Roles

- User research
- Interaction design
- Interface design
- Usability testing
Tools

- Axure RP
- Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Powerpoint

Project Overview

Every Drop is an iOS app concept for Seattle Public Utilities. My team and I utilized cutting edge smart meter technology, providing citizens with an unprecedented level of personalized data on their water usage. I designed interactive features like fixture specific monitoring, instant leak detection and a streamlined on-boarding.
Challenge
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How to best utilize and coney data collected from smart water meters to help proactive, Seattle homeowners to reduce usage even further. 
Solution
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Connect citizens with real time information. Hourly reports allow for quick responses and personalized tips for reducing usage.

​Research

  • We began by drafting a script, which I used to conduct three user interviews.

  • The affinity diagram was very useful for a group project, as it allowed us to sort large amounts of data with ease.

  • Through domain research, I discovered meters using a vibration sensor technology, which we utilized to enable to app to report on water usage for individual fixtures and detect leaks the moment they start. 
We found the citizens of King County to be environmentally active and eager for better information. They felt a strong responsibility for their family, community, and planet. 

Plan

One of my chief design concerns was allowing for a quick set up. I designed a user flow, pictured below, to take the user to the Usage Overview screen as quickly as possible.

Design

  • Detailed wireframes resulted in a unified design that could be quickly prototyped.

  • I handled the visual design, incorporating bright colors to highlight important areas and an icon based interface for easy navigation.

  • I implemented many interactive elements for the Axure prototype, formatting the dynamic panels to run smoothly.
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  • Timing was our most important interaction consideration. We ensured users could quickly view usage data in multiple time frames and would receive instant notifications of leaks.

Test

  • We conducted many usability tests early in the cycle, giving us plenty of time to iterate on our design.
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  • I wrote the test plan, detailing tasks to complete and how they were to be broken up. I also wrote the test script, focusing on giving as little direction as possible and planning for unexpected answers.
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  • Testers were extremely pleased with the app, finding it easy to use and quickly understanding the intended interactions. 

Results

The data Every Drop provides goes far beyond current SPU reports, providing clear visualization, in-depth reports, and fixture specific monitoring. While this project was a concept piece, prototype testers found Every Drop to be superior to their current SPU reports in both clarity and relevance of information. 
​You made utilities fun! 
I didn’t think anyone could do that! 
​​- Happy User 

© Copyright Patrick Heckethorn 2017