Energy Insights
Harnessing data to simplify energy-saving decisions across stakeholders.
12
Weeks
Role
UX Research | Stakeholder Interviews
Wire-framing | UX Design
4
Team
Tools
Miro | Figma | Notion
Overview
Company
Energy Insights is an IEDC program that provides free pilot projects for smart manufacturing to small and medium Indiana manufacturers. Each pilot includes a scalable hardware/software package, hands-on training, and engineering services to help participants gain valuable manufacturing insights from their starter kit.
Challenge
How might we empower diverse user groups to make informed energy efficiency decisions and actions while minimizing communication time and dependency?
Solution
Leveraging intuitive visualizations and interactive workflows streamlines communication for informed decision-making, empowering operators to excel in their roles.
Solution
1
Display issues along with visualization and provide resolution steps for operators to resolve the issues quickly and effectively.
2
Provide access to training modules, energy efficiency guides and resources.
Initial Problem
What problem is being solved?
Resolution Time | Increase Accessibility | User Trust
Reducing resolution time enables operators to address issues quickly without relying on plant managers, improving efficiency. Increasing accessibility through visual cues and better navigation enhances system effectiveness. Building user trust with information sources and customizable solutions promotes autonomous decision-making, reducing costs and optimizing energy efficiency processes.
Initial Problem Discovery
How was the problem discovered?
Research | Stakeholder Interviews | User Interviews
1
2
Total number of interviews
3
Developer
Integrator
"At the operator level, they should just be able to infer the information and make decisions."
- Developer
"Operators can make decisions on their own, but there can be training that can happen or protocols that can be followed ."
- Integrator
Initial Research/ Problem Validation
Understanding the Problem
Environmental Analysis | User Personas | User Journey
Desk research and secondary research were conducted to gain insights into the key market forces, trends, and macroeconomic factors influencing the competitive landscape. This external analysis was deemed essential for identifying the primary opportunities, threats, and strategic challenges facing participants across smart meter value chains. The research provided crucial perspectives on external factors shaping strategy, positioning, and investment decisions in the industry.
Market Research - Smart Manufacturing Market Size
Industry Forces - Gap in the Market
Product Functionalities
1. Monitoring & Control
2. Data Visualization
3. Alerts & Notifications
4. Scheduling & Automation
Opportunities
1. Integrated Training Modules
2. Access to Energy Efficiency Guides & Resources
User Personas
User personas for Jamie Palmer (operator) and Abram Weaver (plant manager) were instrumental in identifying specific pain points and needs in the energy management project. These personas informed the development of targeted solutions, including a customizable dashboard, AI-powered analytics, and energy efficiency guides, ensuring a user-centric approach to addressing challenges faced by both operators and plant managers.
User Journey Mapping
User journey mapping plays a crucial role in this scenario by providing valuable insights into the experiences and pain points of key stakeholders in the energy management process. In this case, the journey map highlights the challenges faced by both operators and plant managers when dealing with energy-related issues and dashboard interactions.
Solution Discovery
Understanding the Solution
Crazy 8 | Solution Iterations | Feedback
User personas and journey mapping identified key pain points for operators and plant managers. The Crazy 8 design thinking method was employed to rapidly generate innovative solutions, pushing creative boundaries and exploring unconventional approaches to the problem.