Empowering embedded systems developers to reduce the energy consumption of their software through visualization: uncovering their information needs

Abstract

Embedded systems software can be optimized for energy consumption to meet strict energy requirements and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To support this process, we have investigated which information embedded systems software developers need when optimizing for energy consumption. For this purpose, we have used an observational method, a semi-structured interview, and a questionnaire. The existing practices that we identified can help embedded systems software developers in optimizing for energy consumption and uncover ways in which hardware vendors can support this process. Furthermore, our findings about how developers want energy measures to be collected and visualized can aid researchers and tool makers in creating tool support.