Octopus Energy Hackathon
Octopus Energy Hackathon
In a 24 hours collaborative cross-disciplinary tech sprint, I worked with software engineers and data scientists to create a digital solution for a problem set by the cutting-edge renewable energy company, Octopus Energy.
In a 24 hours collaborative cross-disciplinary tech sprint, I worked with software engineers and data scientists to create a digital solution for a problem set by the cutting-edge renewable energy company, Octopus Energy.
Problem Space
To power our homes with 100% renewable energy, we need to make the most of abundant cheap green electrons when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, and use less when they’re scarce and expensive.
The Octopus Home Mini empowers customers to see how much they’re using and spending in real time and compare against their historic usage, all from their mobile phone.
To power our homes with 100% renewable energy, we need to make the most of abundant cheap green electrons when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, and use less when they’re scarce and expensive.
The Octopus Home Mini empowers customers to see how much they’re using and spending in real time and compare against their historic usage, all from their mobile phone.
The Team
The Team
Artur
Artur
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Jimin
Jimin
Data Scientist
Data Scientist
Caroline
Caroline
UX Designer
UX Designer
Mahin
Mahin
UX Designer
UX Designer
Noa
Noa
UX Designer
UX Designer
Charlie
Charlie
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Dominic
Dominic
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Andrew
Andrew
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Discover
Our Approach
Mahin, Noa and I as UX Designers took on the role of the Project Managers, we facilitated the brainstorming session and together appointed the direction of research, the Data Scientists took the lead on the research of data on the pattern of household energy expenditure, and the Software Engineers brought our designed solution to life.
Our first step was to come together as a team and start researching and discussing ideas. We read the brief together, dissected it and brainstormed different directions we could take the project. We prioritised those that were realistic to complete within the timeframe and which could be implemented.
Mahin, Noa and I as UX Designers took on the role of the Project Managers, we facilitated the brainstorming session and together appointed the direction of research, the Data Scientists took the lead on the research of data on the pattern of household energy expenditure, and the Software Engineers brought our designed solution to life.
Our first step was to come together as a team and start researching and discussing ideas. We read the brief together, dissected it and brainstormed different directions we could take the project. We prioritised those that were realistic to complete within the timeframe and which could be implemented.
Secondary Research
Data bases submitted by the Data Scientists revealed that:
The average demand of energy during non-holiday periods is higher than holiday periods. Users consume more electricity during non-holiday periods compared to holiday periods.
Data bases submitted by the Data Scientists revealed that:
The average demand of energy during non-holiday periods is higher than holiday periods. Users consume more electricity during non-holiday periods compared to holiday periods.
We can confirm that there is a higher consumption of electricity during winter months than summer period of the year.
We can confirm that there is a higher consumption of electricity during winter months than summer period of the year.
There is a spike in energy prices between the time 12:00-18:00.
There is a spike in energy prices between the time 12:00-18:00.
There is a spike in energy prices between the time 12:00-18:00.
If users change their energy consumption patterns from peaking at 7:00 and 16:00, they are able to save nearly 2 pounds daily.
If users change their energy consumption patterns from peaking at 7:00 and 16:00, they are able to save nearly 2 pounds daily.
If users change their energy consumption patterns from peaking at 7:00 and 16:00, they are able to save nearly 2 pounds daily.
Key Insights
Lack of Incentive
Lack of Incentive
Lack of Incentive
Major reason for users not to switch from fossil fuels to sustainable energy is because they lack the incentive to do so.
Major reason for users not to switch from fossil fuels to sustainable energy is because they lack the incentive to do so.
Major reason for users not to switch from fossil fuels to sustainable energy is because they lack the incentive to do so.
Behavioural Psychology
Behavioural Psychology
Behavioural Psychology
We could utilise behavioural psychology in order to nudge fossil fuel users into sustainable energy through other means apart from going green.
We could utilise behavioural psychology in order to nudge fossil fuel users into sustainable energy through other means apart from going green.
We could utilise behavioural psychology in order to nudge fossil fuel users into sustainable energy through other means apart from going green.
Opportunity
Opportunity
Opportunity
We have spotted an opportunity by utilising gamification strategies to amplify the adoption of green energy within Octopus Energy.
We have spotted an opportunity by utilising gamification strategies to amplify the adoption of green energy within Octopus Energy.
We have spotted an opportunity by utilising gamification strategies to amplify the adoption of green energy within Octopus Energy.
Define
The Direction Taken
Users may lack awareness of peak energy prices. By aligning higher energy costs with periods of increased demand, incentivizing users to adjust their consumption habits becomes feasible for cost-saving benefits. Encouraging users to shift energy usage to times of abundant renewable energy can result in greener practices and more cost-effective spending.
Amid Octopus Energy's recent influx of customers less focused on sustainability, our team strategically aimed to address the prevailing energy and living cost challenges. Our approach centers on motivating users through personalized rewards tailored to their demographics, offering substantial monetary gains.
Users may lack awareness of peak energy prices. By aligning higher energy costs with periods of increased demand, incentivizing users to adjust their consumption habits becomes feasible for cost-saving benefits. Encouraging users to shift energy usage to times of abundant renewable energy can result in greener practices and more cost-effective spending.
Amid Octopus Energy's recent influx of customers less focused on sustainability, our team strategically aimed to address the prevailing energy and living cost challenges. Our approach centers on motivating users through personalized rewards tailored to their demographics, offering substantial monetary gains.
User Persona
This then raises the question of...
This then raises the question of...
How might we encourage Sarah to make the most of abundant cheap green energy and avoid using expensive fossil fuels?
How might we encourage Sarah to make the most of abundant cheap green energy and avoid using expensive fossil fuels?
We deduced that based on the data, the cheap green energy is abundant when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing
We deduced that based on the data, the cheap green energy is abundant when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing
Define
The Direction Taken
Users may lack awareness of peak energy prices. By aligning higher energy costs with periods of increased demand, incentivizing users to adjust their consumption habits becomes feasible for cost-saving benefits. Encouraging users to shift energy usage to times of abundant renewable energy can result in greener practices and more cost-effective spending.
Amid Octopus Energy's recent influx of customers less focused on sustainability, our team strategically aimed to address the prevailing energy and living cost challenges. Our approach centers on motivating users through personalized rewards tailored to their demographics, offering substantial monetary gains.
User Persona
This then raises the question of...
How might we encourage Sarah to make the most of abundant cheap green energy and avoid using expensive fossil fuels?
We deduced that based on the data, the cheap green energy is abundant when the sun is shining and the wind is blowing
Competitive Analysis
Key Insight from Competitive Analysis
Octopus Energy stands out with its strong emphasis on renewable energy, transparent pricing, and customer-centric approach.
Key Insight from Competitive Analysis
Octopus Energy stands out with its strong emphasis on renewable energy, transparent pricing, and customer-centric approach.
Design
Brainstorming
UX designers did a quick sketch based on the direction of using monetary gains as an opportunity to grab new customers.
UX designers did a quick sketch based on the direction of using monetary gains as an opportunity to grab new customers.
Wireframing
Wireframing
UX designers did a quick sketch based on the direction of using monetary gains as an opportunity to grab new customers.
UX designers did a quick sketch based on the direction of using monetary gains as an opportunity to grab new customers.
Solution
Optimal Energy Usage Visualisation
By helping users understand when they can save money using green energy, we address their need for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. This feature empowers users to make informed decisions about their energy consumption patterns, enhancing their sense of autonomy.
Optimal Energy Usage Visualisation
Optimal Energy Usage Visualisation
Optimal Energy Usage Visualisation
By helping users understand when they can save money using green energy, we address their need for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. This feature empowers users to make informed decisions about their energy consumption patterns, enhancing their sense of autonomy.
By helping users understand when they can save money using green energy, we address their need for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. This feature empowers users to make informed decisions about their energy consumption patterns, enhancing their sense of autonomy.
By helping users understand when they can save money using green energy, we address their need for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. This feature empowers users to make informed decisions about their energy consumption patterns, enhancing their sense of autonomy.
Personalised Savings Goals
Personalised Savings Goals
Personalised Savings Goals
Personalised Savings Goals
Introducing individualised savings targets and showcasing various items linked to users' energy-saving accomplishments leverages the gamification principle of achievement and rewards. Achieving these goals provides users with a sense of fulfilment, and by spending the money they've theoretically saved through reduced energy usage, they attain a tangible reward, further motivating them to remain mindful of their energy consumption.
Introducing individualised savings targets and showcasing various items linked to users' energy-saving accomplishments leverages the gamification principle of achievement and rewards. Achieving these goals provides users with a sense of fulfilment, and by spending the money they've theoretically saved through reduced energy usage, they attain a tangible reward, further motivating them to remain mindful of their energy consumption.
Progression Bar and Energy Usage Tracking
Progression Bar and Energy Usage Tracking
Progression Bar and Energy Usage Tracking
The progression bar indicating users' progress toward their energy-saving goals directly addresses the gamification principle of progress. As users see their accomplishments, their motivation increases.
Additionally, the bar charts for tracking weekly and monthly energy usage provide users with insights into their consumption patterns, fostering a sense of competence and autonomy as they identify opportunities for improvement.
The progression bar indicating users' progress toward their energy-saving goals directly addresses the gamification principle of progress. As users see their accomplishments, their motivation increases.
Additionally, the bar charts for tracking weekly and monthly energy usage provide users with insights into their consumption patterns, fostering a sense of competence and autonomy as they identify opportunities for improvement.
The progression bar indicating users' progress toward their energy-saving goals directly addresses the gamification principle of progress. As users see their accomplishments, their motivation increases.
Additionally, the bar charts for tracking weekly and monthly energy usage provide users with insights into their consumption patterns, fostering a sense of competence and autonomy as they identify opportunities for improvement.
Energy-Saving Tips
Energy-Saving Tips
Energy-Saving Tips
Providing practical energy-saving tips complements the gamification approach by offering users actionable steps. This empowers users to take control of their energy efficiency, aligning with the need for competence and autonomy. Users can apply these tips to their daily lives, contributing to their sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Providing practical energy-saving tips complements the gamification approach by offering users actionable steps. This empowers users to take control of their energy efficiency, aligning with the need for competence and autonomy. Users can apply these tips to their daily lives, contributing to their sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Providing practical energy-saving tips complements the gamification approach by offering users actionable steps. This empowers users to take control of their energy efficiency, aligning with the need for competence and autonomy. Users can apply these tips to their daily lives, contributing to their sense of accomplishment and motivation.
How our solution helps Sarah
Our solution shines a light on real-time energy consumption patterns, empowering Sarah to curate her energy usage judiciously.
By introducing a rewards and progression system tailored to her accomplishments, we provide Sarah with a compelling stimulus to maintain her energy-saving endeavours.
Practical, time-efficient energy-saving tips embedded in the app suit Sarah's hectic schedule, enabling her to seamlessly integrate eco-friendly practices.
How our proposed solution is innovative in the market based on the competitive analysis
Renewable Energy Integration and Cost Savings
Renewable Energy Integration and Cost Savings
Our solution aligns perfectly with Octopus Energy's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. The optimal energy usage visualisation empowers users to maximise their consumption of green energy, reinforcing Octopus Energy's brand identity as a provider of clean energy solutions.
Our solution aligns perfectly with Octopus Energy's commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. The optimal energy usage visualisation empowers users to maximise their consumption of green energy, reinforcing Octopus Energy's brand identity as a provider of clean energy solutions.
Customer-Centric Approach
Customer-Centric Approach
The personalised savings goals system is a unique feature that sets Octopus Energy apart. By offering users tangible rewards for their energy-saving achievements, the brand establishes a strong emotional connection and fosters a sense of accomplishment. This approach resonates with users who seek more than just energy supply – they want to actively contribute to sustainability and reap the benefits.
The personalised savings goals system is a unique feature that sets Octopus Energy apart. By offering users tangible rewards for their energy-saving achievements, the brand establishes a strong emotional connection and fosters a sense of accomplishment. This approach resonates with users who seek more than just energy supply – they want to actively contribute to sustainability and reap the benefits.
Transparency and Empowerment
Transparency and Empowerment
The progression bar and energy usage tracking components contribute to Octopus Energy's reputation for transparent communication. By displaying users' progress towards their goals, Octopus Energy empowers customers to take control of their energy consumption patterns, fostering trust and loyalty.
The progression bar and energy usage tracking components contribute to Octopus Energy's reputation for transparent communication. By displaying users' progress towards their goals, Octopus Energy empowers customers to take control of their energy consumption patterns, fostering trust and loyalty.
Data-Driven Personalisation
Data-Driven Personalisation
The subscription-style model based on user data, such as age and gender, adds a layer of personalisation that goes beyond energy supply. This approach resonates with customers looking for tailored experiences and makes Octopus Energy a leader in utilising customer data for meaningful engagement.
The subscription-style model based on user data, such as age and gender, adds a layer of personalisation that goes beyond energy supply. This approach resonates with customers looking for tailored experiences and makes Octopus Energy a leader in utilising customer data for meaningful engagement.
Innovative Gamification
Innovative Gamification
The gamified nature of the solution, including the progression bar and energy-saving tips, showcases Octopus Energy's innovative spirit. This stands out against competitors by turning energy conservation into an engaging and rewarding journey, encouraging long-term customer engagement.
The gamified nature of the solution, including the progression bar and energy-saving tips, showcases Octopus Energy's innovative spirit. This stands out against competitors by turning energy conservation into an engaging and rewarding journey, encouraging long-term customer engagement.
Comprehensive Energy Solution
Comprehensive Energy Solution
Octopus Energy's proposed solution isn't just about energy supply; it's a holistic energy management tool. By providing both real-time energy usage tracking and actionable energy-saving tips, Octopus Energy becomes a one-stop solution for customers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and monthly expenses.
Octopus Energy's proposed solution isn't just about energy supply; it's a holistic energy management tool. By providing both real-time energy usage tracking and actionable energy-saving tips, Octopus Energy becomes a one-stop solution for customers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and monthly expenses.
Brand Differentiation
Brand Differentiation
Our solution positions Octopus Energy as an industry leader that cares about more than just profits. It's a brand that partners with customers in their sustainability journey, offering tools and incentives to make a positive impact on the environment and their wallets.
Our solution positions Octopus Energy as an industry leader that cares about more than just profits. It's a brand that partners with customers in their sustainability journey, offering tools and incentives to make a positive impact on the environment and their wallets.
Deliver
Developed MVP
After the UX Designers stayed up all night to finish prototyping the solution on Figma, we handed off the file to the software developers who translated our design concepts into a tangible MVP, skilfully navigating the complexities of coding with remarkable speed and precision. Their commitment was evident as they worked efficiently through the early morning through to the afternoon to transform our visions into a functional reality.
After the UX Designers stayed up all night to finish prototyping the solution on Figma, we handed off the file to the software developers who translated our design concepts into a tangible MVP, skilfully navigating the complexities of coding with remarkable speed and precision. Their commitment was evident as they worked efficiently through the early morning through to the afternoon to transform our visions into a functional reality.
When viewing from a desktop, toggle 'Inspect' or developer tools to view in mobile size.
When viewing from a desktop, toggle 'Inspect' or developer tools to view in mobile size.
Tech Stack
React
SASS
React Router Dom
Presentation to Panel
The final stretch involved showcasing our digital solution to the judges from Octopus Energy and addressing any technical inquiries regarding our process and design. With a mere 10-minute window to encapsulate our 24-hour challenge, it was imperative to convey our work with clarity and persuasion. This additional challenge served to show our passion for the solution and fostered team unity as we delved into a comprehensive understanding of each facet of the project.
The final stretch involved showcasing our digital solution to the judges from Octopus Energy and addressing any technical inquiries regarding our process and design. With a mere 10-minute window to encapsulate our 24-hour challenge, it was imperative to convey our work with clarity and persuasion. This additional challenge served to show our passion for the solution and fostered team unity as we delved into a comprehensive understanding of each facet of the project.
Feedback from Octopus Energy
“It feels like UX Design took the lead on this product. It looks really good and clear to navigate with an interesting concept to gamify the app.”
“UI is clear and not cluttered, while keeping within the boundaries of the brand. The designs thoughtfully maintained simplicity and user-friendliness, aligning seamlessly with industry standards—a job well done!”
“Love the suggestions to save energy section. The energy-saving tips is in the right direction and resonates with the customer base without being biased or crossing familiarity boundaries. The tone of voice in these cards are on-brand too.”
“Your incorporation of behavioural psychology and user incentives within the theme resonated well with our ongoing internal research.”
“Centring the solution around adding customer incentives and using gamification to achieve that is a great idea, and something that is being done at the company already.”
“It feels like UX Design took the lead on this product. It looks really good and clear to navigate with an interesting concept to gamify the app.”
“UI is clear and not cluttered, while keeping within the boundaries of the brand. The designs thoughtfully maintained simplicity and user-friendliness, aligning seamlessly with industry standards—a job well done!”
“Love the suggestions to save energy section. The energy-saving tips is in the right direction and resonates with the customer base without being biased or crossing familiarity boundaries. The tone of voice in these cards are on-brand too.”
“Your incorporation of behavioural psychology and user incentives within the theme resonated well with our ongoing internal research.”
“Centring the solution around adding customer incentives and using gamification to achieve that is a great idea, and something that is being done at the company already.”
Key Takeaways
Participating in the 24-hour hackathon proved to be a fantastic opportunity to put my collaboration and problem-solving skills to the test. Embracing the challenge, I relished the collective "eureka" moment when we successfully devised and implemented impactful design changes.
As the team's UI design leader, I provided ideas and guidance, particularly in visualising our concept. Given additional time, I would leverage the market research data and key insights to bolster our proposal further.
If granted more time and incorporating the panels’ feedback, I'd introduce an incentive option for customers to contribute to conservation initiatives. This aligns more closely with Octopus Energy's brand ethos and objectives.
Define it. Design it. Deliver it.
Whether you're down to work with me or just fancy a thoughtful chat, consider this an open invitation to connect. Let's dive into the exciting realm of possibilities together!
Whether you're down to work with me or just fancy a thoughtful chat, consider this an open invitation to connect. Let's dive into the exciting realm of possibilities together!
Reach me on these stations
carolineghelenu@gmail.com