In the studies and in the development of a system for energy monitoring, it was natural that, after the initial development, the first evolution was directed towards the world of solar energy and complex systems. I designed and created the modules using the stylistic guidelines and UX constraints developed for other products already made for ALLO, with the aim of adding these new functionalities perfectly integrated into the existing ecosystem.
Making the world of energy production clear and understandable to a non-technical user was not an easy challenge. The solid foundations laid with the UX/UI of HOMIE greatly aided in the development of graphs that necessarily had to be simplified to the core. For example, the first dynamic graph that introduces the Solar section numerically shows the state of energy production while simultaneously comparing it in real time with the energy needs of the home. In this way, the user can receive information and insights at a glance that were not possible to obtain before HOMIE.
The numbers expressed in energy terms are not clearly understandable to everyone; it's difficult to grasp the significance of 100 kWh of energy produced by a photovoltaic system if you're not familiar with it. However, the meaning (and value) of a phrase like "today you saved €25" is clear to everyone. In developing the solar monitoring module, I emphasized this concept of conversion into units and values that are easily understood by everyone, with the goal of allowing anyone to clearly understand the impact of their photovoltaic system on their energy consumption habits.
SOLAR
REAL-TIME MONITORING
REAL-TIME MONITORING
How can we display the energy flowing through a user's home system in real time in a single graph? By simplifying the elements as much as possible, so that even those without technical knowledge can understand whether at that precise moment they are self-sufficient, drawing energy from the grid, or feeding energy back into the grid. This schematic representation is both clear and fundamental because it shows the precise impact on energy costs that a system has. Those who have decided to invest in a photovoltaic system want to have clear and timely information on this.
The addition of the solar system monitoring module had a significant impact on the entire HOMIE system. Regarding UX and UI, it was crucial and deliberate to integrate based on user needs, incorporating controls and buttons in a manner consistent with the existing setup. This approach enriched the experience by seamlessly introducing new functionalities, without causing disruptions or requiring users to relearn how to use ALLO's front-end.
For example, below it is evident how discrete yet simultaneously visible and aligned the style of the existing sections is, serving as pillars that facilitate visualising the contribution of production impact on expenditure monitoring.
POWERFUL SUBMETERING
Alongside monitoring energy produced by a photovoltaic system, I integrated mechanisms and elements into HOMIE's UX/UI to monitor complex electrical systems. Whether they are industrial systems, therefore three-phase, or domestic systems with the need to measure multiple loads simultaneously, I aimed to ensure that information reaches the user clearly and effectively. This represents another significant evolutionary step for the energy monitoring platform.
In this case too, they have been perfectly integrated into the existing modules, ensuring excellent usability of the new information without shifting or modifying the hierarchies established in the initial development of HOMIE's UI. Color plays a dominant role here, allowing information to be added only where necessary, providing a great comprehension of the new indications while also giving users the freedom to modify and align them according to their needs.
STRONG FUNDAMENTALS
The interface, as well as the user experience of the HOMIE App, are based on strict and structured stylistic and functional principles, a manual of elements and rules designed to be easily applied and endlessly adapted for new tools without losing identity, coherence, and recognizability as HOMIE. If you haven't already, take a look at the page dedicated to the development of the HOMIE app, where you will find extensive information on how I led the development of UX and UI, which also impacted the development of the solar and multi-channel monitoring part.