Bauhaus

I created a prototype as a proof-of-concept to illustrate how modern applications can serve as powerful market differentiators, demonstrating innovative functionality and competitive edge.

Challenge

Don’t tell them, show them. With limited design resources and all engineering efforts allocated to support the existing, aging sales portal, the organization was unable to explore new modern approaches to a growing solar market.

Process

Step: Fast and cheap. I scraped up a tiny budget and hired a couple of offshore developers to help me produce the concept. I chose two from the Ukraine with the right experience at the right price. I designed every aspect of the application and produced clear specifications. I described the design and functionality clearly and succinctly in order to alleviate the language gap.

Step: Production-ready. I chose to build the prototype using a programming language that would allow us to reuse components in the future if we were to succeed. Not having enough budget for a UI developer, I set myself up to contribute in the development process. I coded much of the UI and visual design myself.

Success

On device. With this prototype, I avoided having to ask stakeholders to “imagine this and that”, rather I asked them to interact with it directly using the device it would normally be used in.

Buy-in. The interactive prototype helped convince the leadership team of the value it could bring. It also allowed the organization to reach out to its board and business partners to gather their perspective – all very positive.

Maturation. The prototype inspired the company's internal team, which led to the formation of an 'Experience' product and engineering group and the hiring of more UI-oriented front-end developers.

EXAMPLE

Social Proof

Market research had showed that seeing your neighbors get solar is effective in conversion (keeping up with the Joneses). In this segment of the app, we used real customer data to illustrate how solar is no longer a radical idea, rather, "everyone is doing it".

The prospective customer was able to zoom in using Google Map satellite and street views and have a conversation with the sales rep about their particular house, the type of roof, and a number of issues which may affect their solar system, such as the direction the roof is facing and any obstructions which could cause shading, like trees or towering buildings.

Audience

Internal stakeholders. Senior leadership. Board.

Role

Instigator, design lead, code tweaker.