Unveiling a new era of energy empowerment
A journey from discovery to design
Redesigning end user webapp.
How did it all start?
What initiated this journey?
In the world of utility companies and energy conservation, a significant transformation began with a vision – to change how people interact with their energy usage. This transformation wasn't just about revamping the product; it redefined the connection between renewable energy and its users, creating a practical understanding of energy and its application and empowering individuals to manage their energy consumption and production. At that time Tom, an experienced Senior UX Designer, joined our Exnaton team. Together we turned this project into a collaborative journey that evolved from a solo effort into a dynamic partnership, resulting in not just a product but an immersive experience.
Two primary goals emerged:
- create a tool that allows users to control their energy consumption and production, helping them navigate their energy needs
- turn data into a meaningful representation, showing users their consumption, production, and costs, while comparing their journey with similar households, encouraging behavioural changes
- improve user's behaviours in energy consumption
- reduce energy expenses for users
The journey was filled with challenges, from making complex data accessible and engaging to catering to various customer brands and identities. The foundation was built through collaboration and customer feedback. The vision was to create a white-label solution that could adapt to different corporate brands while maintaining an in-house masterpiece. The UX team employed UX Design Thinking, identifying pain points, behaviours, and designing with a purpose.
The process I used
Research
Empathize
Define
Design
Test
- market and competitor analysis
- user interviews
- structure research findings
- create persona
- user flow
- sketches
- wireframes
(low fidelity prototype) - affinity map
- iterated wireframes
- brand style tile
- UI design (high fidelity prototype)
- usability testing
- iterated UI design
- UI Kit
Realms of research exploration
Market and competitor analysis
We delved into research with two distinct user groups – consumers and prosumers. Through FigJam, we uncovered their aspirations and engaged in dialogues to understand their desire for comparison and many more:
- tracking consumption's evolution
- witnessing production's journey through years
- deeper understanding of optimizing performance in consumption was sought
- a thirst for insightful tips surfaced
- revelation of comparative insights among households kindled a unique motivational spark
Define the structure
Based on insightful interviews, we crafted user stories representing both consumers and prosumers, capturing their diverse perspectives and needs.These narratives capture the diverse perspectives and needs that guide our journey in enhancing their energy interactions.
User stories
From our interviews, we got some ideas and created a plan that included an overview, account details, energy information, and a news and analysis portal. We used Whimsical to organise the structure for both products: one for consumers with spot prices and another for prosumers in an energy community.
Information Architecture (spot prices consumer)
Information Architecture (energy community prosumer)
Design
We focused on consumer spot prices as a starting point and used wireframes to visualise the big picture. Our design aimed to simplify and make data more intuitive.
Wireframes
As we worked in Figma, we maintained efficiency and simplicity, sculpting intuitive pathways through the data labyrinth.
And yet, as the design journey soared to its zenith, my story with Exnaton met an unexpected cadence. However, the echoes of collaboration, innovation, and design thinking continue to resonate.
UI design
Lesson learned
This journey taught me valuable lessons: shared purpose leads to exceptional results, discussions breathe life into designs, and simplicity is universally understood. It wasn't just about transforming the product; it was about enhancing understanding, empowering homes with renewable energy, and driving positive change. In the intersection of design and energy, a new chapter emerged – a strong link between users and their energy futures. This is proof of how design, data, and intention can transform lives. Additionally, I recognised the importance of clear feature definitions using concise one-pagers, encompassing requirements, challenges, and user stories.
Throughout this journey as a UX Designer, I've gained valuable insights and significantly honed my skills. Here are the key lessons I've learned from this experience:
- upgraded critical thinking through "why" mode
- strengthened collaboration abilities
- enhanced component design skills
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