The role of digital technologies in shifts towards sustainable behaviours – empowering end user engagement through user-centred design

New digital technologies and interactive experiences offer the potential to help enhance our day to day lives and mitigate many of the challenges our society faces today, but many of these are reliant on end user acceptance. One such challenge where digital technologies have been increasingly utilised relates to the current climate crisis, with digital technology not only being used to enhance energy efficiency within many industrial areas but also to encourage more sustainable, and often energy efficient behaviours at an individual user level. Recognising that collective action is needed to tackle the sheer scale of the global crisis. Alongside the long-standing need to shift towards more energy efficient behaviours, many countries globally are now facing a cost-of-living crisis, which has caused an increase in awareness of individuals’ actions, and often a recognition that many digital technologies could be implemented to support sustainable behaviour change.

However, many of these digital technologies are not developed using user-centred design approaches which then results in subpar or sustained changes in behavioural actions. It is widely recognised that awareness raising alone is not enough for sustained energy-related behaviour change, issues of trust, individual vs collective attitudes, and individual benefit from many of these technologies. Taking a user-centred/UX design approach this research would seek to effectively empower and engage end users towards more sustainable behaviour change.

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in User Experience, Human-Computer Interaction or a related subject with a good fundamental knowledge of behavioural theories.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University's policy are available online.

Essential attributes

• Experience of fundamental Human-Computer Interaction theories
• Competent in UX research methodologies
• Knowledge of behaviour change interventions
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

Application process

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the supervisor, Dr Ashley Morton ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss the content of the project and the fit with their qualifications and skills before preparing an application. 

The application must include: 

Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about

• Background and motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
• Research questions or
• Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
• List of references

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Recent and complete curriculum vitae. The curriculum must include a declaration regarding the English language qualifications of the candidate.
• Supporting documents will have to be submitted by successful candidates.
• Two academic references (but if you have been out of education for more than three years, you may submit one academic and one professional reference), on the form can be downloaded here.

Applications can be submitted here.

Download a copy of the project details here.