Data sufficient products: Speculative design explorations for sustainable digital futures

Mathijs Bodelier, Maria Luce Lupetti, Roel Dobbe, Lise Magnier

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

13 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Information technologies promise to make products and services more efficient and sustainable, yet the ICT industry has a substantial ecological footprint that is only expected to grow. This calls for actions beyond improving product efficiency. To this end, we explore whether demand for data can be moderated by encouraging ‘sufficient’ usage. We combine behaviour change theories with a critical design approach and conduct a Research through Design exploration of online consumption speculating about possible directions for reducing data use. Partnering with an internet service provider, we designed and tested with end users a set of three provotypes embodying data-sufficient design directions. We reflect on the results to argue that across the entire system of stakeholders, there is insufficient awareness of the environmental impact of data technologies. Further, we conclude by highlighting that contrary to the belief that interventions aimed at reducing consumption harm user experience, our results show that moderating data intake might actually even improve it.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMindtrek '24
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the 27th International Academic Mindtrek Conference
Place of PublicationNew York, NY
PublisherACM
Pages188-200
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)979-8-4007-1823-6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Event27th International Academic Mindtrek Conference - Finnkino Cine Atlas, Tampere, Finland
Duration: 8 Oct 202411 Oct 2024
https://www.mindtrek.org/

Conference

Conference27th International Academic Mindtrek Conference
Abbreviated titleACADEMIC MINDTREK 2024
Country/TerritoryFinland
CityTampere
Period8/10/2411/10/24
Internet address

Keywords

  • critical design
  • design for behaviour
  • human-centred design
  • human-computer interaction
  • research through design
  • systems thinking

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Data sufficient products: Speculative design explorations for sustainable digital futures'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this