On the invisible socio-technical systems – the great unknown

• Energy is an important resource in society and we often depend on energy in our everyday life. Energy-related emissions constitute at the same time a major environmental load, and we need to use energy more efficiently. To develop sustainable energy systems users need to transform their behaviour and start reflecting on their energy use. The aim of this paper is to discuss different methods to visualize energy use in households. We will discuss experience from three different methods, namely information, time-diaries and a power-aware cord. Every method has its drawbacks, but combining the three methods could be one way to highlight households’ energy use and their possibility to energy conservation. By using the results from the introduction of time-diaries and technical artefacts in households when developing information campaigns and in energy guidance, we can find strategies that appeal more closely to peoples’ behaviour, hence making it easier for households to put the advice into practice in their everyday lives.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Annan samhällsvetenskap -- Övrig annan samhällsvetenskap (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Other Social Sciences -- Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Socio-technical systems

energy efficiency

visualization

sustainability

Technology and social change

Teknik och social förändring

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)