Automated blinds with light feedback to increase occupant satisfaction and energy saving

Abstract

a b s t r a c tWith the increase of building automation in the work environment, there is a risk that occupants lose their sense of control when decisions on environmental aspects such as temperature, electric lighting, and daylight are made by technology. This paper reports two experiments in which we investigated the effect of the level automation and the type of system expressiveness on users' satisfaction with an automated blinds system installed on a virtual window. An expressive interface was designed to communicate the status and intentions of the blinds system to the building occupants. The results show that the addition of the expressive interface increased user satisfaction compared to the original system. Moreover, users made less corrections after automatic blind adjustments and adherence to the system suggestions increased. These results demonstrate the potential of expressive interfaces to increase user's acceptance of automated blinds and thereby realizing the anticipated energy savings.

Dynamic internal light shelf for tropical daylighting in high-rise office buildings

“…Dynamic shading devices can be controlled by the users manually or with automated system. Although many researchers looked into the use of automated shading devices as an effective solution, automated system might cause the users losing their sense of control and affect the users' satisfaction [29]. Higher level of accessibility to control the indoor conditions can achieve higher daylight utilization [30].…”

Use of Automated Control Systems and Advanced Energy Simulations in the Design of Climate Responsive Educational Building for Mediterranean Area

“…In fact, although seemingly illogical, a Danish study [55] reported that more than 60% of people still prefer, on average, manual controls for lighting, ventilation, and solar shading. Other studies [56,57] have detected the perception of loss of control amongst those occupants, whose workplaces were fitted with automated shading devices, blinds, and light controls. BACS are contemplated by LEED in so far as they help meet other requirements, such as reduced energy use and light pollution through scheduling and occupation control or real-time monitoring and metering.…”

The Control of Venetian Blinds: A Solution for Reduction of Energy Consumption Preserving Visual Comfort

“…The analysis revealed a preference for customized indoor climate with consequently different energy impacts. [16] reported two experiments investigating the effect of the level automation and the type of system expressiveness on users' satisfaction with an automated blinds system. They found out that the use of an expressive interface communicating the status and intentions of the blinds system could favor users' acceptance and satisfaction level, reducing the sense of losing control when decisions on environmental control are made by technology.…”