Accelerating the energy transition with UX for Infradock
An overloaded electricity grid, a shortage of technically skilled personnel and complex IT systems that hinder collaboration. In 2022, our UX team at Infradock started the digital product design of a completely new SaaS platform to solve the challenges surrounding grid congestion. The assignment: to digitise work processes and optimise collaboration in the chain between grid operators, water companies and contractors. Read how we contributed to accelerating the energy transition during an intensive collaboration.
Industry
Infrastructure and energy sectorServices
Development Strategy UX Research BrandingInfo
The impact of Infradock: from Excel to SaaS and from endless meetings to effective collaboration.
Question
The infrastructure sector faces a number of challenges in achieving the energy transition: companies and citizens continue to be supplied with energy and water thanks to a major digitalisation drive in a sector that is hampered by bureaucracy, outdated systems and a lack of equipment and technical personnel.
Approach
After Infradock was founded by network operator Stedin and water company Evides, our team started with a research phase, design sprints and co-creation workshops with contractors, project leaders and IT specialists. The first task was to get everyone on the same page and working together effectively. From day one, we were able to contribute ideas about the strategy and were given the space to always keep the end users at the centre, despite the increased pressure on development. By gradually setting up Agile workflows together with the product owners, we were quickly able to work out all business-critical workflows, from planning to implementation.
Watch a video about how the product works here:
The digital products were developed in collaboration with an Outsystems implementation partner.
Solution
Based on a scalable product strategy, several user-friendly applications have been developed that meet all compliance requirements. Our designers are also responsible for devising the brand, brand identity and website.
Result
- The SmartInfra platform was live within two years.
- Contractors rate its usability with a score of 8+.
- Eleven companies work with Infradock every day.
- Projects are completed up to 60% faster and more efficiently.
Digital transformation
Digital applications and systems are increasingly being used in the energy sector to simplify the work of professionals and connect organisations and departments. In practice, we see that the digital transformation surrounding energy and sustainability has only just begun. If we want to accelerate the energy transition together, there is still a lot of work to be done and better cooperation is needed throughout the entire chain.
Putting the user first
By putting the people who work on infrastructure projects every day at the centre of the development of an app or software application, digital products are created that are more human and user-friendly, and therefore also more accessible. This reduces resistance among employees to switching to a different way of working. The result is higher adoption and greater efficiency in the execution of work.
Involving professionals appears to be the key to success. By involving users early on in the process, we ensure greater acceptance of new functionalities and innovations.
Further scaling up in the Netherlands
Infradock will be scaling up in other service areas such as Zeeland in the coming years. Our service designer has conducted research and business analyses for new projects such as neighbourhood approach, a new contract that is crucial for the energy transition and is fully facilitated by Infradock.
Citizens has specialists in both the Netherlands and Belgium who are committed to a sustainable energy transition. In recent years, they have gained experience working with clients such as Stedin, Infradock, Enexis, Mijnaansluiting, Warmtefonds, ANWB Energie, and EDSN.
