Miroir

EDF R&D

Developing a smart mirror reflecting a household's carbon emissions. 

Brief

Developing a smart mirror reflecting a household's carbon emissions. This is part of a broader range of “inspiring products” to illustrate how we could engage with energy differently in our homes.

Research questions:

• What information should we display to help households reduce their energy use?
  
• What type of interactions would make the device blends into users’ daily routine?
  
• How can we translate abstract concepts into actionable information?

Miroir helps raise awareness of the interconnected nature of individual and collective challenges related to CO₂ emissions and encourages users to adapt their behaviour accordingly.

Role

Led discovery work, experience design, and supported prototyping for a smart home device to reduce energy consumption.

Discovery work

In my role, I led discovery work focusing on smart products and emerging trends in Human-Computer interactions. This involved exploring innovative sensor technologies to enable new types of interactions within the home as well as how objects could foster meaningful relationships with users.

Additionally, I conducted in-depth research into human carbon emissions, aimed at identifying the type of information and communication users need to influence energy behaviours. Leveraging this research, I formalised the desired user interaction with the product through comprehensive journey mapping and the development of early prototypes—both physical and digital.

Experience design

Leading on the interactive work, I conducted graphic research to translate abstract concepts (air quality and carbon emissions) into simple visuals. The device has different level of interaction: passive/ active. In passive mode, the  mirror might alert the household if the air quality is bad (you should open your window). When getting closer (distance sensor), the mirror shows their carbon balance (monthly emissions).

I produced video animations to test and communicate the type of interactions we can have with the mirror as the production of the mirror was yet to come.