Development of a water feedback system to reduce consumers water use

The purpose of this project is to develop a water use feedback system designed to reduce the amount of water a user uses during the process of taking a shower. The system will be based on the behavioral principles of operant conditioning, (specifically, the principle of differential reinforcement low rates, token economies, and reward and punishment), and control theories. Through an understanding and application of these core principles concerning how people process, behave, and learn, we will develop a system that will effectively reduce consumers’ water use habits to an acceptable level. We have developed a system that will encourage continued use in three steps. First, the system will provide the user with immediate reinforcement for positive in-shower behaviors. Second, the user will earn points while showering that are redeemable for deals at local businesses. And third, the user will receive mobile notifications that serve two purposes: 1) to encourage progress towards shower goals and 2) to remind users of the value of the points they have earned.