THAT’S THE SMELL OF PEACETIME - DESIGNING FOR ELECTRICITY LOAD BALANCING

Abstract

In this exploratory paper we review, reflect, and react upon recent research that heavily critiques common design approaches towards electricity load balancing. Through this review we identify overlooked opportunity spaces for design in which we situate a prototype called Peacetime as an alternative approach to load balancing on the electrical grid. In sharp contrast to home energy management systems (HEMS) and in-home displays (IHD’s) which provide detailed energy data, Peacetime employs frameworks from slow time and emotional design, and from ambient multimodal interfaces to create a stronger and different experience in relation to load balancing. We present the Peacetime concept in detail and discuss its implication for future designs within the field of Sustainable Interaction Design.