Background
Colla Studio, a design agency, was hired by Youdera – Swiss-based company specializing in solar energy solutions – to create their Photovoltaic Systems Calculator and Customer Dashboard. The company aimed to develop a comprehensive digital tool that would streamline the process of solar panel adoption for businesses. This initiative was part of Youdera’s strategy to create a more engaging and transparent customer experience, from initial lead generation to long-term system monitoring. We developed a customer dashboard where users can track the status and customize their solar panel solutions, providing a centralized platform for managing their solar energy journey. As an external consultant, I joined the project as a Product Designer with the task of designing the UX and conducting the Research phase and Product Discovery workshops.
Challenge
The main challenge was to create a user-friendly, brandable configurator that could guide potential customers through the complex process of solar panel system design and installation. The tool needed to integrate seamlessly with Youdera’s existing systems, including their CRM and ERP, while providing a tailored experience for each user. Additionally, the configurator had to cater to a diverse range of users, from decision-makers to technical staff, across different levels of solar energy knowledge. The customer dashboard presented its own set of challenges, requiring intuitive design and functionality to allow users to effectively track and manage their solar panel projects
Process
The development process began with a comprehensive workshop involving key stakeholders from Youdera and design experts. The team focused on creating detailed user personas, mapping the customer journey, and brainstorming functionalities. They prioritized features using a matrix to assess impact versus effort. The process emphasized a modular approach, allowing for flexibility in implementation and future enhancements. We developed interactive prototypes in Figma, which allowed for rapid iteration and feedback. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive benchmark of Youdera’s competitors to ensure our solution would stand out in the market. Notably, the entire process was conducted remotely, showcasing our ability to collaborate effectively across distances.
Solution
The proposed solution was a multi-step configurator with an AI assistant named “Sol”. It featured a modular dashboard allowing non-linear navigation through property details, energy consumption profiling, system customization, and financing options. The configurator incorporated interactive elements, augmented reality for panel placement visualization, and gamification to enhance user engagement. The AI assistant was there to support the configuration process and respond to user queries, making the experience more intuitive and user-friendly. The customer dashboard enabled the customization of the solution and communication with Y-Tu at different stages of the process, up until the actual implementation of the solution, ensuring a seamless and transparent experience throughout the customer’s solar energy journey.
Learning
The project highlighted the importance of balancing technical complexity with user-friendly design in B2B software. It demonstrated the value of incorporating AI and interactive elements to simplify complex processes and enhance user engagement. The team learned the significance of flexibility in design, allowing users to navigate the configurator according to their preferences and available information.
My contribution
As a key participant in the workshop, I contributed to developing user personas and mapping the customer journey. I played a crucial role in brainstorming and prioritizing features for the configurator. My insights helped shape the modular approach and the integration of AI assistance. I also emphasized the importance of real-time collaboration features and gamification elements to enhance user engagement and support decision-making processes. Additionally, I worked on the wireframes and the prototype for both the configuration tool and the customer dashboard, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience across all aspects of the Y-Tu platform.
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