RESEARCH PROBLEMS DEFINITION

To address the issues in Qontrol, I began by compiling a list of recurring problems frequently highlighted by Bliq administrators and installers. To ensure these problems were clearly defined and prioritized effectively, I conducted a series of one-on-one interviews and group workshops with both Bliq administrators and a select group of installers. Following these sessions, the identified issues were reviewed with management to establish priorities. Below is the prioritized list of key challenges:

• Lack of Mobile Optimization: Qontrol was not optimized for mobile screens, which posed a significant challenge. Analytics revealed that the majority of Qontrol users, particularly installers, accessed the platform via mobile devices such as phones and tablets. This lack of responsiveness severely impacted the user experience, necessitating an immediate focus on enhancing mobile accessibility.
• Disorganized Installation Process: The installation workflow was fragmented and unclear, requiring the use of both Qontrol and an external third-party app for scanning the Bliq Energy Management System. With the introduction of a new Energy Management System, there was a need to streamline all installation steps within Qontrol. This new process had to be intuitive and seamless for both administrators and installers, ensuring improved efficiency.
• Need for a Guided Installation Process: Installers expressed a need for a guided, self-explanatory installation process that would reduce confusion and ensure smoother setups.
• Messy Site Map: The previous site map of Qontrol was cluttered, with separate lists for customers and installers in different locations. This often led to redundant information being displayed, creating confusion and inefficiencies for users.
• Limited Access to Company and Installer Information: Information regarding companies and installers was not easily accessible within Qontrol, making it difficult for users to locate and manage this data effectively.
• Lack of Account-Specific Access: Qontrol did not offer account-specific access controls, making it impossible to customize permissions based on user profiles. Since both administrators and installers used the platform, this functionality was essential to tailor access levels according to their specific roles.
• Device Information Entry via External Platform: Inputting data about devices, such as batteries and inverters, was often conducted through an external platform. Integrating this functionality directly into Qontrol was necessary to streamline the process and improve efficiency.
• Cluttered Monitoring Graphs: The monitoring graphs were disorganized, with unclear line labels, making data interpretation difficult. Additionally, it wasn’t apparent what occurred when the system stopped sending management commands, adding to the confusion.
• Irrelevant Schematic View for Installers: The schematic view of the Bliq system did not display relevant information for installers, limiting its utility during the installation process.
• Unclear Device List: The system device list was not user-friendly and failed to effectively illustrate how the different components were connected, making it difficult for users to understand the overall setup.
• Need for Comments and Tags on Installations: Bliq administrators required the ability to add comments and tags to installations, facilitating better organization and clearer communication throughout the installation process.

DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Before creating high-fidelity designs, low-fidelity mock-ups and prototypes were developed, reviewed with relevant stakeholders, and tested with a select group of users. Based on the feedback, necessary adjustments were made, leading to the final pixel-perfect designs.

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