
Successful Heat Companion Feasibility Study in Karlsruhe: BNN Article
- Date: 22.09.2025
-
We were pleased about the article in the Badische Neueste Nachrichten (BNN) reporting insights from the feasibility study of the heat companion research project conducted by Niklas Heyden of the Institute for Information Systems (WIN), human-centered systems lab. The heat companion research project provides citizens with a portable environmental sensor and a companion smartphone app to record micro-climate data (temperature, humidity, air quality) in their daily routines. The companion app does not only visualize the data but also provides context-aware tips and recommendations for better dealing with extreme heat. The goal of the study is to explore how such systems can help make urban heat islands more visible, improve awareness, and ultimately protect citizens from extreme heat. In the pilot study participants did carry the sensor for 14 days (e.g. on a bike, bag, or belt). Overall, 11.059 data points were collected (see study summary dashboard), and the feedback was very positive.
The study is carried out as part of the wir-forschen.digital initiative. Further information about the project is available here.