Reflection

It expanded upon my belief that to influence an individual's behavior, fostering a sense of belonging and communal involvement is crucial. The aim of this intervention was not punitive; instead, it aimed to reframe our actions positively. Consequently, we began viewing energy consumption as saved euros, transportation choices as reducing CO2, and food waste in comparison to an average citizen. This approach made contemplating our usage more enjoyable.

In addition, the device placed on our table during the Friday class sparked engaging discussions with peers. They were intrigued about its purpose, and as we explained, they grasped that we were approaching our daily limit of laptop energy usage, even with time remaining in the class. Witnessing how a simple device, presenting a familiar concept in a new light, prompted thought-provoking conversations was fascinating.

For me, the primary insights over the past weeks have been that addressing issues need not be framed negatively. Constructive conversations are more likely when framing challenges positively. Moreover, undertaking this initiative with three others simultaneously heightened my sense of responsibility and commitment to the change. However, for future viability, automating the tracking process is essential, as the current manual effort proved somewhat burdensome.

In the context of design dialogues, scaling up this approach could involve real-time portrayal not only of individual usage but also of how people engage with their own and others' consumption. Exploring the potential to build communities for change through simple devices or tools that initiate conversations is an intriguing avenue worth exploring.