Turning Leaf: Eco-visualization for Mobile User Engagement

Awareness of environment trends and global warming is widespread, but personal knowledge of energy consumption is not provided in real-time or in an actionable manner to individual consumers. Using recent work in eco-visualization, an innovative mobile application has been developed, depicted with a turning leaf. The illustration of individual energy use in a mobile hand held device is designed to improve awareness while encouraging personal conservation. Additional user motivation may be present, with the turning leaf symbolizing turning over a new leaf or encouraging positive social behaviors. The mobile application is illustrated, with an analysis of the motivation and behavior which would be expected from energy-aware users.