Projecting the Future Self: Methodological Approaches 
in Identity-Centered Design 
for Sustainable Behavior

Identity-Centered Design facilitates the creation of products and services that align with users’ personal and social identities, enhancing user engagement and product longevity. To successfully design for longevity, designers require user research methodologies that accurately forecast the needs of future users. This case study examines the development and application of two specific tools for user research within Identity-Centered Design for Sustainable Behavior, emphasising the importance of understanding the future self and integrating insights from behavioural psychology into sustainable design practices. The first tool, the Eco-Identity Indicator, utilises principles from behavioural psychology to assess dimensions of identity and pro-environmental behaviours. This tool aids in predicting future behaviours and developing products that cater to future user needs. The second tool, a Virtual Reality Time Machine, allows users to visualise and interactively modify projected future scenarios. This approach leverages immersive technology to identify design opportunities to address discrepancies between the projected and ideal future.