The Role of Users in the Social Shaping of Environmental Technologies

Abstract

A better understanding of the role of end-users in processes of technology innovation and diffusion could help to develop a broader range of policy instruments fostering the development of environmentally friendly and politically desirable technologies and products. Such insights could help to improve conditions for a more conscious, reflexive and inclusive learning process between designers, intermediaries and users in product-creation processes. This article builds on an empirical investigation of two technologies that may enhance the environmental performance of buildings: balanced ventilation systems with heat recovery and 'smart home' technologies. Both technologies are in an early phase of diffusion, but are still in a process of change and adaptation. The interaction of users, producers and intermediary actors is of crucial importance for the learning processes taking place at this stage. The paper will focus on three levels of product development where the actions and expectations of diverse actors meet: extending actor networks, appropriating technologies by users and translating discourses and visions into technical practice. An improvement of these interactions and learning processes could have a high potential to better adapt technologies to the needs and practices of diverse groups of users.

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