyday action. This paper analyzes the barriers to sustainable energy use and by linking the design strategy research with the psychological theories, the breakthrough points that potentially enable design to influence the user behaviour and habits are identified. Employing a user-centred approach, the results of a pilot study are presented that provide an understanding of user perceptions of environmental issues.
Keywords: behavioural change, sustainable design, household energy consumption, user-centred research