Water Heaters and HVAC Control App
CASE NR.3
Overview
Project duration: 2024 January - Ongoing
Product: A B2C mobile app for water heater and HVAC unit owners, designed specifically for a sub-brand’s products while adhering to the parent group’s design and brand guidelines. The app enables users to control their units, monitor performance, and optimize usage to help reduce utility costs.
My Role
I was part of two teams during my time on the project. First, I joined the XD team, where I was responsible for creating wireframes and prototypes, and I also participated in user interviews as an observer. Later, I moved to the development team, working alongside Android and iOS developers as a UX/UI Designer.
POC Stage
Problem:
The brand required a dedicated app to support product-specific features that existing apps could not provide. The new app also needed a distinctive visual identity that aligned with the brand’s positioning and customer expectations.
Solution:
We began with two stages of user testing using low-fidelity wireframes to identify usability issues early.
Based on feedback, we refined the design and developed high-fidelity wireframes, followed by additional usability testing to validate improvements.
The final deliverables—a complete Figma file containing the design system, high-fidelity wireframes, and clickable prototypes—were handed off to the client.
Development
Create a fully functional app that allows users to control their units and gain valuable insights into their performance.
Solutions:
Designed specifically for a sub-brand’s units, while adhering to the parent group’s design and brand guidelines.
Addressed key pain points identified in user feedback from the original app, focusing on areas with the most negative reviews.
Incorporated brand-specific functionality such as device grouping and multi-user access.
Developed to support both Android and iOS platforms for a consistent cross-platform experience.
Designed to support both light and dark themes for improved accessibility and user preference.
New Feature - Grouping
Certain new features needed to be added to support brand-specific functionality.
Solutions:
The most significant addition was the grouping feature, allowing users to organize multiple products into groups, control them collectively or individually, add users to the groups, and create sub-groups.
Products within a group could be controlled either individually or in bulk.
Users could be granted access to specific products only, providing flexible permission management.
Updated Feature - Temperature Control
The app had major technical limitations in managing water heater temperature. We needed a redesigned UI that would be easier to implement technically and provide a smoother, more intuitive experience for users.