(1) Orb [A phygital system to foster the development of energy communities]
Orb is a phygital product–service system that encourages sustainable behaviors in the home, turning energy into a shared and participatory experience.
The ORB System Map shows the network of actors, relationships, and flows that shape the service ecosystem,
success depends on integrating governance, technical skills, local services, and citizen engagement. ORB
is a multi-level structure connecting people and energy, turning daily actions into cultural
participation.
Scalability: ORB is built to evolve from a domestic pilot-project into civic infrastructure for Renewable
Energy Communities (RECs), enabled by a strong actor network.
ORB includes many potential touchpoints, but following phygital design principles it focuses on two complementary, indispensable ones: Orbis, a luminous sphere that makes invisible energy flows tangible and sensory, and a mobile app that extends the experience into data exploration, gamified challenges, and community participation.
ORBIS is a physical touchpoint designed to convey data while fostering emotional and sensory engagement. Inspired by the symbolic power of a divination orb, it translates complex energy data into ambient light patterns. As a phygital object, it restores material presence to the invisible world of energy, inviting interaction through intuitive gestures and domestic rituals.
1. Consultation
A conscious, symbolic gesture where the user touches the sphere to access specific information (energy
use, gamified goals, or community updates). Interaction is structured through intuitive long and
double taps.
2. Special Notification
When a relevant event occurs, ORBIS emits a soft, color-coded pulsating light to signal a priority
message. The feedback is ambient and non-intrusive, and can be dismissed by touch or explored via the
app.
3. Ambient Light Mode
In idle moments, ORBIS becomes an atmospheric object. Through the app, users can customize its
continuous glow—transforming it into a visual presence that blends function, sensoriality, and space
identity.
The ORB app is the system’s main digital touchpoint, turning complex energy data into clear insights that make sustainable habits engaging. Its core feature, Energy Missions, gamifies sustainability with challenges and rewards—badges, green discounts, mobility vouchers, and event invites—making it active and shareable. OrbNet fosters community exchange, knowledge-sharing, and event participation, while Bluetooth beacons connect users to local autonomous zones in the Renewable Energy Community, providing location-specific information.
