Change the mental model, change the behavior: Using interface design to promote appropriate energy consuming behavior in the home

Abstract

This paper considers how designs of typical home heating systems fall short in the way they communicate their function to householders, and offers a ‘mental models’ approach to design as an alternative. Revell and Stanton (Appl Ergon 45:363–378, 2014, [13]) identified that inappropriate mental models of heating controls influenced users’ behavior strategies to conserve energy. Domestic energy accounts for approximately 30% of UK consumption, and 60% of this is as a result of space heating (DECC 2013). Previous work by the authors’ drives the focus of design changes at both the device and system level. Guidelines by Manketelow and Jones (Applying cognitive psychology to user-interface design. Chichester: Wiley, 83–117, 1987, [11]) and Norman (The Design of Everyday Things, Basic Books, New York, 2002, [8]) are used to understand how existing devices may unintentionally ‘say the wrong thing’ and improve functional communication in the redesign. Feedback from a pilot study using a simulator to demonstrate the resulting ‘control panel style’ of heating operation is also provided.