Encouraging Resource-Conscious Behavior Through Product Design: The Principle of Discretization

Abstract

Lead-user methods were applied to develop product design principles that encourage resource-conscious behavior in individuals. Old Order Mennonites (OOMs) were chosen as lead users because of their low-resource consumption lifestyles. Ethnographic analysis revealed that discretizing resource consumption facilitates and encourages conservation behaviors in OOMs. An experimental study demonstrated the effectiveness of discretization in reducing water consumption by non-OOMs. We then generated concepts for products that applied discretization and tested them with users. Concepts were revised and a prototype for saving water was created.