Gamification and energy apps for residential energy management

Gamification in the energy sector is increasingly popular, with many studies showing that integrating game design elements into energy apps can positively influence user behavior. However, recent evaluations reveal that many apps lack these elements. This chapter introduces a methodology to evaluate the use of game design elements in energy apps and an experimental design to assess their impact on users. A Key Performance Indicator is developed to score the apps, and a case study examines 30 apps in the Dutch market focused on energy efficiency in residential buildings. An empirical study involving 29 Dutch households measures the impact of these elements, showing an average 3.2% reduction in electricity consumption. Most participants believe gamification can help conserve energy. The chapter shares insights from the study and offers practical recommendations for applying this evaluation method in large-scale experiments.