Renewable Energy Solutions for Sustainable Farming
Real-Time Wind Insights, Anytime, Anywhere
OVERVIEW
Our client approached us with the primary objective of developing the UX and UI for GlobineView, a proposed mobile app for owners of Vertical Wind Turbine systems.
This app would provide real-time visibility of energy output, electricity production, and advanced monitoring capabilities of the user’s charging system. Through a user-friendly interface, this application would enable owners to monitor key performance parameters, such as wind speed, turbine output, rotor blade efficiency, generator temperatures, and overall system performance.
Additionally, GlobineView would facilitate proactive maintenance through app alerts and maintenance logs, ensuring optimal performance of the entire wind energy generation system and its components.
Role:
UX/UI Designer and Team Lead
Team:
Springboard Design Team
Duration:
3 Months
CHALLENGE
Technical Literacy
Some farmers might lack the technical skills needed to effectively use and troubleshoot the app, especially if they are not familiar with advanced technology.
Compatibility
The app and the wind turbine system might need to be compatible with other existing systems and machinery on the farm, which could require additional adjustments or integrations.
Data Interpretation:
The app and the wind turbine system might need to be compatible with other existing systems and machinery on the farm, which could require additional adjustments or integrations.
Tiered Subscription Systems
The client wants to offer a basic subscription along with add-on service subscriptions for users. This will add complexity to the initial user sign-up phase.
SOLUTION
Onboarding Process
Develop an intuitive onboarding process that guides new users through selecting and signing up for a subscription plan. This can include interactive tutorials or walkthroughs to help them understand the value of each tier.
Customer Support
Ensure there is accessible customer support to help users with any questions or issues related to the subscription process. This could be via chatbots, email support, or a dedicated helpline.
Data Visualization
Incorporate clear and intuitive data visualization tools within the app to help farmers understand the information at a glance. Generate easy-to-read reports that summarize key data points and highlight critical areas requiring attention.
Clear Pricing Structure
Create a straightforward pricing structure that clearly outlines the features and benefits of each subscription tier. Use simple, non-technical language and visually appealing charts to compare the different options.
5
RESULTS
remote usability testing sessions were completed.
80%
positive feedback from test users
20
prototype screens were delivered to the client.
High Fidelity Wireframe
Design Process
Define
Persona
User Stories
Task Flows
Site Map
Red Routes
Information Architecture
Design
Lofi Sketches Wireframe
Design System
High Fidelity Mockups
Testing
Final Prototype
User Testing
Asset Handoff
Future Recommendations
Research
Project plan
How Might We
Secondary Research
Heuristics Evaluation
Competitor Analysis
Client Criteria
Research
Secondary Research
From selected research, we then derive context from the content we harvest, such as barriers to implement the wind turbine system or incentives/motivations of the typical farmer. We then target more specific results through a heuristic and competitive analysis of different types of Wind-Tech platforms and applications that have the most overlap with our potential product.
Key Insights & Discoveries
Overwhelmed Users
Too Technical
Mobile First
While there are solutions for renewable energy, our heuristic evaluation and competitive analysis exposed the fact that there are a limited amount of solutions for small scale operations related to wind turbine systems and the ones that were comparable often lacked user-centric design or full functionality. However, our user interviews and secondary research gave us a comprehensive understanding of our target audience—the Irish dairy farmers. Our research, analysis, and insights became the anchor and foundation that would influence our approach to meet specific needs and design solutions that truly resonated with the primary end-users.
Define
Target User
"Sure, I see the great benefits of new technologies, but I have to say, starting out can feel pretty overwhelming."
— a dairy farmer
Simplified Technology
The platform is designed to be easy to understand and navigate, which allows users to utilize its features effectively without the need for extensive user training.
Reliable Support
The user places a high value on having access to reliable customer support, as well as comprehensive resources that can assist in effectively troubleshooting any potential issues that may arise.
Cost-effective Solution
The farmer is very conscious of costs and carefully considers various options that provide value while also saving money in the long run.
Design
User Flow
Sketches
Wireframe
Main Screens
Color Guide
UI Elements
High Fidelity Screen
Prototype
Conclusion
Simplified dashboard design
Since the desktop dashboard software offers comprehensive but complex functions, the mobile version is designed to be simple and easy to navigate.
Step-by-step onboarding
We created an easy and intuitive onboarding process for new users, guiding them through each step of the signup.
Charging status update
Farmers can easily monitor battery levels and farm equipment charging status using simple tabs in the mobile app.
System performance history
Farmers can monitor and comprehend their wind turbine's performance through system alerts and real-time logs.
Reflection
As the design lead and primary contact for the project, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the power of collaboration and clear communication. Working remotely pushed me to surpass my own limits, embrace accountability, and grow both personally and professionally. The need to deliver high-quality results on schedule sharpened my time management and communication skills. Throughout this process, I learned to lean on my teammates' strengths while sharing my own expertise to reach our shared goals. This experience has reinforced how essential teamwork is for achieving success and surpassing expectations.