Exploring the Use of Behavioural Techniques in Serious Games for Energy Efficiency: a Systematic Review and Content Analysis

Abstract

Aim: While the efficacy of serious games for energy efficiency is well established, analysis of how behavioural principles are employed within them has yet to be considered. To enhance our understanding of the ways in which behavioural principles may be best leveraged, this study presents a systematic review and content analysis of the use of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) within serious games for energy efficiency.Methods: Using search terms relating to 1) serious games and 2) energy efficiency, the databases of Web of Science, EBSCO Host, IEEE Explore, Scopus, SagePUB, Wiley Online and Science Direct were searched. Inclusion criteria necessitated the evaluation of a serious game for energy behaviours.Content analysis was completed using the behaviour change taxonomy v1 (BCTv1; Michie et al., 2013).Results: Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Serious games primarily targeted residential settings (n=10), though some examined commercial (n=8) and educational (n=1) settings, and public buildings (n=2). Serious games were found to result in average decreases in energy use of 15.2% in residential settings, 18.4% in commercial settings and 9.9% in educational and public settings. Across serious games, 36 individual BCTs were found with an average of 9.45 individual BCTs per game.Common BCTs included monitoring of behaviour by others without feedback (n=18), feedback on behaviour (n=17) and self-monitoring of behaviour (n=12). Conclusion:Results highlight the positive impacts of serious games on energy consumption behaviour and demonstrate the utility of BCTs within such games. Opportunities exist to further enhance the efficacy of serious games through better leveraging behavioural principles in how BCTs are employed. As such, behaviour analysts must collaborate with other disciplines to disseminate knowledge on the application of behavioural principles.

Review of Serious Energy Games: Objectives, Approaches, Applications, Data Integration, and Performance Assessment

“…Accordingly, the visualization mechanisms should be thoughtfully designed to render the feedback readily understandable to users, and provide them with insights into their energy consumption patterns and routines [14]. Innovative promotion of energy applications involves an interactive, collaborative, and visual approach to maintain user engagement and allow service providers to adapt to users' capabilities [15], which necessitates the design, development, implementation, and active use of innovative systems, technologies, and behavior change strategies [16].…”