Taking into Account User Appropriation and Development to Design Energy Consumption Feedback

This paper reports on a study of the long-term appropriation of home energy displays. We hypothesize that learning underlies the sustained use of these devices and that it is therefore important to consider how user needs and competence develop over time to design engaging and appropriable systems. Our preliminary results show that displays prompt reflexivity about energy issues and, as questions emerge, they need to be addressed by a range of adapted systems (eco-feedback systems, control systems and relational programs).