Sumegha Mantri

This project is the design of an initial iOS app for the Shade Me technology – an advanced IOT enabled smart shading system.

The starting point was an engineering prototype app with basic functionality like moving the paired blind up/down and operating in auto mode. The aim was to make a MVP application such that the technology could be tested with first users (for feedback and further development), and presented to investors.

Before/After

Technology

Unlike traditional shading systems in large buildings that are centrally controlled, cumbersome to install and allow little individual control; The ShadeMe smart blinds are decentralized, scalable, easy to install and allow precise individual control.

ShadeMe's advanced glare and lighting control address overheating issues, save energy and provide visual comfort daylight. Overall, the technology is an economic and user-centric solution.

Design Approach

The project followed a collaborative approach, working closely with engineering to understand the technical constraints and possibilities.

The design process can broadly be divided into 2 phases — The first one involved defining the functionality and features of the app based on an understanding of the context of use, needs of the and the immediate business requisite. The second phase involved detailing the user flows and UI for the application.

Use Case — The Office Typology

The Office environment would be the primary use case for the ShadeMe technology. The idea was to understand the contextual needs of the space and the people who inhabit it.

Based on the context of office spaces and behaviours of people, it was deduced that the app needed to have the following broad functions.

1 — Onboarding

First connection and setup.

2 — Grouping

Blinds to be grouped together depending on their location for synchronous control.

3 — Naming

Groups to be named according to rooms/zones reflecting the spatial mental model of users for better access and recall.

4 — Collective control

Multiple users to have access/connectivity to multiple shades/ groups/ zones.

5 — Auto/Manual

Ability to shift between Auto and Manual controls.

6 — Auto Controls

Ability to modify light and glare levels to their preference – set scenes like detail work, reading, presentation etc.

7 — Manual controls

Ability to override and move individual blinds up and down to the desired level.

Onboarding — A one time wifi pairing and a series of straightforward visual question capture data essential for the algorithm to function properly.

Dashboard — Reflecting the spatial mental models of users.

Light Modes — Brightness and Glare Settings.

Users can adjust the light settings for their space and activity. The LUX values were augmented with different activity modes — presentation, screen/computer work, reading and detailed work, to make the technical jargon more relatable.

"Our presentation and demos are more polished now and this has increased the credibility of our technology."

- Yujie Wu, Co-Founder, ShadeMe.

Client: ShadeMe SmartBlinds

Duration: 4 weeks

Year: 2020

Role: UX Design