Community Centered Tool
Project Context:
Designed the UX/UI for the NRIC Community Tool/Web Application, empowering communities to make informed and clean energy decisions. Features dynamic educational content, a robust communication platform, and data-driven mapping for community representatives. Addresses community needs and fosters collaboration in the energy planning process.
In collaboration with: Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA), University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Fastest Path to Zero (FPTZ), Nuclear Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC)
Role: UI/UX Designer
Team: Solo designer, in collaboration with multiple organizations
Timeline: Jan - May 2023
Tools: Figma
The Problem
Existing challenges in the energy and conservation domain include a proliferation of both information and misinformation online, making it difficult for individuals to make well-informed decisions. The general public often desires information about their local areas but lacks access to comprehensive information systems. Government users, when collaborating with energy system developers, may lack a holistic view of these systems, leading to questions and uncertainties. Moreover, individuals in positions of authority lack a secure and user-friendly platform where they can access reliable information, explore data-driven maps, and engage in informed discussions about energy systems.
The Solution
To address the aforementioned challenges, we have developed the NRIC Community Tool/Web Application. This innovative solution provides a comprehensive platform for individuals and government users alike to access reliable information and engage in informed decision-making regarding energy and conservation. With dynamic educational content, a robust communication component, and data-driven mapping, our application empowers communities to make well-informed clean energy decisions. Users can easily navigate through educational resources, connect with other communities and relevant government organizations, and explore pertinent data specific to their community. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, our solution aims to bridge the information gap and promote sustainable energy choices at both the individual and governmental levels.
Target Audience
These are the 4 different audience groups that were established:
- Community User
- Development User
- Government User
- General Public User
With each group in mind, I created a visual representation of their User Action Models. This helped the team visually see the hierarchy of the application, as well as pinpoint areas of potential friction.
Low Fidelity Wireframes
I hand drew the layout of what the pages may look like. After discussing with the team, further edits were made!
Style Guide
I chose to incorporate the different colors from the collaborative groups on this project.
Typography
Wireframes
Reflections
Throughout this project, I gained invaluable insights into various aspects of design and project management.
Collaboration:
I had the privilege of collaborating with diverse groups of individuals, each contributing to different facets of the application. This experience taught me the importance of quickly discerning the commonalities and distinctions in their needs and preferences. In essence, listening attentively to the requirements of both developers and users emerged as a fundamental key to success.
Aesthetics:
While aesthetics undoubtedly play a role in design, I came to appreciate that usability and functionality should always take precedence. An aesthetically pleasing interface holds little value if users struggle to navigate and accomplish their goals within the program.
Time-Management:
Efficient time management and organizational skills proved essential throughout this project. Maintaining a strong work ethic and mutual accountability within the team were crucial in meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results, particularly given the scale of our collaboration.
Next Steps:
Looking ahead, the logical progression involves conducting user research to further enhance the web application/tool. This step will enable us to refine and tailor our solution to better address the specific needs and preferences of our target audience, ensuring its continued growth and success.
In conclusion, this project not only expanded my design and project management skills but also reinforced the significance of teamwork, user-centric design, and effective time management. It is clear that ongoing user research will be pivotal in optimizing our web application/tool and continuing to meet the evolving needs of our users and communities.
Ideation& Iterative UX Design 4 other FPTZ Climate Policy Tools
As part of the Fastest Path to Zero Initiative, I played a key role in the iterative redesign of three data-driven platforms - STAND, Global Fusion, and PEANuT - each designed to support users in making informed climate and energy policy decisions. These tools are in constant development, and my work focused on improving their usability, responsiveness, and feature sets. I contributed by adding and removing functionalities based on user needs, including mobile-optimized screen design and the implementation of downloadable reporting capabilities. I also ideated and designed customizable report templates, allowing users to select and export specific datasets in formats that suited their decision-making processes.
Click to Explore ->
🌍 Global Fusion Tool
