Using grounded theory to inform the design of energy interventions for the workplace

Foster, Derek, Lawson, Shaun, Winn, Joss , Noble, Howard and White, David (2011) Using grounded theory to inform the design of energy interventions for the workplace. In: Digital Engagement 2011, November 15th-17th, Newcastle, UK.

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Using grounded theory to inform the design of energy interventions for the workplace
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Abstract

Much work has been published on using technological
interventions to motivate reductions in home energy consumption. These interventions have produced promising results, but typically focus on emphasising the financial benefits of reductions in consumption to users. Motivating employees to reduce their consumption of energy in the workplace is more problematic, as they are typically not responsible for energy costs. There has been
very little work to date addressing energy interventions in the workplace, and indeed, there are many challenges in doing so.
This paper presents an overview of the initial user-centred design stage of a large energy research project called Electro-Magnates. Three day-long workshops were run with a total of 65 participants from 5 universities and a number of representatives from industry. The workshops’ main focus was understanding behaviour change in organisations in an energy resource and usage context, supported by designing a 12 month intervention. Audio and design task accounts were transcribed and analysed using the grounded theory approach with the developed theory forming the design requirements and implications for the Electro-Magnates intervention software. Our findings identified some of the key
concepts for inclusion in a workplace energy intervention; incentivisation, openness and management buy-in.

Additional Information:Much work has been published on using technological interventions to motivate reductions in home energy consumption. These interventions have produced promising results, but typically focus on emphasising the financial benefits of reductions in consumption to users. Motivating employees to reduce their consumption of energy in the workplace is more problematic, as they are typically not responsible for energy costs. There has been very little work to date addressing energy interventions in the workplace, and indeed, there are many challenges in doing so. This paper presents an overview of the initial user-centred design stage of a large energy research project called Electro-Magnates. Three day-long workshops were run with a total of 65 participants from 5 universities and a number of representatives from industry. The workshops’ main focus was understanding behaviour change in organisations in an energy resource and usage context, supported by designing a 12 month intervention. Audio and design task accounts were transcribed and analysed using the grounded theory approach with the developed theory forming the design requirements and implications for the Electro-Magnates intervention software. Our findings identified some of the key concepts for inclusion in a workplace energy intervention; incentivisation, openness and management buy-in.
Keywords:Energy conservation, behaviour change, HCI, Grounded Theory, Organisations
Subjects:G Mathematical and Computer Sciences > G440 Human-computer Interaction
Divisions:College of Science > School of Computer Science
ID Code:4752
Deposited On:24 Oct 2011 19:54

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