Designing an Individualised Eco Information System: a conceptual framework

What is the potential of consumer behaviour change if appropriate eco information is provided at the point of purchase? What are the opportunities brought by the latest technologies to information design? What is the role of designer in this context? This paper investigates these questions through a review of literature surrounding the areas of eco information provision, eco labelling and consumer behaviour, contextual technology and information, User Centred Design (UCD) in business context and in eco-labelling. Building on the findings from literature, this paper proposes a conceptual framework for designers in designing an individualised eco information system. The components and technologies required for such a system are described. The application of the framework is demonstrated with two example scenarios. The conceptual framework was evaluated with a focus group study, which confirms the usefulness of the proposed framework. Implications can be drawn from this paper for designing other information systems for behaviour change.