Design for sustainable behavior (DfSB): Analysis of existing frameworks of behavior change strategies, experts' assessment and proposal for a decision support diagram

Abstract

Abstract Recent research suggests that environmental benefits can be attained by changing the behavior of users and how they interact with products. The recognition that users play a fundamental role in generating more (or less) environmental impact during product usage has led to studies on design and how it can be used to influence user behavior. In this scenario, approaches and tools that explicitly focus on Design for Sustainable Behavior began to be developed. Conceptually, Design for Sustainable Behavior focuses on products and how these can be designed for users to behave more sustainably during their use. Different frameworks containing behavior changing strategies have been proposed in the literature. Based on the perception of twelve experts, this paper assesses these frameworks and identifies similarities and complementarities, aiming to unify vocabulary and methodologies to avoid unnecessary uncertainty and confusion. It also proposes a decision support diagram that relates the main contributions identified by the experts in the frameworks and adds questions to help designers define control. The diagram contains four phases: (i) user analysis; (ii) level of user or product control; (iii) strategy definition; and (iv) means to incorporate strategies to the product. Furthermore, considering the need to determine the usability of the proposed diagram, its use in practical cases within companies was assessed. In terms of future research, additional studies are suggested to confirm the relationships established between generic strategies (inform, guide, and ensure the change) and the specific strategies.