Vertoid: exploring the persuasive potential of location-aware mobile cues

This paper presents the design, implementation and user study of Vertoid - a mobile system for providing context-aware cues that help users limit domestic greenhouse-gas emissions. We have designed an Android-based mobile application that provides user with tips on simple eco-friendly actions in relevant locations. We then conducted a medium-term field study to evaluate the system. Our study shows that while context-aware cues have the potential to be a useful way to deliver customised content, they may as well provide unnecessary distractions. Based on the results of our study, we discuss how location awareness can be used to support persuasive systems and outline several design considerations for providing context-aware cues.