FLEXIB.EL | ENERGY WHEELS | 2013
How can we encourage people to adapt their use of electricity to the available power on the grid? The Flexib.El project aimed at designing interactive artifacts able to foster a more flexible use of electricity in the smart grid scenario. The designed solutions create engaging sensory experiences by informing users about the electricity available on the grid in an unconventional and emotional way.
I performed research on users’ habits in electricity usage, brainstorming sessions, concept design and prototyping. (Interactive Institute Swedish ICT)
User research + analysis + concept design + prototyping
THE ENERGY WHEELS PROJECT
The Energy Wheels display the balance between the available electricity on the grid and the household real-time consumption. The aim is to encourage users not to exceed the available amount of energy.
When the two wheels rotate with the same speed, it means that the balance is being maintained. If the household wheel moves faster, too much electricity is being used and the user should cut down their consumption. To encourage the user to reduce consumption in real time, a flexible pin moves towards the household wheel and hits the wheel teeth, producing sound. The more unbalanced the consumption, the faster and unpleasant the sound becomes.
The artifact, which shows only real-time (un)balance, is paired with an app where it is possible to check the upcoming states of the electricity grid and to plan the use of electricity when it is available.
