Preliminary Studies in Demystifying the Showering Experience

The literature on the sociological use of water suggests dimensions to water use beyond the need to keep hydrated or stay clean e.g. water use for fun, leisure and relaxation or the increasing popularity of power showers. At present, showers and showering account for between 25-30% of daily per capita water use and the demand for separate shower cubicles has increased in the past decade and more. This suggests that the composition of UK bathrooms is on the move and that showering is a normal part of everyday activity.

The aim of the project on which this paper is based is broadly to demystify the performance criteria that inform the user’s expectation of ‘a good shower’ experience. This two stage study consists of laboratory experiments and in-home user studies. The objectives of which are to begin to define and empirically quantity the conditions and range of acceptability of water efficient shower-heads using physical and socio-psychological factors, and the effectiveness of the shower product to promote sustained water efficiency practices.

This paper will present an overview of the variables utilised in this study and present preliminary user feedback on their current shower head, prior to undertaking the user studies. The findings present valuable insights and basis for analysing the outputs of the in-home user studies.