Utility
Utility is a mobile application that helps users monitor their water, gas, and electric utility usage. In a world where most homes have “smart” technology—sensors and devices can be hooked up to water lines, appliances, and electric outlets. The application connects to these sensors which provides users with detailed information about usage.
Utility is designed to help people save money and the environment. This application helps users understand how their usage correlates to charges. It also brings awareness to how much their home’s appliances use water, gas, and electricity.
UX Solutions
How to display this information
User’s can navigate to each utility via the top navigation icons for water, electricity, and gas. On each home page the user can see a simple bar chart displaying their usage for the day, week, month, and year. When a utility is activated the meter and dollar amount starts running.
The dollar amount factors in some of the other fees included on the final bill. For a more detailed description of the bill users can click the “view full bill” link or move to the bill section from the bottom navigation.
Toggle to the breakdown section via the house icon to see a breakdown of different appliances/devices that use water, gas, and electricity.
How to get people to care
Money: Similar to how gas stations display their price per gallon—as soon as an appliance is activated the meter starts running along with the dollar amount.
General Awareness: Users can see their utiltiy consumption over time and get a breakdown of each gas, water, and electrical device usage. How it varies each day, week, month, and year is recorded. Learning how much we each use every day and how it adds up over time is important. Once someone learns how much they use they can start thinking of ways to reduce their usage. The app also provides tips and tools to help you use less.
How to make it convenient
Set timers/reminders through the mobile app or simply ask your smart home device.
AI - Learns behavior and provides solutions/tips on where/how to make changes.
