From Consumers to Participants: A Framework for the design of engaging apps to foster participation in the Electricity System

R. Rodríguez-Vilches, F. Martín, A. Sánchez

Summary:

The active involvement of citizens in energy markets is critical for advancing the energy transition, yet most digital tools fail to engage users beyond superficial interaction. This paper presents a modular framework for the design of mobile applications that foster sustained user engagement in participation schemes in energy markets (energy communities, peer-to-peer and demand response). First, repositories with traditional engagement tools are analysed and new tools are proposed to be used in energy apps. All the tools are classified according to the activation profile of the organiser and the user. With these tools, a layered architecture is built, the framework classifies system elements into components, modules, tokens and clusters based on their logical behaviour, data structure and interaction purpose. It integrates engagement strategies to support user participation. The framework is applied to five real-world representative cases: three related to energy and two unrelated but with high engagement. A gap analysis reveals that existing energy apps underutilise motivational and social tools, such as challenges, rewards, social interactions and personalisation. A hypothetical app is proposed to demonstrate how digital energy platforms can evolve into participatory ecosystems by integrating voting modules, token-based recognition, storyline progression and secure community governance. The proposed approach bridges the behavioural and technical domains, offering a flexible methodology to support long-term user participation and literacy in the energy domain.

Spanish layman's summary:

Muchas apps energéticas no logran implicar al usuario más allá de lo superficial. Este estudio propone un marco modular para diseñar aplicaciones que fomenten la participación ciudadana en comunidades energéticas, intercambio P2P y flexibilidad. Combinando gamificación, herramientas participativas y diseño centrado en el usuario, las apps pueden impulsar una transición energética más activa e inclusiva.

English layman's summary:

Most energy apps fail to involve users beyond basic interaction. This study introduces a modular framework to design apps that truly engage citizens in energy communities, peer-to-peer trading, and demand response. By combining gamification, participation tools, and user-centric design, apps can support a more active and inclusive energy transition.

Keywords: Prosumer, engagement, energy markets, participation, demand response, demand-side flexibility, energy community, peer-to-peer, prosumer participation, app design.

Registration date: 02-jul-2025