Watt Watchers energy consumption trainers.
A network of collars for light bulbs that collectively dim to encourage better consumption habits. Using lights as a proxy for household energy use, the system reminds users when they are consuming above average power by mimicking a brownout.
Opportunity
People are aware of the need to reduce their energy use, but a wealth of consumption data does not effect a change. And devices that automatically shut off without the user having to make a decision address the symptom, not the problem. How can a user be made conscious of his consumption habits in order to change his overall behavior more effectively?
Solution
We explored the barriers to monitoring energy consumption in a way that leads to a reduction, and proposed an easy-to-install solution that provides ambient feedback at the point of decision-making. A system was then prototyped and tested in users' homes.
Notable Entry, 2008 Greener Gadgets Design Competition
In concert with Jordan Fischer and Sarah Jones.
Prototyping
We made a series of working and system models using ZigBee transceivers, Flash and BASIC Stamp microcontrollers to quickly test system and user behavior.
Testing
We had users try the working prototypes in their homes. We found suitable subjects on a tight budget using screeners, and conducted interviews before and after testing using discussion guides.