source: Strategic Design Scenarios, 2009

Abstract : ISEU standing for “Integration of Standardisation, Ecodesign and Users in energy using products” is a research project funded by the Belgian Science Policy. One of its focus is the design of domestic appliances that induces a rational use of the energy by the user. For that purpose, a group of 8 families have been involved into a co-design process including peer-to-peer discussions on the web, ethnographic-like in-depth at home and participation of users to design session. As a final step of the process, mock-up of light switch, thermostat, washing-machines and smart-meters issued from the co-design sessions were delivered at users home. After a period of familiarisation, users were encouraged to present in front of a video camera, the products resulting of the co-design process and explain why they arrive to these solutions, how it will shift their use of energy and why they would adopt it. The output is a complete user centred innovation process where users are involved into all steps from generating initial ideas, developing them and finally advertising them to their peers.

Drivers

– Social

Inspired by user-centred design approach and experimenting co-design with users. ISEU belongs to complete user-based process from idea generation to promotion of the final innovation with or by the users themselves.

– Environmental

Product design is growingly concerned with environment concerns and sustainability. The innovation approach involved the users into an innovation process oriented to sustainability both in the product output and in the awareness raising of the participating users.

– Design / Art

Based on user centred design approaches

Obstacle

Economic / Industrial

Time consuming and demanding innovation process.

Indication

Change in current innovation patterns

This case is in line with the increasing involvement of users into the innovation process and push it one step further to involve the user into the presentation and promotion of the new products in a peer-to-peer interactiom.

Sector specifics / cultural specifics

The case is focused on domestic appliances but it may be generalised to any B2C sectors.

Source

– Conferences / Lectures

Communication at Energy Efficiency & Behaviours, Maastricht, 19-20 October 2009