Solara: Turning Sustainable Living into a Rewarding Game
A gamified mobile app, designed in collaboration with Gengame, that empowers eco-conscious families to transform their solar energy data into tangible global impact and community engagement.
#Engagement Design
#Gamification
#Sustainable Tech
#Shortlisted(5)
Overview
Role:
UX Researcher & Strategist
Experience Designer
Prototyping & Testing Lead
Tools:
Figma, FigJam
Details:
Client: Gengame (Industry Project)
Timeline: 6 Weeks (Jan - Mar, 2025)
(Shortlisted - Top 5)
Solara is an AI-powered mobile app that translates complex smart meter data into a simple, engaging, and gamified experience. Through features like the "Energy Orb" and philanthropic donations, it provides users with immediate, emotional feedback on their sustainable efforts, motivating them and connecting their actions to a larger community of changemakers.
Discovery & Research
Target User Group
The Mature Good Life Family
“I was bought up to cut waste, but it’s not like we are doing it for the money.”
This demographic, characterized by their established affluence, technological proficiency, and commitment to environmental responsibility, presents a unique opportunity.
The “US” archetype
They not only care about their own family, but also their community and the planet. Their effort on the environment can impact the globe.
Mapping Assumptions
The COM-B model (Michie, van Stralen, & West, 2011) was used to recognise possible behaviours of the target user and to identify underlying opportunities for behaviour changes.
After analysing behaviour assumptions, 4 aspects, colour-coded as below, assumptions were further collected and evaluated. An action plan was also built to resolve high-risk and uncertain ideas. After research, those assumptions will be moved to other quadrants.
The Tech-savvy Dad (Persona)
"I want to make the most of our solar investment, but sometimes it feels like I’m not using it to its full potential."
Todd
Painpoints
Rational: Finds it hard to track how effectively the family’s energy system is contributing to sustainability.
Emotional: Feels frustrated when he cannot see immediate benefits to his family and community from his efforts.
Experience Goals
Seeks recognition
Maximize solar value
Feel empowered
Ladering Insights
The key insights were derived by analysing user emotional pain points to better understand their emotions and underlying needs. A laddering technique was employed to delve into the deeper meanings and root causes. Ultimately, three primary insights were identified, revealing the user's core emotional goals and requirements.
User Need Statement
As a tech-savvy and sustainability-driven father, I need a way to visualize and share the immediate benefits of my family’s solar energy efforts so that I can feel validated and inspire both my family and community to embrace collective environmental action.
Define & deliver
Design Principles
Recognition
We should include features that allow Todd to share his energy-saving achievements with his community.
Connection
The app should be able to let user utilize their achievements to help the world through interactive features that highlight the household's collective contributions.
Affirmation
We should create an app experience that offers real-time, actionable insights on solar energy usage, savings, and environmental contributions.
Key Feature
‘Energy Orb’ - Input
The ‘Orb’ feature symbolizes the extra energy stored by the battery.
‘Energy Orb’ - Output
Todd can sell it to the grid or donate them to philanthropic deeds which can ‘level the orb up’, making the whole experience engaging.
Other Features
Energy Impact Dashboard
Provides real-time feedback on energy generation, consumption, savings, and environmental contributions.
Philanthropic Donation
Donate extra energy to real-world philanthropic projects and together forge a brighter tomorrow for the next generation.
Energy Impact Map
Connects user with his local community and the global sustainability network.
Enables user to share energy achievements and inspire collective action in his community and the planet.
AI-Powered Energy Coach
Transforms complex solar data into simple, actionable tips and insights.
Automates solar energy optimization, minimizing manual effort.
To see user testing, iteration and more design process…
Introducing solora
An AI-powered coach and a gateway to global impact.
It transforms the mundane task of energy management into a journey of achievement and contribution.
Solora
‘Solora’ is a combination of ‘solar’ and ‘aura’, symbolizing the radiant energy of the sun and the positive impact it can bring to communities in need.
The design system is based on the design library of Apple iOS 18 and iPadOS 18.
My Home (Home page)
Automation
Contribution and Orb system
THANKS FOR WATCHING.