Telltale is inspired by approaches to treating dependence on energy in terms of addiction. Relating to the psychological theory of 'transitional objects', in which artifacts (such as children's blankets) accompany people from one stage in life to another, the project experiments with the aesthetics and meanings of textile artifacts. The surface and construction of Telltale collects traces of energy consumption in the home. Energy consumers thus participate in the (de)formation of an object that tells them about themselves, about others, and about the cumulative effect of local actions. Research concerns have included the role of an artifact that is both personal and shared, the aesthetics of data within the home, and interactions with smart materials.

Connected remotely to a household's electricity meter, Telltale is a piece of furniture that responds to increases or decreases in energy consumption. Increases cause its internal structure to become less robust and, when used in weakened states, its textile surface becomes prone to flaking, crackling and wrinkling. A study of Telltale has been conducted in two households with methods from participatory design and design ethnography. Alterations in household actions as well as reflections on wider sustainability issues were prompted by Telltale, evolving as the artifact changed over time in use. Team Jenny Bergstöm, Brendon Clark, Alberto Frigo, Ramia Mazé, Johan Redström, Anna Vallgårda