User Research about Energy consumption
Cultural Probes tools for user research
Cultural Probes tools for user research
My graduation project about Smart Grid applications and final users involvement has started with a broad research and analysis of the actual models of energy consumption between different category of end users.
The aim of these research was to obtain a general pictures of what means electricity today for final costumers, how do they use it, how it is related to their daily life, and which are the limits of possible changes in their consumption models.
The main tools employed for this research are booklets, photo probes and research postcards.
Three different kit have been designed.
The first is focused on the connection between routine and the use of energy.
The second tries to elicit and stimulate visual and imaginary connection between daily life and the use of energy, also in relation with the emotional boundaries people have with their houses.
The third one aims to create a complete description of the use of energy and the related motivations at home on one week based investigation.
Cultural probes are qualitative research tools, and their principal contribution to the design process is allowing designers to empathize with their final users, and receive suggestions and inspiration that otherwise would be not accessible.
Cultural Probe N.1
Booklet
Cultural Probe N.2
Booklet + Postcards
Cultural Probe N.3
Booklet
