PowerTrack
Design of an energy management app to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions
Overview
PowerTrack app connects with smart plugs to give users real-time control and insights into their home energy consumption. It tracks usage at the device level, identifies inefficiencies, and provides actionable recommendations to reduce energy waste and lower utility bills.
Problem
Most homeowners have little to no visibility into how much energy individual appliances consume. Without this data, it's difficult to identify which devices are inefficient or running unnecessarily—leading to energy waste, higher costs, and avoidable environmental impact.
Solution
PowerTrack app leverages smart plug technology to monitor energy use on a per-device basis. It gives users the ability to control devices remotely, track usage trends, and receive personalized tips to reduce consumption—making energy management smarter, easier, and more sustainable.
User story
Given the lack of direct user research, I created the user story using a hypothetical persona approach, based on common assumptions about the target audience of a smart home energy management app. I considered typical motivations such as reducing energy bills, managing appliances efficiently, and living more sustainably.
As a homeowner concerned about energy usage and costs,
I want to monitor and control the energy consumption of individual appliances via smart plugs,
so that I can identify energy-wasting devices, reduce my electricity bill, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
User flows
I focused on the app’s core functions: viewing energy usage, turning devices on/off, setting usage limits, receiving notifications, and viewing trends. I designed user flows by mapping out the simplest, most intuitive paths a user would take to complete each task—starting from the home screen and minimizing steps. Common UI patterns and logical grouping were used to keep the experience smooth and goal-driven.
Design system
To ensure consistency and simplicity, I developed a minimal design system focused on essential UI elements such as color palette, typography, buttons, and icons.
Prototype
I built the prototype to visualize the key user flows—viewing usage, controlling devices, setting limits, and seeing trends. Using low- to mid-fidelity wireframes, I focused on layout, navigation, and core interactions. The goal was to quickly test usability and iterate based on feedback, even without full user data.
Testing
I used Userbrain to remotely test the prototype with real users. Testers were given tasks based on key app functions—like checking device energy usage or setting a usage limit. Their screen recordings, voice feedback, and task completion data helped identify usability issues such as unclear labels or navigation friction. Insights from these sessions guided refinements to improve clarity and flow.
Reflection
Working on this app highlighted the importance of balancing functionality with simplicity, especially when dealing with technical features like smart plugs and energy data. Despite limited initial research, creating user stories and flows based on likely user goals helped maintain a user-centered approach. Prototyping brought the concept to life, and testing with Userbrain provided valuable real-world feedback that revealed small but impactful usability issues. This process reinforced the value of early testing, iterative design, and focusing on clarity to support user confidence and control in managing their home energy.