Apollo
Not your average home energy monitor app
Apollo
Not your average home energy monitor app
Apollo
Not your average home energy monitor app
Apollo
Not your average home energy monitor app
Empowering the user with personalized and actionable insights into their energy consumption habits
Empowering the user with personalized and actionable insights into their energy consumption habits
Empowering the user with personalized and actionable insights into their energy consumption habits
Empowering the user with personalized and actionable insights into their energy consumption habits
INTRODUCTION
00
role
UX/UI Designer Researcher
category
UI/UX Design
year
2023
timeframe
4 weeks
00
role
UX/UI Designer Researcher
category
UI/UX Design
year
2023
timeframe
4 weeks
00
role
UX/UI Designer Researcher
category
UI/UX Design
year
2023
timeframe
4 weeks
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.
tools
• Figma
• FigJam
• Handsketch
deliverables
• User Interviews
• Information Architecture
• Branding
• Wireframes
• Phone Prototype
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.
SolarEdge
Chockfull of great information and data. Specifically guided to solar panel users so not useful for a wide set of users
HomeWizard
Engaging and easy to understand UI. Does not require an entire home system to function but a lack of control and data is the sacrifice
Wiser Home
A powerful app that predicts costs, has granular controls but requires a lot of specialty and costly equipment
Emporia
This is full of nice features that deliver information but the interface could be a little more intuitive
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.
7 / 12
Participants "glance" at energy their bill to see their usage
9 / 12
Were are concerned about their CO2 emissions
6 / 12
Had a vauge understanding of the fuel source(s) generating electricity
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
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.
SolarEdge
Chockfull of great information and data. Specifically guided to solar panel users so not useful for a wide set of users
HomeWizard
Engaging and easy to understand UI. Does not require an entire home system to function but a lack of control and data is the sacrifice
Wiser Home
A powerful app that predicts costs, has granular controls but requires a lot of specialty and costly equipment
Emporia
This is full of nice features that deliver information but the interface could be a little more intuitive
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.
7 / 12
Participants "glance" at energy their bill to see their usage
9 / 12
Were are concerned about their CO2 emissions
6 / 12
Had a vauge understanding of the fuel source(s) generating electricity
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
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.
SolarEdge
Chockfull of great information and data. Specifically guided to solar panel users so not useful for a wide set of users
HomeWizard
Engaging and easy to understand UI. Does not require an entire home system to function but a lack of control and data is the sacrifice
Wiser Home
A powerful app that predicts costs, has granular controls but requires a lot of specialty and costly equipment
Emporia
This is full of nice features that deliver information but the interface could be a little more intuitive
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.
7 / 12
Participants "glance" at energy their bill to see their usage
9 / 12
Were are concerned about their CO2 emissions
6 / 12
Had a vauge understanding of the fuel source(s) generating electricity
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
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.
SolarEdge
Chockfull of great information and data. Specifically guided to solar panel users so not useful for a wide set of users
HomeWizard
Engaging and easy to understand UI. Does not require an entire home system to function but a lack of control and data is the sacrifice
Wiser Home
A powerful app that predicts costs, has granular controls but requires a lot of specialty and costly equipment
Emporia
This is full of nice features that deliver information but the interface could be a little more intuitive
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.
7 / 12
Participants "glance" at energy their bill to see their usage
9 / 12
Were are concerned about their CO2 emissions
6 / 12
Had a vauge understanding of the fuel source(s) generating electricity
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
Design Iteration
Usability Test Chart
Ages 27- 50
Tasks
Participants found the process easy to use and needed a few minor changes to make it more intuitive. Testing did show a few insights on the design and adaptations for improvement, most notably, the Daily Tips cards on mobile seemed a little clunky and hard to navigate.
Design Iteration
Usability Test Chart
Ages 27- 50
Tasks
Participants found the process easy to use and needed a few minor changes to make it more intuitive. Testing did show a few insights on the design and adaptations for improvement, most notably, the Daily Tips cards on mobile seemed a little clunky and hard to navigate.
Design Iteration
Usability Test Chart
Ages 27- 50
Tasks
Participants found the process easy to use and needed a few minor changes to make it more intuitive. Testing did show a few insights on the design and adaptations for improvement, most notably, the Daily Tips cards on mobile seemed a little clunky and hard to navigate.
Design Iteration
Usability Test Chart
Ages 27- 50
Tasks
Participants found the process easy to use and needed a few minor changes to make it more intuitive. Testing did show a few insights on the design and adaptations for improvement, most notably, the Daily Tips cards on mobile seemed a little clunky and hard to navigate.
Daily Tips
The Daily Tip cards underwent numerous changes, trying to balance ample information and a limited space.
Daily Tips
The Daily Tip cards underwent numerous changes, trying to balance ample information and a limited space.
Daily Tips
The Daily Tip cards underwent numerous changes, trying to balance ample information and a limited space.
Daily Tips
The Daily Tip cards underwent numerous changes, trying to balance ample information and a limited space.
Prototype
Looking back
Lessons
Also, without the aid of those close to me who participated in testing, research, (and encouragement) I wouldn't have been able to make this project happen, I am forever in their debt.
Next Steps
whew!
That was a lot, thanks for reading this far!
That was a lot, thanks for reading this far!
That was a lot, thanks for reading this far!
