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Energy Insights

Energy Insights is an IEDC-sponsored program to deploy free, smart manufacturing pilot projects to Indiana’s small-medium manufacturers. 

Timeline

Jan - Mar 2023

Role

UX designer

Team

Samar Adhikari, Santhosh Kavanadala, Srithika Suvarna

My story begins:


In our IoT for Business Innovation course, where we had the opportunity to work on two client projects. Our first client was Energy System Networks, and they needed assistance in generating actionable Energy Insights for Indiana's small-medium manufacturers. Motivated by this, we embarked on a mission to enhance energy efficiency through our tailored solution.

Our Client

Energy Insights Program

Energy Insights is an IEDC-sponsored program to deploy free, smart manufacturing pilot projects to Indiana’s small-medium manufacturers. 

Target users

Small-medium manufacturers with existing Indiana facillities.

Research methods used

Environmental Analysis 

In order to examine and evaluate the external factors and forces, we conducted environmental analysis to understand how these factors impact an organization or a business environment.

Project Champions

The stakeholders who have a deep understanding of the plant’s processes, assets, inputs, outputs and pain points.  

Total Number Of Users Interviewed

Number Of Developers Interviewed

Number Of Integrators Interviewed

This helped us to create personas which was kept front and centre while designing.

Brainstorming & Ideation

Sketching & Prototyping

Proposed Solutions

SOLUTION 1 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.

SOLUTION:

Intuitive Dashboard for Operator & Customizable Dashboard for Plant Manager with in-app communication.

SOLUTION 2 INSIGHT:

"Operator should just be able to infer the information and make decisions.

SOLUTION:

AI-powered Analytics and Recommendation system.

SOLUTION 3 INSIGHT:

"Operators can make decisions on their own, but there can be training that can happen or protocols that can be followed.”

SOLUTION:

Reducing dependency - Energy Efficiency Guides

The dashboard provides videos, use case scenarios, and error guides for operators to easily access and learn from.

Operators, including those new to the system, can quickly understand and utilize it through the dashboard's training materials.

In case of system errors, operators can refer to the dashboard's resources to make informed decisions and resolve issues efficiently.

Business Model

Our team opted for the freemium model for energy insights program, providing fundamental services at no cost, while allowing users the opportunity to unlock advanced features and functionality through a premium upgrade.

Dashboard Designs

Design Validation

We met with 3 industry experts and demonstrated our prototypes to them and gave a quick walkthrough of our approach and the goal we envision to achieve.

Insight

Updated_Produtc_list-2.png

Plant Manager's approves the resolution steps

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.

Updated_Produtc_list1.png

Feedback

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.

Plant Manager's approves the resolution steps

Updated_Produtc_list.png

Feedback

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

Track and monitor issue resolution progress

Feedback

Updated_Produtc_list-1.png

Providing resolution steps for an issue

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

Operator flow

Training module flow

Feedback

Business Desirability

"I really like the concept of showing possible solutions and what was done last time. The operators could easily read through it and understand what can be done. This could be a really useful feature."

- Integrator

Technical Feasibility 

"Manufacturing industries have Standard Operating Procedures which can be implemented in the system using databases and need not require AI implementation"

- Sr. Operations Manager

Business Viability 

"By minimizing training expenses and cutting down on consultation costs, this solution significantly reduces operational overhead, ensuring efficient resource utilization and improved bottom-line results.

- Integrator

Takeaways

As someone new to the energy industry, I initially found the problem space quite challenging to grasp. However, once our research efforts commenced, everything started falling into place, becoming much simpler and clearer to follow. I want to extend a special appreciation to my team members for their invaluable support in helping me understand various concepts and processes whenever I encountered obstacles. This client project has reinforced my belief that team collaboration goes beyond merely completing individual tasks and merging them together. Instead, it's about synergizing everyone's efforts and understanding to deliver successful outcomes collectively.

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