BIA Energy
With remote work, many users have seen a significant increase (approximately 35%) in their electricity consumption, and electricity is one of the most expensive services.
Energy suppliers do not provide an energy measurement option; the only available statistics are included on the bill.
The most commonly used saving method: turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
This is where BIA comes in
New
Disruptive
Technological
Green iniciative
User centric
As a UX/UI designer, I embraced the challenge of translating Bia's brand identity into an app. This involved re-evaluating the initial prototype for measuring energy consumption and delivering a refined solution with enhanced value propositions and seamless, intuitive navigation for users.​​
Note: this project was based in Colombia. The app is in Spanish.
Bia's brand identity (existing website)
Proposed app design
What are we facing?
The app needs to:​
Measure the user's energy consumption (live, daily, monthly, yearly)
Allow the user to set saving goals.
Allow the user to connect to plugs to control their appliances from the app.
Key challenges:
Understand the user and their needs to create an intuitive flow map, leading to an app that is easy to understand and use.
Clearly and concisely communicate the various features of the app to the user.
Reflect BIA's personality and values in the design and language used.
Design to accommodate a diverse range of users.
Giving the user a say
I carried out a scripted interview to 5 potential users who pay for their own utilities, aged 20-60, from diverse genders and family living situations. I decided to give these potential users a say by including the following question:
If I introduced you to an app that lets you measure your consumption, set goals, and control your appliances from your phone, would you like to try it? What do you think is important for this app to include beyond what I’ve already mentioned?
The user would like:
An estimate of the daily consumption cost in COP (and possibly a prediction for the week or month).
An option to set goals in COP rather than just in watts.
It would be useful to receive notifications not only when the consumption goal is reached, but also alerts when certain percentages (50%, 80%) are consumed or on specific days of the month
A graph showing how much of the goal has been consumed at that moment.
To be notified about spikes in energy consumption.
Energy-saving tips in the app to help them meet their goals.
A quarterly summary of how much money has been saved through goal setting and consumption tracking.
Understanding the market
There are 2 companies that offer an energy measuring app in Colombia. I compared both to understand what worked and the gaps Bia could fill.
Understanding Opportunities and redefining goals. Bia's app will have:
1
Energy consumption measurement (live, daily, weekly, monthly, yearly), including an approximate value in COP of current consumption.
2
Alerts for excessive consumption spikes.
3
Monthly goal setting (in watts and/or COP) + notification of progress towards the set goal.
4
Graph showing percentage of consumption based on the set goal for the month, and if the limit is exceeded, display the excess (also in COP).
5
Tips on how to meet the set goal.
6
Plug-in option: Connection with the app, settings (name and location), control of on/off, and scheduling of on/off times.
7
Fast and efficient customer support line, easily accessible (e.g., via WhatsApp).
Taking it to the flow
Built a user flow and IA based on the user decision making and actions and making sure my new set goals translated.
Conventions used
User flow and goals
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Ideating the goals
Initial ideation process. Method used: Crazy 8 exercise to come up with the best design to meet my and my user's goals.
With a low fidelity prototype I carried out a usability studies and adjusted the initial wireframe design.
Here are some of the design changes I made after the study:
Goal set sneak peak from home screen
Better visual balance and button usability
Increasing visibility of this option as button was too small to spot
Wireframes after revision:
Prototyping our goals
Translating our 7 goals into a high fidelity prototype.
1
Energy consumption measuring (live, daily, monthly, yearly)
3
Goal setting
2
Alerts and notification center for energy spikes, goals, plugs, and upcoming bills
5
Tips to meet goals
4
Visual presentation of the set goal for energy consumption both in main page and 'goal' page
6
Plug in options to program or control with the app
7
Technical support
Main page in English for reference:
Final outcome
Challenge
Diverse range of users
Research
Bia provides essential solutions but should also consider user's input.
Solution
Identify the intersection of user needs and the brand’s offerings, and design the app to align seamlessly with those shared goals.
Impact
User-centric design that not only delivers value but also incorporates user input and addresses their needs.
Technology that isn't well known in Colombia.
People are not accustomed to using apps for energy measurement. While they are open to the idea, they need an app that is intuitive and easy to navigate.
Design the user flow around the primary solutions provided (Goals, Plugs, Bills, Notifications), presenting information through clear visuals, such as graphics and charts.
Intuitive navigation that saves users time and minimizes frustration, ensuring they can effortlessly understand and use the app.
Reflect BIA's identity and values.
Bia is new in the market and many haven't heard of the services we offer.
Design with a focus on strengthening BIA's identity and core values—innovative, disruptive, eco-friendly, and user-centered—to foster lasting brand recognition and meaningful impact.
Drive impact and engagement while delivering the best solutions through innovative and user-focused design.
Takeways
BIA posed many challenges.
Representing an established brand while innovating within its boundaries demands creative research and thoughtful UI solutions. While the app already offers valuable features, there is significant room for enhancement and expansion. Additional functionalities could be introduced to broaden the app's utility, aligning with its core solutions and goals to deliver even greater value to users. This project holds immense potential, and with deeper UX research, its possibilities could be further explored. Although user input played a key role in the current design, I’m eager to take this approach further by introducing the app to a focus group. This would provide deeper insights and help shape the app into a more comprehensive and user-driven experience.
User
BIA
UXUI
App
Ultimately, UX/UI design—and especially this app—is a collaborative effort between the user, the designer, and the company. It makes sense that all stakeholders should contribute to shaping the final product.