Apollo
Not your average home energy monitor app
INTRODUCTION
00
role
UX/UI Designer Researcher
category
UI/UX Design
year
2023
timeframe
4 weeks
Background
Bold steps are needed to mitigate the damage caused by climate change. Recognizing that individual small actions all play a role in making that happen.
Apollo is designed to change the way individuals perceive and engage with their home's energy consumption, and approach their home's energy in a new light (pun intended).
Problem
There are tons of Home Energy Monitors (HEM) products out there to collect and display data to the user. More advanced systems will go a step further, giving the user more control over how the energy is used. These models fail to consider the bigger picture and motivate users to change their behaviors and mindsets. This is where Apollo stands out.
Solution
With Apollo, it's not just about data or control; it's about inspiring users to reach their energy-saving goals. Through helpful notifications and practical tips, Apollo supports users every step of the way. With its ability to balance appliance usage and achieving goals it becomes even more attainable.
RESEARCH
01
Research
Competitive Analysis
Examining other apps, revealed that the majority miss out on an engaging user interface, resembling spreadsheets and charts, appearing much like tables filled with figures and diagrams. None managed to complete the cycle of offering users something worth revisiting time and time again.
Survey
A small survey was conducted via Typeform with 12 participants to gauge how aware the average person was about their energy use and what (if any) motivations they had to monitor or reduce it. The demographics of the participants landed between 30-40 years old, lived with 2-4 other people, and 40% are homeowners.
User Interviews
Ages 27- 50
15 questions
"I can see my internet bandwidth in real time, why not my electricity?"
Emily - Sonoma, California
"Seeing [my usage] in real time would be nice. It's the lack of data that leads to me feeling out of control."
Brooke - Portland, Oregon
"I don’t know my carbon foot print but it’s on my bill... it is convoluted and get we get charged for carbon footprint."
Cassie - Zurich, Switzerland
How Might We?
How might we motivate those looking to save money?
How might we inform users how (and the carbon foot print) of their current use?
How might we convey CO2 emissions in an easy to understand manner?
How might we create a sense of competition to save more energy
02
Ideation
Storyboard
Research showed all of the interviewee interviewees main motivation was spending less on their electric bill. Some participants also mentioned a desire to have a less of a "surprise" when their electric bill arrived.
IDEATION
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
03
Information Architecture
Site Map
The Competitor Analysis revealed they prioritized the Current Usage. Apollo shifts the user's individual Goal to the highest level, instantly creates a more engaging and dynamic product.
User Flows
The Competitor Analysis revealed they prioritized the Current Usage. Apollo shifts the user's individual Goal to the highest level, instantly creates a more engaging and dynamic product.
DESIGN
04
Design
Branding
The blue hues of the Apollo foundation palette create a soothing and refined aesthetic. The red, green, and celadon colors serve as functional indicators to let users know at a glance if they are trending down, up or neutral in their usage
Urbanist and Campton fonts were chosen for their simplicity, keeping the information easily readable.
Mobile Wireframes
The following wireframes show the development of onboarding process and checking off "daily tips" to reach closer to the user achieving their Goal.
Sketch Wireframes
Onboarding process
Sketch Wireframes
Checking off Daily Tips
Desktop Wireframes
The subsequent layouts display the progression of Apollo's Homepage designed for desktops and laptops.
Evolution of the Desktop's Dashboard
Intuitive UI
Guided by time constraints, the Overall Usage chart modifies its zoom in sync with the timeline, letting users maintain the context visually
User Motivations
The user can easily switch the units of measurements from CO2, kWH (kilowatt hours) or dollar amount
DESIGN ITERATION
05
Daily Tips
The Daily Tip cards underwent numerous changes, trying to balance ample information and a limited space.
