Flowing Awareness Charles Skender Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world. As a result current water resources face growing pressure from an increase in households and consumption levels resulting in widespread urban water shortages. In focusing on either empowering consumers to reduce their demand (Queenslandís target 140 campaign and Melbourneís target 155 campaign) or designing more efficient supply systems and household technologies (water efficient showerheads), we reinforce this production/consumption relationship that overlooks reasons why people use resources, how these ëneedsí and ëwantsí are constituted and how they can change within the broader context of everyday life where day-to-day practices. There is a clear gap between consumer beliefs on individual responsibility to conserve water and day-to-day usage behaviour; A gap which this project aims to bridge. The artefact, an intelligent device, will track volume, temperature, duration and motivation levels providing real and accurate data on shower activity. Trends and patterns of shower usage start to form, from which the device can extrapolate achievable targets for water consumption minimisation. By broadcasting conservation success to social media, no matter how small, the device facilitates a natural growth of further and bigger success. It allows users to compete within their community and play games powered by the water not used. Suddenly we have the ability to make water conservation addictive. What emerges is truly exciting; a paradigm where water conservation isn't just about fleeting occurrences of high motivation but a routine in which water conservation efforts constantly grow.
Social & Sustainable 2012 | 10