
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

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.

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

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

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.