Pitfalls and potentials of home energy monitoring feedback: An information experience critique

Abstract

Our ageing energy grid, the fundamental resource for human activity, remains one of the great societal challenges. Governments and the energy industry are visioning a future of an engaged society that sustainably produces and consumes energy via a shared multi-directional Smart Grid. This vision; however, depends on our current efforts to increase public’s awareness and comprehension of energy as a limited consumer product, involving personal choice. Energy monitoring and feedback, along with home automation, are fast emerging markets to support this vision. We reviewed 75 currently available home energy-monitoring systems (HEMS) and discussed their pitfalls and potentials. We hope to encourage discussions about the role user experience design could play in personal information visualization, and in addressing fundamental societal problems. We call for experience centric explorations into HEMS’ design to address the energy feedback needs of the future.