Terra Grid
01
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Type
UX Research
(Academic)
IoT
App Design
Timeline
Jan 2024-
Aug 2024
My Role
Research
UX Design
Tools
Figma
LucidChart
Maze
Nvivo
Team
Guide:
Prof. Jyoti Kumar,
IIT Delhi
Empowering Solar Grids System with IoT Solutions and AI for Seamless Adoption and Maintenance
TerraGrid is a service-based digital platform designed to facilitate the adoption of solar energy among residential users and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The platform aims to educate, empower, and support users in making informed, cost-effective, and sustainable energy decisions.
This UX research project focused on understanding the pain points, motivations, and decision-making behaviors of potential solar energy adopters, and translating those insights into actionable design recommendations.
01
DISCOVERING
CHALLENGES
The project was meticulously crafted through in-depth research, focusing on user needs and effective strategies to inspire adoption and trust in renewable energy.
01
What are the best ways to inform and engage users about the advantages of solar energy adaptation?
01
How can accurate and unbiased comparison tools build user confidence in solar product decisions?
01
How can we simplify installation and ensure reliable maintenance to build user trust?
From rooftops to deserts, India's solar expansion could circle the globe twice with solar panels by 2030- at an accelerating growth of 3,600%. (Invest India)
UNDERSTANDING THE DATA
I performed an in-depth review of articles, research papers, and scientific studies on solar panels and their adoption in India. To refine my findings around a specific problem statement, I developed a focused research strategy that helped filter and prioritize the most relevant insights.
Moreover, I conducted interviews and surveys with both current users and potential adopters, which further deepened my understanding of their experiences, challenges, and needs.
I used NVivo to identify themes, patterns, and connections across user research data—analyzing documents, transcriptions, surveys, as well as multimedia sources like video, audio, and images. This helped uncover key insights into user needs, behaviors, and expectations.
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A survey was conducted with 21 adult users who are homeowners, who have experience or interest about solar energy solutions.
100%
Rented Apartment
Home Owners
<1,000
3,000-5,000
1,000-2,000
5,000-10,000
10,000>
This research aims to systematically review and analyse the state of Solar PV by exploring "the key factors influencing the adoption of Solar PV at Household and MSME's level"
Inclusion and Exclusion criteria
-
Meta-analyses (PRISMA)
-
Innovation Diffusion Model
Qualitative studies most commonly used interviews for primary data collection, while a quarter of the studies also included secondary sources. Mixed-method studies relied on surveys, interviews and secondary data.
Descriptive statistics and regression are found to be the most used data analysis approaches in quantitative studies, while a sizeable number of studies adopted modelling approaches. In qualitative studies, content and thematic analysis were frequently used.
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Descriptive analysis
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Thematic analysis
Literature Review
User Survey
PRISMA Mapping
Thematic Analysis
RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES
INSIGHTS
01
Design Clear, Contextual Content to Address Knowledge Gaps
Many potential users lack awareness of solar energy benefits, government schemes, and ROI.
This indicates a strong need for educational touchpoints to support informed adoption.
02
Smart Maintenance and Support with IoT and AI
With the help of IoT, users can access real-time data on equipment performance and receive timely maintenance updates, while AI can assist in detecting issues and delivering automated bug fixes for a smoother experience.
03
Improving Product Discovery and Navigation
We need to keep in mind the different techniques apps used to build trust- features, colour, language, privacy and even quality of development.
01
DISCOVERING
CHALLENGES
The project was meticulously crafted through in-depth research, focusing on user needs and effective strategies to inspire adoption and trust in renewable energy.
01
Design Clear, Contextual Content to Address Knowledge Gaps
Many potential users lack awareness of solar energy benefits, government schemes, and ROI.
This indicates a strong need for educational touchpoints to support informed adoption.
02
Smart Maintenance and Support with IoT and AI
With the help of IoT, users can access real-time data on equipment performance and receive timely maintenance updates, while AI can assist in detecting issues and delivering automated bug fixes for a smoother experience.
03
Improving Product Discovery and Navigation
Users found it difficult to search and compare products efficiently. Clear categories and smart filters can streamline product discovery.
02
DEFINING
How can we make solar energy easily accessible to our users?
TARGET AUDIENCE
PRIMARY AUDIENCE
Secondary AuDIENCE
Residencial Homes
MSME Owners
USER INTERVIEW
I interviewed a few users who currently use Solar Systems in order to understand their motivation for the purchase and their relationship with the product. From our interviews, I learned that servicing and real time data plays a big role in the engagement with these apps.
While a user may not constantly track their grid system through the dashboard, notifications and alerts act as a means to engage them and take action if required.
USER PERSONAS
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
I created the information architecture of the app based on all of the features we outlined with my guide. The flows outlined the different screens and features we would need to create wireframes for. This helped us group the features and also think of the different ways in which we would enable a user log in to the app.
UNDERSTANDING THE DATA
I conducted an extensive review of articles, research papers, and scientific studies on solar panels and their adoption in India. To focus my findings on the specific problem statement, I developed a research strategy that allowed me to streamline and filter the insights I gathered.
Additionally, I engaged with both current users and potential adopters through interviews and surveys, further enriching my understanding of their experiences and needs. This comprehensive approach has provided a solid foundation for my project, ensuring it is informed by both existing research and direct user feedback.
WIREFRAMES
We created high-fidelity wireframes for 3 main flow of the app.; book a consultation, request a technician, personalised dashboard. These acted as a testing point for several review sessions with the users.
I distributed the flows amongst my friends - once we have the first version, we would rotate the screens amongst ourselves and review them collectively. I also created a UI Kit to ensure that there was consistency amongst all the different screens.
03
DESIGNING
Font Type
Heading
Sub Heading
Caption Bold
Caption Regular
Paragraph Bold
Paragraph Regular
Font
Futura Bold
Futura Semi-Bold
Poppins Bold
Poppins Regular
Avenir Regular
Avenir Regular
Font size
24px
18px
16px
14px
12px
12px
Line Height
32px
28px
24px
20px
16px
14px
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Moodboard
Inspired by post- modernism ways of living, clean energy and play of light influenced my thoughts in creating this mood board. It aims to be modern and intuitive in visual language. It boasts a breathable and minimal look with flat and 2D scheme. I spent lot of time evaluating colours for best accessibility and optimal readabilty.
Colors
The colour palette was derived on the basis of the product's reliability. I wanted to create a palette that help user percieve the product a sustainable, futuristic and welcoming.
Typeface
I chose the typefaces based on readability and approachability of content. I wanted the text to seem friendly and trustworthy.
Iconography
I used an icon set from material design that I felt was best in line with the positioning of the app to support the visual language.
05
Testing
INSIGHTS
The Price Tag Pause
01
I noticed a pattern—users would excitedly browse options but hesitate when faced with pricing. It wasn’t just about cost; it was about value uncertainty. They needed reassurance that they were making the smartest choice. A dynamic comparison tool with real-world savings projections could turn hesitation into confidence.
After selecting a product, users often lingered on the screen, searching for what comes next. The fear of installation hassles and hidden costs was written on their faces. A clear, guided post-purchase roadmap—like a friendly voice saying, “Here’s what to expect”—could ease that uncertainty.
02
The ‘What Happens Next?’ Glance
Most users treated solar panels as a ‘set-and-forget’ investment, unaware of the upkeep needed for long-term efficiency. I saw confusion when they scrolled past maintenance info, then quickly moved on. What if maintenance reminders felt less like chores and more like power-up moments—gamified insights or AI-driven check-ins to keep their system at peak performance?
03
The Maintenance Blind Spot
INSIGHTS
The Price Peek, Then the Retreat
01
Users hovered over pricing details, clicked financing options, then… disappeared at checkout. The hesitation was real—trust gaps, hidden cost fears? A friendly nudge with clear guarantees or AI-driven savings insights could turn second thoughts into solid decisions.
The Scroll, The Skip, The Return
02
Maintenance? Users scrolled right past—until they didn’t. Multiple scroll-backs hinted at curiosity but no clear answers. What if maintenance felt less like fine print and more like powering up their system, with interactive tips or a chatbot for instant reassurance?
INSIGHTS
The Ghost Button Effect
01
Watching users interact with paper prototypes felt like reading their minds. They tapped on non-existent buttons, hovered over blank spaces, and asked, “Can I see my savings here?”—as if the missing feature was meant to be there. These invisible expectations were the real blueprint, showing us what users wanted before we even designed it. Sometimes, the best features aren’t created—they’re uncovered.
The "Wait, What Do I Tap?" Pause
02
If a user hesitated, stared, or hovered their finger mid-air, we knew something was off. Those micro-pauses were gold—silent feedback showing where clarity was missing before a single line of code was written.
INSIGHTS
Some cards floated from pile to pile—was maintenance part of support or ownership? Turns out, if users debate where something belongs, we probably need clearer categories.
The Lost & Found Effect
01
02
The Magnet Cards
Certain topics—like pricing and installation—were always placed together, like inseparable best friends. It proved users see these as one decision, not separate steps, hinting at a more connected experience.
03
The “Wait, This Goes Here?” Surprise
A few wild placements shocked us—users put financing under installation instead of cost. It was a reminder that real-world thinking isn’t always what designers expect, and their logic should shape our navigation.
04
The Orphan Card Dilemma
A few cards sat alone, shuffled last, as if no category truly fit them. Users stared, hesitated, then placed them with a shrug. It was a clear sign—either these items needed better labels, or they weren’t as important as we assumed.
Rapid Paper Prototyping
Heat Mapping
Card Sorting
Shadow testing
05
Reflections
Focus on More User Interface Design
While interviewing users revealed how storytelling transforms a technical solution into an emotional journey. By crafting narratives around user struggles, solar benefits, and environmental impact, we connected with users on a personal level.
The Power of Storytelling
It made me reflect deeply on inclusivity—who benefits from this solution and who might be unintentionally left behind. I realized the importance of addressing not only tech-savvy users but also those in rural areas or with limited access to resources. It pushed me to consider different languages, simplified interfaces, and offline support. Leaving anyone out means failing the mission of solar accessibility, which reinforced my commitment to creating solutions for all, not just the obvious few.
Anticipating Needs
While interviewing users revealed how storytelling transforms a technical solution into an emotional journey. By crafting narratives around user struggles, solar benefits, and environmental impact, we connected with users on a personal level.
05
Reflections
Who Am I Leaving Out?
During designing more on user interface design in this project has helped me understand the balance between aesthetics and functionality. I’ve learned how small design tweaks can significantly improve user interaction and satisfaction.
Anticipating Needs
This project taught me to think beyond user requests and focus on unspoken challenges. From simplifying pricing to guiding maintenance, it required blending empathy with data-driven insights. Designing for unvoiced needs felt like solving a human puzzle, balancing intuition and logic.
It made me reflect deeply on inclusivity—who benefits from this solution and who might be unintentionally left behind. I realized the importance of addressing not only tech-savvy users but also those in rural areas or with limited access to resources. It pushed me to consider different languages, simplified interfaces, and offline support. Leaving anyone out means failing the mission of solar accessibility, which reinforced my commitment to creating solutions for all, not just the obvious few.
The Power of Storytelling
While interviewing users revealed how storytelling transforms a technical solution into an emotional journey. By crafting narratives around user struggles, solar benefits, and environmental impact, we connected with users on a personal level.
Focus on More User Interface Design
Focus on More User Interface Design
NEXT STEPS
01
Explore Different Use Cases
I see TerraGrid being successfully across diverse contexts, such as medical cold chains, disaster relief shelters, agricultural drying systems, rural electrification, and high-altitude desert grids.. It would be interesting to explore these scenarios and navigate the nuances they might bring up.
02
Create a Frictionless Experience
It is like designing a coffee machine that knows exactly how you like your brew—just the right temperature, strength, and size, all with a single button press. It’s about understanding human behavior and anticipating needs, so users don’t have to think twice.
03
User Contribution Flows
Focusing more on user contribution flows could add significant value. How can I inspire users to tap into their creativity and imagination to create their own hunts? What steps can I take to make this experience as seamless as possible? Would a set of prompts be helpful in guiding them through the process?
04
Additional Features
There were a lot of interesting features I would have liked to account for that I outlined in my brainstorming session with my guide but got pushed to the next stages due to course duration.