Using social network games to reduce energy consumption
Luis C.R. Oliveira
Val Mitchell
Kevin Badni
2134/7652
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/conference_contribution/Using_social_network_games_to_reduce_energy_consumption/9339197
This research is investigating the potential role of online social network based life simulation computer
games as a persuasive tool for encouraging users to reduce their domestic energy consumption. Games
such as ‘Farmville’ which runs on the Facebook platform have attracted millions of users worldwide
who create simple virtual worlds where they interact with others and carry out everyday activities to
earn tokens to spend within the game. Applying a User Centred Design (UCD) and in particular
persona based design approach, this research is investigating why users find these games so enticing,
the characteristics of those who play them, and the context in which they are played. Through an
iterative UCD process, a life simulation game will be designed with users who represent a number of
key ‘gamer personas’ in order to research how this sort of game could be used to encourage domestic
energy saving behaviours.
2010-12-22 12:12:55
Energy saving
Online social networking
Persuasive games
Behaviour change
User centred design
Design Practice and Management not elsewhere classified