Waterbot
Ernesto Arroyo, Leonardo Bonanni and Ted Selker of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Media Laboratory
Waterbot is a device that is designed to attach to a tap and inform the user about water usage. Employing visual and auditory cues, the Waterbot enables users to track their water usage and encourage more efficient water usage practices, for example to conserve water by turning the tap off when not in use. The device uses a real-time interface to provide the user with cues to the state of the tap, water usage and water temperature. It is a device that encourages and 'enhances' the experience of using a tap as a motivation for increased. The Waterbot incorporates a water flow meter, heat sensing and LED read-outs to provide visual and audio feedback.
Creative Contribution
What was the significant innovation in approach or thinking behind the project/artwork? How can this be recognisably attributed to the involvement of creative practice?
The designers employ notions and concepts derived from HCI and user-interface design to produce an artefact that simply attaches to an existing tap. The designers believe visual and audio cues will encourage behaviour change.
The designers used an iterative and user-centered design approach, including observations and two pilot studies, during the development of the Waterbot.
Collaboration
What were the disciplinary contributors to the project? What model of research / development was followed? What were factors leading to success / problems?
Values
What were the outcomes of the project? How were these disseminated to outside stakeholders? What models of value are implied by this project? What was the Impact of the work?
Links and Resources
http://web.media.mit.edu/~amerigo/p304-arroyoa%20(1).pdf
 http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/003221.html
http://www-staff.lboro.ac.uk/~cddl/waterbot_design_concept.htm

