GreenLife: A Persuasive Social Robot to Enhance the Sustainable Behavior in shared Living Spaces

Abstract

This research aims to gain understanding of interactive technology, which could persuade building users to behave sustainably inside shared living spaces. By utilizing the research through design approach, we conducted a three-phase qualitative study to explore persuasive technologies for sustainability. First, we ran three focus groups (n=14) to explore what form of interactive technology could persuade building users to behave sustainably, and to investigate their related needs. Second, based on the focus group findings, we designed an application concept called GreenLife for the social robot Pepper. Third, we evaluated the GreenLife concept represented by video scenarios using an online survey (n=20). Most participants believed that social robots can persuade building users to behave sustainably by providing social feedback, valuable rewards, and reliable information on sustainability. A list of design implications was formulated to support the future design of social robots as motivators of sustainability in shared living spaces.