User Segmentation for Energy Saving Tip Adoption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing resource consumption, particularly energy consumption, are ineffective in motivating users due to limited user segmentation and lack of targeted incentives.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that identifies similar users based on various factors to provide personalized energy-saving tips, using notifications with comparative participation information to enhance social incentives for energy reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If user segmentation is improved to provide targeted energy-saving tips, then user motivation and tip adoption rate increase, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetip adoption rateVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments users into distinct groups based on multiple criteria including demographics, energy consumption patterns, and behavioral characteristics. This segmentation enables targeted delivery of energy-saving tips to specific user groups, increasing relevance and adoption rates while managing system complexity through structured classification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different energy-saving tips and motivational messages tailored to specific user segments rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Each user group receives customized content based on their characteristics, improving effectiveness without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If comparative participation information is provided to users, then social motivation increases, but information processing and notification complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy reduction effectivenessVSAvoidnotification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by providing users with comparative participation information showing how their energy consumption compares to similar users. This social comparison feedback motivates users to reduce consumption to match or exceed peer performance, creating a gamified approach to energy conservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary system that processes and anonymizes participation data from multiple users, then presents aggregated comparative information to individual users. This intermediary layer protects privacy while enabling social motivation, managing the complexity of handling raw user data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10171603B2User segmentation to provide motivation to perform a resource saving tip

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 OPOWER

AI summary

A computer-implemented method includes steps for identifying a plurality of similar users that are similar to a target user, and providing a notification to the target user, the notification comprising a suggested action for the target user. In certain aspects, a method of the subject technology can further include steps for providing comparison information to the target user, wherein the comparison information includes participation information regarding participation for the plurality of similar users, with respect to the suggested action.