'A bit like British Weather, I suppose' Design and Evaluation of the Temperature Calendar

Abstract

In this paper we present the design and evaluation of the Temperature Calendar -- a visualisation of temperature variation within a workplace over the course of the past week, highlights deviation from organisational temperature policy, and aims to bring staff "into the loop" of understanding and managing heating, and so reduce energy waste. The display was deployed in five public libraries. Analysis of logs, questionnaires and interviews shows staff used the displays to understand heating in their buildings, and took action to relate their libraries to organisational policy and improve thermal comfort. We also present a subsequent lab study, demonstrating that adding electricity consumption to the visualisation did not improve likelihood of spotting heating "errors". Bringing together our results, we discuss three topics of relevance to the research community: design implications for workplace displays, the engagement of staff through focus on organisational policy, and sustainability cost-benefit analysis of the Temperature Calendar.

More information

Identifiers

Catalogue record

Export record

Altmetrics