An Exploration into Framing Effects and Information Preferences: Implications for the Design of Energy Feedback Interfaces.
Taylor-Brown, Peter.
2013
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Abstract: A recent topic in the energy industry involves developing strategies
to reduce the necessary peak production capacity of our future electricity infrastructure.
One of these strategies is promoting behavioral change among individual energy consumers.
An inherent problem with electricity consumption is that electricity is invisible,
intangible, and abstract. Interfaces that provide peo... read moreple with useful feedback on their
usage can help with understanding and reduction of consumption. These interfaces intend to
empower individuals with ability to adopt less wasteful energy consumption behaviors.
Skillful HCI design will include attention to informational preferences, and framing
effects due to presentation choices. An online questionnaire was utilized to explore this
domain, and the results identified design requirements for a home feedback interface. The
final dataset contained responses from 36 male and 49 female United States residents. Cost
($) was perceived as the most useful metric and kW as the least useful. Respondent
preference was expressed for lower levels of automation, which was not attributable to
distrust of automation. Further, a test of framings effects showed a higher likelihood to
change behavior to save 100 dollars per year than 2 per week (U=1248.5, p=0.001). A
feedback interface design based on the questionnaire results was used in the second phase
of the research. A 2x2x2 factorial design compared the effects of goal-type (specific vs.
open-ended), metric-use ($ vs. kWh), and visualization (graphical vs. text-only) on user
experience, learning and behavior during a consumption reduction task. Results showed that
goal-type affects the amount of diagnostic behavior conducted by participants (U=351.0,
p=0.001). Goal-type and metric-use independently affect participant belief that they could
reduce their consumption in their real home with the same feedback shown in the task,
F(df=1,39)=24.77, p=0.001; F(df=1,39)=5.55, p=0.05. In addition, visualization affects
perceived comfort sacrifice from changing behaviors to reduce consumption, F(df=1,39)=8.97,
p=0.01.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2013.
Submitted to the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.
Advisor: Daniel Hannon.
Committee: Robert Hannemann, and Remco Chang.
Keywords: Information science, Behavioral sciences, and Design.read less - ID:
- 086130790
- Component ID:
- tufts:22024
- To Cite:
- DCA Citation Guide EndNote
