How do users interact with photovoltaic-powered products?

Investigating 100 'lead-users' and 6 PV products

Journal article (2016)

Authors

G. Apostolou Design for Sustainability -

A.H.M.E. Reinders University of Twente, Design for Sustainability -

Research Group

Design for Sustainability () (TU Delft)

Design Performance PV Interaction Aesthetics Photovoltaic User behaviour PV products PV-powered Lead-user Users’ expectations

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http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:2b93e981-1a6f-4e64-ac5e-ea466f8153cb

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Published Date

2016

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Sustainable Design Engineering

Research Group

Design for Sustainability

Abstract

In order to better understand how ‘lead-users’ interact with PV-powered products, the behaviour of 100 people interacting with six different PV-powered products in their daily life was analysed. The sample of respondents to be observed consisted of 20 groups, each one formed by five students of Industrial Design Engineering at Technical University of Delft (TU Delft). The tested PV products are: the IKEA Sunnan lamp, the Waka Waka light, the Waka Waka power (charger and light), the Little Sun light, the Logitech solar keyboard and the Beurer kitchen weight scale. In this study the design of the six tested PV products was analysed, lead-users’ expectations were outlined, as well as their opinion of the products’ performance during and after use was addressed. Results show that respondents need reliable PV products with appealing design and improved performance.