Designing for a lighter footprint
Low-carbon UX and the Jevons paradox
A rare sight today: an empty, pristine, and untouched beach. A beautiful reminder of what we're losing.
In our journey toward a more sustainable digital world, we've explored the power of UX content design to reduce digital waste, craft compelling narratives, and empower users to make eco-conscious choices. We've also discussed the pitfalls of greenwashing and the ethical considerations of using generative AI in our pursuit of greener UX. Now, let's dive deeper into a crucial aspect of sustainable UX: low-carbon design, and how it interacts with a concept known as the Jevons Paradox.
What is low-carbon UX design?
At its heart, low-carbon UX design is about creating digital experiences that use fewer resources and produce less carbon emissions. Every click, every page load, and every image we see online has an environmental cost. When we design with a low-carbon mindset, we aim to minimize that cost.
As UX content designers, we can directly influence this by streamlining user flows, simplifying complex information, and advocating for leaner, more efficient digital experiences. This means pushing for optimized images, cutting unnecessary code, and challenging the idea of bloated websites. It's about recognizing that "sustainable UX is simply better UX".
The Jevons paradox: a tricky side effect
Here's where it gets interesting – and a little tricky. The Jevons paradox, in simple terms, suggests that as technology becomes more efficient in its resource use, we tend to use more of it, not less. Think about how much more we stream videos or browse the internet now that data is cheaper and devices are faster. We might save energy per click, but if we click a lot more, the total energy use could still go up.
So, how does this apply to low-carbon UX? If we make our digital products super-efficient and appealing, there's a risk that people might use them even more, potentially offsetting some of the carbon savings we achieved through efficient design.
Our role as UX content designers in navigating the paradox
This isn't a reason to give up on low-carbon UX; it's a call to be more intentional and strategic in our approach. As UX content designers, our words and designs can help mitigate the Jevons paradox by:
Promoting mindful consumption: instead of just focusing on efficiency, we can encourage users to be more thoughtful about their digital habits. For example, an app could include gentle nudges or statistics about their digital footprint, encouraging them to consider if they truly need to endlessly scroll or stream. We can use empathetic and empowering language to guide users toward more sustainable choices.
Highlighting the "why": we can move beyond generic claims of "eco-friendly" and clearly explain the specific environmental benefits of sustainable features. By connecting the dots between good UX and environmental responsibility, we can help users understand the tangible impact of their choices. For example, instead of just saying "fast loading," we can explain that "faster loading times mean less energy used, reducing your carbon footprint."
Designing for purpose, not just engagement: our goal should be to help users achieve their goals efficiently and effectively, rather than simply maximizing screen time. This means focusing on clear information, intuitive navigation, and direct pathways to desired outcomes. By simplifying complex information and streamlining user flows, we contribute to leaner digital experiences.
Encouraging real-world action: while our digital experiences can be efficient, we can also use them to inspire sustainable actions in the real world. This could involve integrating tips for energy saving at home, water conservation, or waste reduction directly into the user journey.
Being transparent about digital footprint: we can advocate for features that show users the environmental impact of their digital activities. This could be a simple counter for data usage or a visual representation of the energy consumed. Transparency builds trust and encourages more informed decisions.
Collaborating for deeper impact: navigating the Jevons paradox requires a collective effort. We need to work closely with developers, product managers, and even behavioral scientists to ensure our designs promote genuine sustainability. This means pushing for optimized images and ruthlessly cutting unnecessary code.
Rewriting the future, mindfully
The Jevons paradox reminds us that simply making things more efficient isn't always enough to achieve overall environmental benefits. As UX content designers, we have a unique opportunity to shape not just how people interact with technology, but how they think about their environmental impact. By combining low-carbon design principles with mindful messaging and a deep understanding of human behavior, we can continue to rewrite the future, one sentence at a time, ensuring that our digital innovations truly contribute to a healthier planet.
