User-centred smart utilities interface
The requirement
Guru Systems wanted to improve their in-home smart utility hub’s user-friendliness and capabilities. The device captures data from meters within a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) and uses machine learning to diagnose heat network problems.
New features include monitoring multiple meters and a secure pay-as-you-go service. The goal was to improve energy efficiency and reduce customer debt while ensuring easy use. As the system became more feature rich, it was crucial that customers using Guru Hub II in their homes could better engage with the data at their fingertips, rather than finding the advancement complex.
The project at-a-glance
- UX project to redesign interface of utilities management device
- User-centred and iterative design approach involving consultative customer workshops
- Collaboration with client, users and third-party technical team
- Designed for maximum accessibility, industry compliance and user engagement
Our solution
The brief centred on leveraging the team’s UX and UI skill-set. Charged with designing the interface for Guru Hub II, we engaged the project with a user-centred approach, which included the organisation and management of focus groups with tenants alongside collaboration with the embedded device technology provider to ensure compatibility with the existing platform.
The interface complies with industry standards and regulations set by governing bodies such as CfSH ENE3, Heat Network and the Heat Trust Scheme. Used with minimal to no instructions or device training – a clean, intuitive user journey, displaying key points of information and clear next steps to aid usability usability – on a 5” touchscreen panel mounted to the wall.
The results
The inclusive UX and UI project resulted in a user-friendly smart solution that improves efficiency and engagement for operators and residents. It prioritises clear visuals and accessibility features, such as high-contrast fonts and sleep mode, to not disturb sleep.
The prototype was delivered to Guru Systems including multiple 3D renders for development and marketing materials.
The ongoing digitalisation of energy in the home will reap multiple benefits, both for the UK’s decarbonisation strategy, and the management of transparent, cost-effective heat networks for customers. This is our specialty – in fact Guru Systems has captured more than 3bn metrics over the past eight years to support this agenda” But to truly make the most of this data – and empower our clients to do the same – the design and performance of our system is crucial."
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