Some consideration on the (in)effectiveness of residential energy feedback systems

Energy feedback systems, particularly residential energy feedback systems (REFS), have emerged as a key area for HCI and interaction design. However, we argue that HCI researchers, designers and others concerned with the design and evaluation of interactive systems should more strongly consider the ineffectiveness of such systems, including not only potential limitations of specific types of REFS or REFS in general but also potentially counterproductive or harmful effects of REFS. In this paper we outline research questions and issues for future work based on critical gaps in REFS research identified from (i) a review of REFS literature and (ii) findings from two qualitative studies of commercial home energy monitors. Keywords Sustainability, energy, design, home, everyday practice ACM Classification Keywords H5.m. Information interfaces and presentation (e.g., HCI): Miscellaneous.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2010
• Where: ACMDIS
• Authors: James Pierce, Chloe Fan, Derek Lomas, Gabriela Marcu, Eric Paulos
• Keywords: ACMDIS 2010, Energy Feedback Systems, Human Computer Interaction, REFS Research, Residential Energy Feedback