The other Jason Lee

Kilowatt Way

Kilowatt Way

Energy conservation brought to light.

To comply with the confidentiality agreement I have omitted certain information. The process shown is a reinterpretation of the original.

Image of Kilowatt Way home page showcasing illustrative landscape with different types of homes/condos. Along with the Time-of-Use notification.
 

About

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is not-for-profit corporate entity with leaders who are appointed by the Government of Ontario. The IESO’s initiative is to ensure sufficient energy is provided to meet the needs in Ontario's power system – also planning and securing energy for the future. 

As part of their initiative, in 2015, the Independent Electricity Systems Operator (IESO) had commissioned a redesign and rethink their Time-of-Use educational tool Kilowatt Way. 

Kilowatt Way (formerly known as 10 Smart Meter Lane) was an educational tool developed in 2008 to help leverage the support on the smart metering initiative. This tool would be released and integrated with Local Distribution Company(LDC) websites to increase awareness of Time-of-Use rates – using numerous profiles and the common appliances within a household.

My Role

UI Design
User Research
Wireframing
Prototyping
User Flow
Experience Mapping
Information Architecture
User Testing
Sitemapping
Illustration
 

 

The Challenge

Create an educational tool that integrates updated Time-of-Use information with a broader scope of messaging for conservation. The tool was used to demonstrate the importance of how conservation and demand shifting could help consumers manage their bill and energy usage.

 
 

The Approach

  • Understanding users by conducting research and involving ourselves with user empathy we looked to the simplify the process for users to receive quick and efficient information
  • Updating the technology would allow the tool to extend its reach in distribution and access
  • Refresh UI elements to provide a more engaging visual experience
  • Constructing the tool to meet AODA (AA) compliancy for a more inclusive environment
 
Image showcasing the first steps of selecting the type of home, heating and cooling and water system.
 

Using a simple four question process, consumers were able to specify their home type, heating method, the number of rooms and people (and pets too!).

 
Image displaying friendly illustrative rooms commonly seen in homes as well as selector for choosing number of listed rooms.
Image showing a interface selector with illustrative icons to contextualize the number of people and pets selected.
 

After completing the questions, the tool would calculate an estimated consumption and cost profile. This could then be modified further to closely match the users existing bill and understand which items made the significant changes.

 
Image showing the interface for the estimated results and energy usage chart.
Showing the interface for detailed selection of specific appliances with updated results of energy consumption and costs
 

Illustrations were created to help emphasize the friendly characteristic of the tool.

 
Image showing illustrations of appliances
Image showing illustrative rooms.
 

Additional information pages were create for users to learn more about conservation and other incentives being offered.

 
This is an incentive page for users to learn more about conservation of to find coupons from Save on Energy.

I'm always up for a chat, contact me.