Domestic electricity consumers and the interactive bill: design intervention for improved energy literacy and empowerment

Abstract

Domestic electricity consumption has been the subject of numerous interventions that address environmental, economic, social, and technical issues, with the primary objective of reducing the consumed kilowatt per hour (kWh). Taking a mixed-method approach, this research explores a design intervention through a prototype of a digital interactive electricity bill. This innovative bill had a dual purpose: 1. A design probe for improving usability, usefulness, and user experience; and 2. A research tool for generating knowledge and understanding of the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of domestic electricity consumers. This three-phase study involved domestic electricity consumers, who explored and interacted with the prototype. Findings show that the interactive bill is more understandable and useful compared to the current printed or e-document bill, and thus may enhance users' empowerment, sense of control, curiosity to seek additional information and energy literacy. The study provides a direction for further research, toward establishing a connection between design and smarter energy consumption.