Home Energy Analysis Tool
2024
Overview
A web application helping energy efficiency coaches appropriately size heat pumps for residential homes — migrating a calculator from Excel into a web-based platform, eventually intended for public access.
Role: UX Design Lead · Timeline: June 2023 – Present (part-time)
Team: Designers, PM, subject matter expert, JavaScript engineers, rules-engine engineers, data-persistence engineers
Challenge: Understand the Context
The existing Excel tool had geographical limitations, usability challenges, and a steep learning curve that deterred new coaches from adoption. Training required high investment, service area was limited to 6 weather stations, and maintenance costs were high.
Challenge: Design a New Workflow
Integrated nationwide weather APIs so weather data is pulled automatically from an address rather than manual station selection, added automated instructions and warnings, report generation, and the ability to modify and re-run analyses.
New workflow: user inputs home info → heating system details → uploads an energy company CSV → receives a comprehensive case report with analysis graphs.
Challenge: Dance with Constraints
Limited time and a volunteer-based team required strategic prioritization. Beta 1 focused on core natural-gas analysis functionality, deferring user registration and case management to later phases.
Challenge: Simplify the Complexity
Iterative design with A/B testing alongside real coaches, measuring time on task, completion rate, and reactions. One coach summarized it: “With half the work, I got double the information. It is shocking to look back at how I used to do it.”
Outcomes
- Task completion rate increased 25%
- Time on task reduced 50%
- Training time reduced to 45 minutes
- Reduced onboarding costs
Roadmap
Beta 2 adds authentication, case management, and PDF export. Beta 3 adds fuel oil and propane support and full report generation. Post-release work focuses on a dashboard and filtering by home style, age, and heating fuel type.