The expert-layperson divide in design for sustainable behaviour: Related risks and the value of involvement
Ida Nilstad Pettersen, Casper Boks · 2008
Individual behaviour is central to society’s impact on the environment. Research suggests that to allow for sustainable development, consumption patterns must be changed. Means for change include policy, education, community-based social marketing and technology, with appeals calling for voluntary action frequently being applied, with limited success. Research into design-led behavioural change has distinguished several strategies, differing with regards to the level of control and responsibility users are left with. A central dilemma is the trade-off between the long-term common good and individual autonomy, quality of life and democratic rights. Additionally, the difficulty of predicting actual use involves the danger that undesirable consequences may happen, while the complexity of sustainability issues makes much of the political debate and technology development inaccessible to consumers. Ways of dealing with these challenges may be found in the user-centred, user-involved and participatory tools and processes of design disciplines like interaction design and participatory design. The article addresses ethical issues arising when developing technologies intended to influence behaviour, and discusses how and to what extent adaptation and application of usercentred and participatory techniques can contribute to limiting such threats.