Impacts of Digitalised Daily Life on Climate Change, 2023-2024

This dataset stems from a longitudinal mixed-methods study exploring how domestic automation technologies—specifically automated vacuum cleaners (AVCs)—affect time-use patterns, household behaviours, and energy demand. Motivated by growing interest in the sustainability implications of digitalisation, the study investigates how automation reshapes daily routines, including the timing, frequency, and layering of domestic tasks, with downstream consequences for energy consumption.

Data were collected across three phases: before, during, and one year following the introduction of AVCs in participating UK households. The study design combined detailed time-use diaries, quantitative surveys, appliance-level energy monitoring, and in-depth qualitative interviews. This allowed for an integrated understanding of both behavioural adaptations and energy impacts over time.

Key topics covered include domestic routines, automation use and non-use, perceived convenience and cleanliness norms, time allocation across tasks, multitasking behaviours, and energy consumption related to cleaning and other activities.

Results highlight the contingent and variable impacts of automation: while some households experienced energy efficiency gains and reductions in manual cleaning effort, others saw increased cleaning frequency, prolonged device use, and additive energy demand. These insights contribute to broader debates on digitalisation, rebound effects, and sustainable consumption.

This dataset supports future research on household technology adoption, behavioural change, energy use, and the social and temporal dynamics of digital innovation.