Case Study
Transforming power plant operations with advanced analytics, AI, and user-friendly interfaces, improving efficiency and reliability.
New technology allows for advanced analytics and automated optimization, making power plants more efficient and delivering increased returns. Company stakeholders want to leverage this.
I collaborated as a VUI/UX/UI Designer and created multiple user flows, wireframes, custom design systems / libraries, high-fidelity mockups, and VUI flows.
I was predominantly on the UI/VUI portion of this project, coming in to it after the early research phase.
Mitsubishi Power
UX/UI/VUI Designer
Custom Enterprise Software
2022
Improve operational efficiency by leveraging real-time data analysis, OCR, and predictive capabilities for preemptive maintenance. Integrate a conversational training model for VUI (Voice-User-Interface) for ease of use.
Unplanned downtown time is extremely costly. Power plant supervisors need a product that will reduce downtime, allow them to predict and plan maintenance, and centralize all needed P&I documents.
-Average annual savings of $2.4 million
-Average of 12,000 tons of CO2 emissions reduced annually
-2-4 fewer days of unplanned downtime
-3-4 fewer days of planned downtime
Users needed a clear and concise interface that provided real-time data without overwhelming them
Predictive maintenance features were extremely important for preventing unplanned downtimes
Voice commands were identified as a potential game-changer for hands-free operation and quick access to information
Efficient organization and retrieval of P&I documents were critical for maintaining operational efficiency and compliance
Created and mapped out user flows, edge cases, VUI flows, and information architecture.
Design a custom library and design system built on the principles of atomic design, making sure that it accurately align with existing brand and designs.
Created high-fidelity mockups incorporating feedback from usability tests and stakeholder review for the development team to work from.
Developed a systematic approach for organizing P&I documents, ensuring easy access and retrieval by implementing tagging, categorization, and search functionalities to improve document management.
Designed voice commands and interactions that allowed users to perform key functions using natural language, along with conducting VUI testing to ensure accuracy and usability of voice interactions.
Worked closely with developers to ensure the design was implemented accurately and efficiently refined the design based on continuous user feedback and testing. Provided Design QA support for the QA team.
Conversational design is very different from other forms of UX and UI design that I’ve had experience with. While trying to create a user-friendly experience, you also have to take into consideration the flows and rules that have been developed for the VUI to work correctly. Establishing a balance can be challenging and requires a team effort in both design and development.
As I have found in many projects, the stakeholders have a different idea of what the users wants vs what users need. Balancing out the stakeholders’ goals while still designing for the end user can be challenging.
The product has reduced fuel costs, with some implementations saving up to $2.4 million annually.
The product helps by reducing carbon emissions, preventing an average of 12,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Predictive maintenance capabilities led to reduced downtime and operational costs.
-3-4 fewer days of planned downtime
-2-4 fewer days of unplanned downtime
Successfully launched the platform with a highly intuitive UX/UI and efficient VUI.
Positive feedback from stakeholders and users validated the design approach and its impact on overall plant operations.
Improved user satisfaction and productivity by providing a seamless and efficient interface.
This product marks a significant accomplishment in how conversational design can be utilized with advancing technology, such as AI, to improve and assist power plant operations. I played a pivotal role in shaping it and was excited to be part of its creation.
The most exciting part of it, for me, was knowing that I helped create something that reduced CO2 emissions. Making a difference on such a large scale is an experience that I will always be proud say I was part of.
