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Energy Insights
Designing a collaborative dashboard to promote seamless communication among stakeholders.
Srithika (Me)
Domain Research
Ideation
Interface Design
Sampada
Samar
Santosh
12
weeks
About the company
ESN, an Indianapolis-based non-profit, develops and deploys advanced energy technologies. Its key initiative, Energy Insights, offers smart manufacturing starter kits to small and medium-sized manufacturers in Indiana.
Let's go over the project overview
So, what exactly was the problem?
How might we improve communication and collaboration among interdependent stakeholders to enhance decision-making and streamline critical processes?
How was the problem solved?
Designed a dual-interface dashboard for efficient ticketing, issue tracking, resource sharing, and faster communication between stakeholders.
Solution
1
Displaying issues along with visualization and providing resolution steps for operators to resolve the issues quickly and effectively.
2
Providing access to training modules, energy efficiency guides and resources.
Let’s get to the root of the problem
Initial Problem
Understanding the problem
Breaking down the problem
Dependency
This whole process delays the decision and frustrates both the stakeholders
Delays decisions and overall efficiency
Multiple stakeholders
1. Operators
2. Plant Manager
Communication time
The operators needs approval from the plant manager
The plant manager needs to manually check before approving the operator on floor which increases the communication itme
Initial Problem
What problem was being solved?
Resolution Time | Accessibility | User Trust
1. Reducing resolution time enables operators to address issues quickly without relying on plant managers, improving efficiency.
2. Increasing accessibility through visual cues and better navigation enhances system effectiveness.
3. Building user trust with information sources and customizable solutions promotes autonomous decision-making, reducing costs and optimizing energy efficiency processes.
Information Sources
Easy Communication
Visual Cues
Easy navigation
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
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
Now let's understand the user better
Meet Jamie Palmer & Abram Weaver
Jamie Palmer
Operator
Personality
Teach Savy
Problem Solver
Adaptive
Collaborative
Pain Points
- Difficulty in quickly identifying energy-related issues
- Lack of user-friendly tools for monitoring energy data
- Feeling overwhelmed by complex energy management technology
"I need simple dashboards for energy monitoring, training for analytics, and real-time issue alerts."
Abram Weaver
Plant Manager
Personality
Teach Savy
Problem Solver
Adaptive
Collaborative
Pain Points
- Limited real-time visibility into plant operations data
- Operators are reluctant to adapt to new technologies
- Timely communication of action items with the operator on shop floor
"I need customizable dashboards, effective communication tools like alerts, and automated actions for streamlined operations."
Let’s step into their shoes and understand their journey.
Now that we've identified and understood the "problem" and "user's challenges", let’s explore the solutions!
Solution Discovery
Understanding the Solution
Crazy 8 | Solutions | Solution Iterations
Solution Objectives
1
Autonomous Task Management
The dashboard should empower plant managers and operators to efficiently manage their own tasks and schedules without waiting for input from the other party.
2
Reduced Training Needs
With access to comprehensive resources, operators can resolve issues independently, reducing the need for frequent training sessions and associated costs.
3
Streamlined Issue Resolution
Plant managers can quickly identify issues and suggest solutions through the dashboard, expediting the decision-making process and problem resolution.
Digging deeper...
To understand the solution better
Let's divide it into 3 key components
Key Component 1
Intuitive Dashboard for Operator & Customizable Dashboard for Plant Manager with in-app communication
Insight...
"At the operator level, they should just be able to infer the information and make decisions. But at the engineer level, there should be like, an ability to customize."
To better understand the solution, let's see a scenario in the form of storyboard
Intuitive data visualization techniques such as graphs, charts, and color-coded indicators were used to make energy data easy to understand at a glance.
In-app Communication - The operator can create a ticket and inform the plant manager of an issue.
In-app Communication - The Plant Manager can review the ticket raised and help the operator. The plant manager can also check and review the previous ticket's status.
Key Component 2
AI-powered Analytics and Recommendation system
Insight...
"Operator should just be able to infer the information and make decisions."
Stakeholder's perspective of user
To better understand the solution, let's see a scenario in the form of storyboard
The Energy Insight Advisor performs real-time analysis of energy consumption data, and historical data, enabling timely detection of anomalies and deviations from expected patterns.
The Advisor not only identifies energy-related issues but also provides proactive recommendations to technicians and plant managers on how to address them effectively.
Key Components 3
Reducing dependency - Energy Efficiency Guides
Insight...
"Operators can make decisions on their own, but there can be training that can happen or protocols that can be followed ."
To better understand the solution, let's see a scenario in the form of storyboard
The dashboard has a Training Module section that provides videos for operators to access and learn from easily.
The training Module provides User Case Scenarios, which Operators, including those new to the system, can quickly understand and utilize.
The Training Module also provides Error Guides, which the Plant manager and the Operator can refer to and make informed decisions.
In case of system errors, operators can refer to the Energy Efficiency Guides to make informed decisions and resolve issues efficiently.
Solution Iterations
The moderator guide served as a crucial tool to ensure consistency, structure, and objectivity throughout the user testing process, allowing for the collection of valuable, unbiased insights that directly informed our design decisions.
Plant Manager's approves the resolution steps
Insight
Operators does not rely on Plant Managers for issue resolution steps
Iteration
For issue resolution, show step-by-step instructions to operator. For energy measures, suggest PMs approved steps.
Impact
Reduces issue resolution time
Displaying issues along with the visualization
Insight
The issue/notification on the operator dashboard is not sufficiently noticeable.
Iteration
Use prominent visual cues such as color coding or pop-up notifications.
Impact
Increase visibility and accessibility
Providing resolution steps for an issue
Insight
Users expressed the desire to know the source of the generated information.
Iteration
Add source for the system proposed solution and provide options to change
Impact
Increases user trust and autonomy
Track and monitor issue resolution progress
Insight
Users found it difficult to find specific issues based on their needs
Iteration
Implement a filtering mechanism based on machine type, priority level, status. Also,incorporate sorting options, such as by date.
Impact
Improves user navigation
Business Aspect
How can this boost the business?
Business Viability | Technical Feasibility | Desirability
Business Model : Freemium
Cost Structure
To generate content for training materials
Drafting resolution guides for most common issues
Integrating analytical tools in the system
Business Viability
Reduces operational costs
Less expenditure on training
Reduced spends in consultation
Technical Feasibility
01
"Manufacturing industries have Standard Operating Procedures which can be implemented in the system using databases and need not require AI implementation"
02
"Training modules can be easily Crafted and deployed in the system "
Desirability
Next Steps
What more should be done ?
User Testing | Iterative Design | Scalability Planning
01
User testing validates the Energy Insight dashboard's usability by recruiting operators, creating scenarios, and measuring key metrics.
02
Iterative design refines the Energy Insight interface by prioritizing user feedback, creating rapid prototypes, and conducting A/B testing to determine effective solutions.
03
To adapt Energy Insight for industries with a modular architecture, flexible data models, APIs, cloud deployment, and customization.
Conclusion
What did I learn from this Project?
Diverse Viewpoint | Environmental Analysis | Emerging Trends
The project incorporated perspectives from various stakeholders, including operators, developers, and integrators. This demonstrates the ability to synthesize diverse viewpoints into a cohesive solution.
Incorporating emerging trends like edge computing in IoT, showing an understanding of cutting-edge technologies and their potential applications in user experience design.
This project introduced me to environmental analysis as a crucial UX tool, revealing how examining industry trends and market forces can uncover design opportunities and shape more innovative, future-proof solutions.
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