Wattson
DIY KYOTO
A consumer product, which allows people to wirelessly monitor their domestic energy consumption.
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?
Wattson is a consumer product, which allows people to wirelessly monitor their domestic energy consumption. The product utilizes a remote sensor that attaches to the cable that runs from a domestic electricity meter to the fuse box. The electricity readings are then transmitted wirelessly to the display unit. The display unit has two forms of visual display. On the topside is presented numerical information of energy consumption and cost. On the underside, the unit emits three colours to signify levels of usage: low use, average use and high usage levels. The display unit stores 28 days of electricity readings that can then be presented in the accompanying software application 'Holmes'. This is achieved by attaching the display device to a personal computer via USB. Here, users can view daily, weekly and monthly electricity usage in detail.
Collaboration
What were the disciplinary contributors to the project? What model of research / development was followed? What were factors leading to success / problems?
DIY KYOTO is a design studio formed of three graduates from the Royal College of Art: two graduates from the Industrial Design course and one graduate from the Interaction Design course.
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?
Wattson is presented as a device that can enable users to save money on their electricity bills. The enclosure design positions the device as a domestic gadget that can be put on display in the home, rather than hidden away. As such, the value of Watson lies in how it promotes users to continuously monitor their electricity consumption by making electricity usage a visible feature of the home.
Links and Resources
http://www.diykyoto.com/uk
