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Recommender Systems for E-Commerce Platforms: towards a more sustainable consumption

Stenström, Hilda LU and Rafles, Alfriyadi LU (2025) INFM10 20251
Department of Informatics
Abstract
This master’s thesis explores Recommender Systems (RS) and how these can promote sustainable consumption on e-commerce platforms by influencing consumer behaviour toward environmentally responsible choices. The aim is to provide design recommendations for sustainability-aware RS that align user preferences and environmental goals. Two research questions guided the study: how RS are designed to encourage sustainable consumption, and how they affect consumer behaviour. Qualitative research was conducted, collecting data through semi-structured interviews from eight consumers. Thematic analysis of the data resulted to five themes. The findings, interpreted and discussed through the lens of Affordance-Actualization Theory, show that consumers'... (More)
This master’s thesis explores Recommender Systems (RS) and how these can promote sustainable consumption on e-commerce platforms by influencing consumer behaviour toward environmentally responsible choices. The aim is to provide design recommendations for sustainability-aware RS that align user preferences and environmental goals. Two research questions guided the study: how RS are designed to encourage sustainable consumption, and how they affect consumer behaviour. Qualitative research was conducted, collecting data through semi-structured interviews from eight consumers. Thematic analysis of the data resulted to five themes. The findings, interpreted and discussed through the lens of Affordance-Actualization Theory, show that consumers' understanding of sustainability is shaped by personal ethics and practical barriers; trust and perceived intent heavily influence RS acceptance; transparent, value-aligned design enhances engagement; users seek a balance between sustainability and convenience; and sustainable RS should be user-driven, customizable, and equipped with verified eco-metrics. Thus, the research outcome offers design suggestions including price-benefit clarity, verified labelling, flexible sorting, concise disclosures, value alignment, eco-brand exploration, impact penalties, and system sustainability. The study contributes to the Information Systems field by applying Affordance-Actualization Theory to sustainable RS design and offers practical recommendations for developers and professionals to integrate sustainability into systems and digital services effectively. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Stenström, Hilda LU and Rafles, Alfriyadi LU
supervisor
organization
course
INFM10 20251
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Recommender Systems, Sustainability, E-commerce, Affordance Actualization Theory, Sustainable Consumption
language
English
id
9202664
date added to LUP
2025-06-19 09:09:31
date last changed
2025-06-19 09:09:31
@misc{9202664,
  abstract     = {{This master’s thesis explores Recommender Systems (RS) and how these can promote sustainable consumption on e-commerce platforms by influencing consumer behaviour toward environmentally responsible choices. The aim is to provide design recommendations for sustainability-aware RS that align user preferences and environmental goals. Two research questions guided the study: how RS are designed to encourage sustainable consumption, and how they affect consumer behaviour. Qualitative research was conducted, collecting data through semi-structured interviews from eight consumers. Thematic analysis of the data resulted to five themes. The findings, interpreted and discussed through the lens of Affordance-Actualization Theory, show that consumers' understanding of sustainability is shaped by personal ethics and practical barriers; trust and perceived intent heavily influence RS acceptance; transparent, value-aligned design enhances engagement; users seek a balance between sustainability and convenience; and sustainable RS should be user-driven, customizable, and equipped with verified eco-metrics. Thus, the research outcome offers design suggestions including price-benefit clarity, verified labelling, flexible sorting, concise disclosures, value alignment, eco-brand exploration, impact penalties, and system sustainability. The study contributes to the Information Systems field by applying Affordance-Actualization Theory to sustainable RS design and offers practical recommendations for developers and professionals to integrate sustainability into systems and digital services effectively.}},
  author       = {{Stenström, Hilda and Rafles, Alfriyadi}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Recommender Systems for E-Commerce Platforms: towards a more sustainable consumption}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}