PROJECT GOAL
This project was an outcome of the Deloitte Digital: Design 2 Disrupt Challenge at the University of Waterloo during which our project won 1st place. The challenge: How can IOT be a disruptive innovation within industries (I.e. banking, health, energy, manufacturing, automotive, retail)?
This project was an outcome of the Deloitte Digital: Design 2 Disrupt Challenge at the University of Waterloo during which our project won 1st place. The challenge: How can IOT be a disruptive innovation within industries (I.e. banking, health, energy, manufacturing, automotive, retail)?
Our solution was Connectric, an app that leverages data from your IOT connected home to provide you with feedback and advice on how to reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint. Connectric can be scalable to many platforms such as schools, hospitals and any entity that consumes energy.
MY ROLE
As the UX designer, I was conducted research on potential industries that require IOT disruptive. I created the visual UI of our app and used inVision to create a functional prototype. To enhance my visual UI skills, I decided to re-visit this project and re-design the iPad app.
As the UX designer, I was conducted research on potential industries that require IOT disruptive. I created the visual UI of our app and used inVision to create a functional prototype. To enhance my visual UI skills, I decided to re-visit this project and re-design the iPad app.
Note: Our team had 5 days to pick our industry, conduct research, create our prototype and pitch our idea. As a result, our original iPad designs are quite simple and could have used better typography and colour schemes. To enhance my own visual UI skills, I decided to re-visit this project and re-design the iPad app. Below are images of the older version in comparison to the new design.
RESEARCH
‣ Rising hydro costs have hit Ontarians and the government needs to address people’s concerns who are struggling to pay their bills
‣ People have to choose between heating and eating
‣ Electricity rates are set by the province and they have been increasing steadily as the Ontario government invests in cleaner energy http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/wynne-hydro-costs-rising-electricity-rates-1.3751841
‣ Rising hydro costs have hit Ontarians and the government needs to address people’s concerns who are struggling to pay their bills
‣ People have to choose between heating and eating
‣ Electricity rates are set by the province and they have been increasing steadily as the Ontario government invests in cleaner energy http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/wynne-hydro-costs-rising-electricity-rates-1.3751841
TARGET AUDIENCE
Individuals in their 30-50s and in the middle-to-upper-class demographic. Connectric requires individuals to own IOT connected smart homes so they can connect their devices to our app and receive updates and advice on their daily consumption levels. However, Connectric is also scalable to partner with institutions such as schools, universities, hospitals and mostly areas that consume energy.
Individuals in their 30-50s and in the middle-to-upper-class demographic. Connectric requires individuals to own IOT connected smart homes so they can connect their devices to our app and receive updates and advice on their daily consumption levels. However, Connectric is also scalable to partner with institutions such as schools, universities, hospitals and mostly areas that consume energy.
Splash Screen and On-boarding
I re-designed the Connectric logo and chose the colour yellow as it is often associated by energy. I also decided to keep the app name in the splash screen as it adds to the brand value and it helps the app become more memorable for users.
I re-designed the Connectric logo and chose the colour yellow as it is often associated by energy. I also decided to keep the app name in the splash screen as it adds to the brand value and it helps the app become more memorable for users.
Adding a Device
The original app design did not include steps on how users can connect their IOT devices with our app to receive updates. The first use case would be to add a IOT connected device.
The following screens showcase how a user would select an appliance > add the network information > add their devices so the app could start gathering data.
The original app design did not include steps on how users can connect their IOT devices with our app to receive updates. The first use case would be to add a IOT connected device.
The following screens showcase how a user would select an appliance > add the network information > add their devices so the app could start gathering data.
Home Dashboard
After devices have been added, the next step would be to see all devices. From user testing, I learnt that users were able to find their appliances faster when the icons were placed separately rather than having them one big wheel.
After devices have been added, the next step would be to see all devices. From user testing, I learnt that users were able to find their appliances faster when the icons were placed separately rather than having them one big wheel.
Device Data and Usage
When a user clicks on a device they have added (e.g. Lights), they can see the daily energy consumption levels. It tells them which days they used the most energy, and the bottom section provides them with tips to lower their consumption levels. This information is presented differently depending on what device information they are viewing.
When a user clicks on a device they have added (e.g. Lights), they can see the daily energy consumption levels. It tells them which days they used the most energy, and the bottom section provides them with tips to lower their consumption levels. This information is presented differently depending on what device information they are viewing.
My Rewards
Our original app included badges and challenges for users to achieve when had consistent lower levels of energy consumptions. After consulting this idea with the Deloitte mentors, we learnt that providing users with incentives (coupons and discounts) would encourage them more as supposed to badges that didn't hold any value.
Our original app included badges and challenges for users to achieve when had consistent lower levels of energy consumptions. After consulting this idea with the Deloitte mentors, we learnt that providing users with incentives (coupons and discounts) would encourage them more as supposed to badges that didn't hold any value.
Electricity Rates and Prices
The new Electricity Rates and Prices page provides users an easier way to know the rates and provides them with the actual time on-peak starts. This was information that was highly requested when we conducted research.
The new Electricity Rates and Prices page provides users an easier way to know the rates and provides them with the actual time on-peak starts. This was information that was highly requested when we conducted research.
Original Prototype: https://invis.io/UT8RCX04S
Re-designed Prototype: https://invis.io/ANETHTE9H
