Empowering users to become designers: using meta-design environments to enable and motivate sustainable energy decisions
Abstract
Unsustainable energy consumption is a systemic problem facing societies. While technological innovations are necessary to address this problem, they are not sufficient; they need to be integrated with social and behavioral changes in order to be most effective. Our approach is based on understanding and using participatory design as a paradigm for software design as well as the foundation for socio-technical environments that enable and support a cultural shift from passive consumers of energy to active decisions makers. Our research is grounded in two theoretical frameworks, meta-design and cultures of participation. We are developing EMPIRE, a socio-technical environment supporting rich ecologies of participation that enable people to become active designers of their energy consumption. EMPIRE engages people to participate in the design of their own energy environment and supports individuals and communities in understanding and making more sustainable choices regarding energy.
