The Hybrid Optimizer:
Selling Digital Twins in
Wastewater Management
Client: Confidential Engineering Company
My Role: Product Designer
Duration: 1 months
In the summer of 2022, Bruce Johnson, a seasoned Water Technologist with decades of experience in wastewater modeling, approached the Client team for support. Bruce had recently developed a keen interest in advanced controllers and initiated a project called the Hybrid Optimizer. Despite securing industry funding for a technical trial, Bruce faced significant challenges in gaining internal buy-in and seeing his ideas come to fruition.
Bruce's primary issue was that his innovative concepts often “died on the vine,” with competitors capitalizing on ideas he couldn't get endorsed within his organization. To fast-track validation and adoption, Bruce joined our Client’s Acceleration program to establish and communicate a new business model for the Client.
My involvement began at the final stage of the accelerator program. My key responsibility was to secure buy-in from CAMs (Client Account Managers) and Client stakeholders. To achieve this, I designed and developed an “All-You-Need-to-Know” website tailored for CAMs and stakeholders. This platform succinctly explained the Hybrid Optimizer’s concept, benefits, and usage across various roles, ensuring clarity and impact.The website effectively communicated the value proposition, facilitating internal buy-in and paving the way for the Hybrid Optimizer's successful adoption within Client.
I interviewed the head engineer to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Digital Twin Optimizer. Collaborating closely, we sketched and workshopped a potential graphic. Using this input, I then designed a 3D model of the water waste digital twin in Shapr.
Created a wireframe of the website on Miro, including a branding board. and then walked the client through the wireframe, highlighting where I needed their content input before I began designing on Figma
I created the website and designed its interactive features. Throughout the development process, I iteratively refined the site based on client feedback, making necessary adjustments to meet their expectations and optimize performance. This collaborative approach ensured the final product was polished and aligned with the client's vision.
The website and prototype I was to create had to be technically accurate. So before diving into the project, I needed a comprehensive understanding of digital twins and wastewater management. I conducted an in-depth interview with Bruce, the head engineer, to fully grasp the Hybrid Optimizer and its role within water treatment plants.
Once I was confident I could effectively translate technical details into visual representations, I sketched out a potential interactive graphic and workshopped it with Bruce. The graphic aimed to showcase how the Hybrid Optimizer would enhance various points along the wastewater treatment process and the impact of its placement.
I worked closely with the client to gather their requirements and translate them into a visually appealing and user-friendly design. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
- Conducted an initial meeting to understand the client’s vision and brand guidelines.
- Created a wireframe and brand board to provide a clear visual and conceptual framework.
- Collaborated with the client to finalize the website copy, ensuring it was clear, concise, and on-brand.
Once the wireframe was approved, I began designing the website in Figma. The design principles focused on:
1. Clarity & Conciseness: Simplifying complex topics like digital twins and wastewater management for impactful portrayals.
2. Engagement: Incorporating interactive elements to promote engagement and learning.
3. Buy-in: Ensuring the content and design effectively generated stakeholder buy-in.
With a solid foundation of technical knowledge and a clear vision for the interactive graphic, I moved on to designing the site in Figma. The goal was to create a visually engaging and technically accurate interactive experience. I started by drafting the initial hi-fi design and incorporating interactive elements that would effectively showcase the Hybrid Optimizer's impact on different stages of the wastewater treatment process.
Throughout the design phase, I collaborated closely with Bruce, iteratively refining the visuals and interactions based on his feedback to ensure accuracy and effectiveness. The final deliverable was a fully functional website featuring interactive graphics that clearly demonstrated how the Hybrid Optimizer could enhance wastewater treatment efficiency. The website became an engaging and informative tool that successfully communicated the project's value to stakeholders, facilitating broader understanding and buy-in.
