Research Grant
Smart Futures Fellowship
2009 – 2012

Abstract
Queensland requires decisive action on climate change and issues of sustainability. This study explores ways to support Queensland residents in making more sustainable consumer and lifestyle choices. User-centred design research will inform the development of real-time, mobile, locational, networked information interfaces, feedback mechanisms and persuasive and motivational approaches that assist in-situ decision making and environmental awareness in everyday settings. The study will deliver usable and useful prototypes offering individual and collective visualisations of ecological impact and opportunities for engagement and collaboration in order to foster a participatory and sustainable culture of life in Queensland.

Raising people’s awareness with environmental data and educational information does not necessarily trigger sufficient motivation to change their habits towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle. This study seeks to develop a better understanding how to go beyond just informing and into motivating and encouraging action and change. Drawing on participatory culture, ubiquitous computing, and real-time information, the study will deliver research findings that will inform viable new design approaches and information interfaces which will strengthen Queensland’s position to meet the targets of the ClimateSmart 2050 strategy, and contribute to the sustainability of a low-carbon future in Queensland.

Team

• Assoc. Prof. Marcus Foth (Smart Futures Fellow)
• Richard Medland (PhD Candidate)

Partners

• Smart Futures Fund, Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
• Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management
• ClimateSmart Home Service
• National ICT Australia (NICTA)
• CitySmart

Publications
Foth, M., Paulos, E., Satchell, C., & Dourish, P. (2009). Pervasive Computing and Environmental Sustainability: Two Conference Workshops. IEEE Pervasive Computing, 8(1), 78-81. (eprints >)

Foth, M., Satchell, C., Brereton, M., & Choi, J. H.-j. (2008, Oct 16-18). Internet Technology and Urban Sustainability. Paper presented at the Association of Internet Researchers conference (AoIR IR 9.0), Copenhagen, Denmark. (eprints >)