The thing that made me think Navigating challenges and embracing opportunities of (pro-) active technology for behavior change in the context of sustainability

Abstract

Given the threatening consequences of anthropogenic climate change, it is vital to modify energy-intensive daily routines to minimize individual energy consumption. However, changing daily routines is challenging due to their abstract, future-oriented nature and the comfort they provide. Interactive technologies can play a crucial role in facilitating this process. Instead of relying on rhetorical persuasion through information and appeals, we propose two design approaches within the research agenda of the MOVEN research group: (1) employing friction to disrupt routines, and (2) advocating for the interests of natural entities using counterpart technologies. Regarding the disruption of routines, we explore the use of humor as a design element to dampen the resulting resistance (i.e., psychological reactance). Moreover, we reflect on the opportunities of counterpart technologies as a new interaction paradigm in the context of sustainability. Finally, we discuss the potentials and limitations of individual behavior change for a holistic, sustainable transformation.