Design for Sustainable Behaviour is a research area concerned with the application of design strategies to influence consumer behaviour during the use phase of a product towards more sustainable action. Measurable.energy would like us to explore how the LED indicators on their smart plugs, which display the carbon intensity of electricity directly sourced from the National Grid, affect people's electricity consumption behaviour.
Department: Construction Management & Engineering
Supervised by: Mate Lorincz
Measurable.energy's defined sockets feature LED indicators that convey the carbon intensity of electricity directly sourced from the National Grid. The color code is designed to provide users with information about the source of their energy: Green indicates predominantly renewable sources (such as wind and solar). Amber signifies a mix of renewable and non-renewable sources, including fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Red signals that the energy is sourced primarily from non-renewable sources. These LED indicators aim to help users make informed decisions about when to power their devices, optimizing emission reduction. Additionally, the sockets monitor electricity consumption at the appliance level. As part of a study, Measurable.energy has facilitated collaboration with a host company whose employees are interested in participating. The study involves four groups, each receiving different types of feedback over four weeks to explore energy consumption behavior: A control group. A group receiving tailored written feedback on electricity consumption. A group receiving feedback solely from the smart sockets. A group received feedback from the sockets along with personalized information about their electricity consumption. This approach allows for a comprehensive exploration of the impact of various feedback methods on individuals' energy consumption behavior.
The student involved in this study is likely to undertake various tasks related to the research design, data collection, and analysis. Here are potential tasks for the student: Group Assignment: Contribute to the random assignment of participants into different study groups (control, written feedback, smart socket feedback, combined feedback). Feedback Implementation: Coordinate the implementation of feedback mechanisms for each group, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Data Collection: Oversee the collection of data related to participants' energy consumption behaviour. Monitor the functioning of defined sockets and LED indicators. Survey Administration: Develop or assist in developing surveys/questionnaires to gather qualitative and quantitative data from participants. Administer surveys and collect responses. Data Analysis:Assist in analyzing collected data to identify patterns, trends, and insights. Collaborate with researchers to draw meaningful conclusions from the data. Reporting and Documentation:Contribute to the preparation of reports documenting study procedures, findings, and recommendations.Present findings to relevant stakeholders, including Measurable.energy and the host company. Participant Engagement: Foster engagement and communication with participants throughout the study. Address any issues or concerns raised by participants during the course of the research. Collaborate effectively with Measurable.energy representatives, researchers, and the host company to ensure smooth implementation of the study.
Research Methodologies:Familiarity with research design and methodologies, particularly in the context of behavioral studies and interventions. Data Collection and Analysis:Understanding of data collection methods and statistical analysis techniques, as data analysis is a crucial component of the study. Technology and Device Integration:Basic understanding of technology integration, especially in the context of implementing feedback mechanisms through LED indicators and smart sockets. Understanding of ethical considerations in conducting research involving human participants, ensuring the well-being and informed consent of participants. Strong communication skills to effectively convey study objectives, provide instructions to participants, and collaborate with stakeholders. Survey Design:Familiarity with survey design principles to create effective tools for gathering qualitative and quantitative data.
Critical Thinking: Enhanced critical thinking skills through the analysis of data and the identification of patterns and trends.
Chancellor's Building / Measurable.energy
9am-5pm
Wednesday 03 July 2024 - Sunday 11 August 2024
The deadline to apply for this project is 5pm on Friday 10th May 2024. To make an application, please go to the following link and complete the application form: https://forms.office.com/e/LDxskffW5H. Please remember the title of the project (listed at the top of the page) as you will need this to locate the project on the application form.