Project Overview: In this project, my team and I partnered with Schneider Electric (SE) to deliver a solution to the Electrical Contractors, a crucial part of the SE ecosystem. Schneider Electric is a French multinational company headquartered in Rueil-Malmaison, France, that provides energy and automation digital solutions for efficiency and sustainability. The focus of this project was SE’s Wiser Energy™ Monitoring system which helps homeowners monitor their energy usage. The design challenge was to devise a mechanism to extend this service to include energy management and automation for the homeowners through the electrical contractors so that they have a recurring revenue opportunity.
My Role: UX Generalist (Researcher, Strategist and Designer)
Activities: Research, Strategy, Design, Evaluation
Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Miro, Google Docs, Slides
Demos
Prototype link
Customer Segment
The customer segment was divided into:
Primary segment - Electrical Contractors and Electricians
Secondary segment - Homeowners
A combination of primary and secondary research i.e user interview and desk research methods were used to create user profiles and identify pain points and areas of enhancements that would inform the design directions.
Problem Statements
User research uncovered multiple problem areas. On further analysis and another round of interviews with the users, the following problem statements were finalized.
How might we aid the Electrical Contractors to generate recurring revenue and expand their business?
How might we aid Homeowners to create sustainable communities?
Beachhead Market
We identified the market segment for our target users based on factors such as stance on renewable energy, energy conservations initiatives and an approximate number of electrical contractors in the state that is the primary customer segment.
Solution Summary
The proposed product called Data-Driven Decision Enabler (D3E) provided the electrical contractors a platform to build their customer base (homeowners) and middle men connecting Schneider Electric to the homeowners while generating opportunities for recurring revenue and expanding their business. The infographic below explains the working of the product, its features, technology that is leveraged and the players that are involved for its successful implementation.
Benefit of D3E
Outline below are the potential benefits to the key players on successful implementation of the D3E platform.
Subscription Plans for Homeowners (Proposed)
Displayed below are the proposed plan that the homeowners can avail of. Based on this the electricians will provide services to the homeowners.
This will help get more customers onboard and provide additional income sources for the electricians.
Estimate Revenue
Based on the services provided by the electricians to the homeowners, given below is an estimate of the revenue that would be generated in phase 1 that would span over 12-18 months.
Benefits for Schneider Electric
Since the D3E will be powered by Schneider Electric, it is crucial that the service is profitable for Schneider Electric too. The benefits are outlined below.
Utilizing data (from feedback + devices) to drive innovation and product enhancements.
Evolution of a Schneider Electric Intelligence platform; demonstrating through leadership.
Transforming from provider/consumer relationship to a value-based relationship among all stakeholders.
Shared revenue model with Electrical Contractors.
Game changers in building sustainable and energy-efficient communities.
Potential User Quotes
Here's what potential users of D3E have to say. The quotes were gathered during user testing and prototype walkthrough.
"It is important to provide value to our customers. The D3E Program will help us with that."
-John, Electrical Contractor
"If the contractor is going to monitor the homeowners devices then we need a platform like D3E that provides a dashboard where a contractor can view all residences."
- Travis, Electrical Contractors
"The current scenario requires a lot of efforts on the consumer's end. A platform that automates the process would be a huge improvement."
Homeowner, Carmel, Indiana
Future Scope
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Explore potential revenue opportunities from new services evolving out of data analytics.
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Collaborate with the energy department, housing administration, and other stakeholders to extend D3E Program across other geographies.
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Collaborate with product design teams to co-create newer products aligned to evolving Homeowener's expectations post D3E.
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Evolve Electrical Contractors into sustainability ambassadors.