Why Energy Consumption Feedback Is not (Only) a Display Issue

This paper presents the results of a longitudinal study of the appropriation of a consumption display. Our results show that feedback on household energy consumption is contextually interpreted according to personal energy history, other available resources for managing energy issues, including resources for actions and human resources, and in relation with the occurring activity. We show that feedback use is an evolving process co-determined by the actors’ preoccupations and their activity context. Consumption feedback should be considered as part of a system of assistance designed to enhance user engagement with energy control. To be appropriable, it must have at least three main characteristics: scalability, complementarity, and operationality.

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