Role: User Experience Designer
In collaboration with Product Designers
App Design | Sponsored Project
The Smart Water Management App for Condo Living. Tailored for seamless interaction and effortless control of Midea's modular smart water appliances.
Scope of Work & Responsibilities
MIDEA is a global leader in home appliances and smart technology solutions, renowned for its innovative and reliable products that enhance convenience, efficiency, and quality of life for consumers worldwide. My team was tasked with enhancing the user experience of Midea's line of smart water appliances, specifically designed for condo living. This included optimizing the functionality and usability of water heaters, softeners, and purifiers to ensure seamless integration into the condo lifestyle.
In 4 months, I contributed to the user research, persona creation, and interaction concept development of the mobile application. As a team, we pursued the concept of modularity for the water appliances, and I aimed to maintain this theme within the app.
End User: Single Renter
Who are we designing for?
Single renters, residing in individual condominium units, who prioritize health, community, efficiency, and cost-conscious living and seek solutions that simplify their lifestyle while minimizing maintenance tasks.
Desires
Demographics
Process & Approach
Throughout this process, I participated in progress check-ins with both my team and Midea Company representatives - in the form of presentations.
Secondary Research
Research involved gathering data to understand the attributes of a small condominium and the characteristics of our target audience. Through analysis of data, I derived key insights into the behaviors, needs, and desires of our users.
Key Takeaways
Defining Target Audience
Core Needs
Frustrations
Characteristics
Problem Statement
In shared condominiums, where accommodation is split among individual units, there exists a challenge in balancing water consumption without compromising the essential water needs of residents. To prevent conflicts and enhance individual control over budgeting for water usage there is a need for the development of an efficient and personalized monitoring system for the condo water infrastructure.
Modularity of water appliances refers to the ability to customize and adapt different components of the system according to specific user preferences and needs. This allows users to mix and match various components to create a tailored water management solution that meets their individual requirements. Additionally, modularity enables easier maintenance, upgrades, and scalability of the water system over time. Components include, large and small instant water heaters, water softener, and water dispenser.
Mod
Exploring Modularity
Concept
Interactive Product Concept & Service
Mobile application facilitating seamless user interaction with Midea's smart water appliances. Crafted with customizable widgets, empowering users to tailor the displayed information to align precisely with their individual needs and preferences.
Service
Comprehensive control over modular configurations, monitoring systems, and optimization of water usage. Offering real-time insights and convenience, it ensures efficient, cost-effective water management and peace of mind for users.
In response to company deadlines and expectations, I accelerated into the ideation phase by diving directly into the creation of mid-fidelity wireframes. This strategic approach allowed for the rapid visualization and articulation of user interaction with modular appliances within the app.
Wireframes
MVP Screens
Dashboard
Water Usage
Alert / Notification
Modular System
Modular Appliance
Account
Content Requirements
The user will be looking for current water consumption statistics and trends to understand their usage patterns and identify areas for optimization.
The user will be looking for water quality data to ensure they have instant access to clean water.
The user will be looking for proactive alerts and notifications to stay informed and take prompt action when needed.
The user will be looking for documentation and support resources for modular components to facilitate seamless integration and operation.
Functionality Requirements
5. The user will be able to remotely control and adjust their water system settings.
6. The user will be able to personalize and customize their water system settings to meet their unique preferences.
7. The user will be able to monitor and track their water usage effectively.
8. The user will be able to add or remove modular components within their water system configuration to accommodate changing needs and desires.
9. The user will be able to monitor the performance of individual modular components to maintain optimal system functionality.
Higih-Fidelity Designs & Features
Modshui is designed with a user-friendly, intuitive interface that empowers users to effortlessly manage their water systems. The design prioritizes ease of use, ensuring that users feel confident and in control.
I utilized Figma as the primary tool to create the interface screens and to create an interactive prototype.
