Energy responsive design: a novel paradigm for human – technology interaction

The complex relationship between humanity, technology, and energy is a defining characteristic of modern life, shaping our environment and experiences. The paper aims to explore the evolution of this relationship, highlighting the need for novel solutions and practices in the design field that can drive the transition to energy efficient artifacts and sustainable lifestyles. Building on the concepts of eco-ergonomics and green economics, we highlight the necessity to take into account the connection between energy-efficient solutions and the behavioral dimension of human nature. Introducing the term energy responsive design, we extend the concept of responsiveness from web design to energy usage, advocating for a design approach that integrates energy efficiency with user-centered experiences. A case studies section then illustrates and discusses the application of such an approach to diverse design domains (digital, product, and interior). The case studies show how both natural and artificial intelligence can be leveraged to design responsive artifacts that do not necessarily need human cognition, but rather operate autonomously in shaping the environment, experience, and resource consumption of users’ daily practices, while also making energy more visible, and understandable. Ultimately, we aim to encourage further exploration in this field, proposing the expansion of energy responsive design to new areas and assessing its potential in the design practice.