THE WORLD BANK

THE WORLD BANK

THE WORLD BANK

THE WORLD BANK

Mini Grid Stories filming narratives to spread renewable energy 

Mini Grid Stories filming narratives to spread renewable energy 

Mini Grid Stories filming narratives to spread renewable energy 

Mini Grid Stories filming narratives to spread renewable energy 

Mini Grid Stories filming narratives to spread renewable energy 

ROLE

UX Design & Research

ROLE

UX Design & Research

ROLE

UX Design & Research

ROLE

UX Lead

AGENCY

Quicksand

AGENCY

Quicksand

AGENCY

Quicksand

AGENCY

Quicksand

TIMELINE

Feb – Oct 2018

TIMELINE

Feb – Oct 2018

TIMELINE

Feb – Oct 2018

TIMELINE

Feb – Oct 2018

minigrids_banner

TEAM

KAPIL DAS Project Head

RISHABH SACHDEVA Project Manager

RHEA LAROYA User experience and Visual design

EVE WOLFS/SRISHTI SEGAL Design Researchers

PRANAY KARANI Developer

KABIR DAVID Content strategy

GRANT DAVIS Filmmaker

 

 

TEAM

KAPIL DAS Project Head

RISHABH SACHDEVA Project Manager

RHEA LAROYA User experience and Visual design

EVE WOLFS/SRISHTI SEGAL Design Researchers

PRANAY KARANI Developer

KABIR DAVID Content strategy

GRANT DAVIS Filmmaker

 

 

TEAM

KAPIL DAS Project Head

RISHABH SACHDEVA Project Manager

RHEA LAROYA User experience and Visual design

EVE WOLFS/SRISHTI SEGAL Design Researchers

PRANAY KARANI Developer

KABIR DAVID Content strategy

GRANT DAVIS Filmmaker

 

 

TEAM

KAPIL DAS Project Head

RISHABH SACHDEVA Project Manager

RHEA LAROYA User experience and Visual design

EVE WOLFS/SRISHTI SEGAL Design Researchers

PRANAY KARANI Developer

KABIR DAVID Content strategy

GRANT DAVIS Filmmaker

 

 

PARTNERS

The World Bank

Energy Sector Management Assistance Program

Tara Urja

HUSK Solar Power

PARTNERS

The World Bank

Energy Sector Management Assistance Program

Tara Urja

HUSK Solar Power

PARTNERS

The World Bank

Energy Sector Management Assistance Program

Tara Urja

HUSK Solar Power

PARTNERS

The World Bank

Energy Sector Management Assistance Program

Tara Urja

HUSK Solar Power

THE PROBLEM

THE PROBLEM

THE PROBLEM

THE PROBLEM

THE PROBLEM

How do you convince reluctant communities in developing countries to start using solar and bio-gas energy? 

Mini grids are small scale power grids that improve access to electricity in developing countries. According to a recent World Bank Study, they have the potential to bring electricity to half a billion people and tackle the universal energy gap. In rural India, mini grids provide reliable sources of electricity to consumers and businesses who struggle with access to the main grid and frequent power cuts. Still, Energy Service Companies(ESCO’s) need to build trust with potential customers who are wary of privatized energy services. I joined the Quicksand team as a user experience designer to prototype a type a proof-of-concept community engagement solution that could scale up the use of mini grids. 

How do you convince reluctant communities in developing countries to start using solar and bio-gas energy? 

Mini grids are small scale power grids that improve access to electricity in developing countries. According to a recent World Bank Study, they have the potential to bring electricity to half a billion people and tackle the universal energy gap. In rural India, mini grids provide reliable sources of electricity to consumers and businesses who struggle with access to the main grid and frequent power cuts. Still, Energy Service Companies(ESCO’s) need to build trust with potential customers who are wary of privatized energy services. I joined the Quicksand team as a user experience designer to prototype a type a proof-of-concept community engagement solution that could scale up the use of mini grids. 

How do you convince reluctant communities in developing countries to start using solar and bio-gas energy? 

Mini grids are small scale power grids that improve access to electricity in developing countries. According to a recent World Bank Study, they have the potential to bring electricity to half a billion people and tackle the universal energy gap. In rural India, mini grids provide reliable sources of electricity to consumers and businesses who struggle with access to the main grid and frequent power cuts. Still, Energy Service Companies(ESCO’s) need to build trust with potential customers who are wary of privatized energy services. I joined the Quicksand team as a user experience designer to prototype a type a proof-of-concept community engagement solution that could scale up the use of mini grids. 


How do you convince reluctant communities in developing countries to start using solar and bio-gas energy? 

Mini grids are small scale power grids that improve access to electricity in developing countries. According to a recent World Bank Study, they have the potential to bring electricity to half a billion people and tackle the universal energy gap. In rural India, mini grids provide reliable sources of electricity to consumers and businesses who struggle with access to the main grid and frequent power cuts. Still, Energy Service Companies(ESCO’s) need to build trust with potential customers who are wary of privatized energy services. I joined the Quicksand team as a user experience designer to prototype a type a proof-of-concept community engagement solution that could scale up the use of mini grids. 


How do you convince reluctant communities in developing countries to start using solar and bio-gas energy? 

Mini grids are small scale power grids that improve access to electricity in developing countries. According to a recent World Bank Study, they have the potential to bring electricity to half a billion people and tackle the universal energy gap. In rural India, mini grids provide reliable sources of electricity to consumers and businesses who struggle with access to the main grid and frequent power cuts. Still, Energy Service Companies(ESCO’s) need to build trust with potential customers who are wary of privatized energy services. I joined the Quicksand team as a user experience designer to prototype a type a proof-of-concept community engagement solution that could scale up the use of mini grids. 

 

grid2

Mini grids are small scale power grids with stable sources of electricity.Since mini grids are run by privatized companies, people lack trust in this new form of energy. 

THE SOLUTION 

We built a filmmaking app and video platform to share stories of how mini grids empower people furthering the adoption of this energy in rural communities.

THE SOLUTION 

We built a filmmaking app and video platform to share stories of how mini grids empower people furthering the adoption of this energy in rural communities.

THE SOLUTION 

We built a filmmaking app and video platform to share stories of how mini grids empower people furthering the adoption of this energy in rural communities.

THE SOLUTION 

We built a filmmaking app and video platform to share stories of how mini grids empower people furthering the adoption of this energy in rural communities.

THE SOLUTION 

We built a filmmaking app and video platform to share stories of how mini grids empower people furthering the adoption of this energy in rural communities.

img_hero

MY ROLE

MY ROLE

MY ROLE

MY ROLE

PROJECT ROADMAP [13 months]

As the only designer on this project, I handled the user experience, research, and visual design of the Android filmmaking application, website and administrative dashboard.

I worked closely with the developer in a lean team to refine insights gathered from the field into multiple iterations of the app. With localized content, a templatized filmmaking process and an understanding of the technological capabilities of the user, we were able to develop an experience that adapted aspects of Western design and usability under an India-first approach. 
 

As the only designer on this project, I handled the user experience, research, and visual design of the Android filmmaking application, website and administrative dashboard.

I worked closely with the developer in a lean team to refine insights gathered from the field into multiple iterations of the app. With localized content, a templatized filmmaking process and an understanding of the technological capabilities of the user, we were able to develop an experience that adapted aspects of Western design and usability under an India-first approach. 
 

As the only designer on this project, I handled the user experience, research, and visual design of the Android filmmaking application, website and administrative dashboard.

I worked closely with the developer in a lean team to refine insights gathered from the field into multiple iterations of the app. With localized content, a templatized filmmaking process and an understanding of the technological capabilities of the user, we were able to develop an experience that adapted aspects of Western design and usability under an India-first approach. 
 

As the only designer on this project, I handled the user experience, research, and visual design of the Android filmmaking application, website and administrative dashboard.

I worked closely with the developer in a lean team to refine insights gathered from the field into multiple iterations of the app. With localized content, a templatized filmmaking process and an understanding of the technological capabilities of the user, we were able to develop an experience that adapted aspects of Western design and usability under an India-first approach. 
 

From foundational discovery to proof-of-concept prototype

Produced by Grant Davis

Produced by Grant Davis

Produced by Grant Davis

Produced by Grant Davis

Produced by Grant Davis

PROJECT ROADMAP [13 months]

PROJECT ROADMAP [13 months]

PROJECT ROADMAP [13 months]

PROJECT ROADMAP [13 months]

PROJECT ROADMAP [13 months]

From foundational discovery to proof-of-concept prototype

From foundational discovery to proof-of-concept prototype

From foundational discovery to proof-of-concept prototype

From foundational discovery to proof-of-concept prototype

From foundational discovery to proof-of-concept prototype

img_minigrid_timeline

DISCOVERY

DISCOVERY

DISCOVERY

DISCOVERY

DISCOVERY

A deep dive into the lives of the future filmmakers

A deep dive into the lives of the future filmmakers

A deep dive into the lives of the future filmmakers

A deep dive into the lives of the future filmmakers

A deep dive into the lives of the future filmmakers

The Quicksand research team travelled to villages in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to meet with our filmmakers- the employees and customers of our partner solar Energy Service Company (ESCO), Tara Urja. Field immersions and in-depth interviews fed the teams understanding of our users daily lives; their local economies and cultural customs as well as the attitudes and behaviors surrounding the mini grid ecosystem. 

icn_glass

Home visits

Ethnography

Ethnography

Ethnography

Ethnography

icn_eye

Observations

Observations

Observations

Observations

Observations

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Interviews

Interviews

Interviews

Interviews

Interviews

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Video Workshops

Video Workshops

Video Workshops

Video Workshops

Video Workshops

icn_bulb

Co-design

Co-design

Co-design

Co-design

Co-design

The Quicksand research team travelled to villages in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to meet with our filmmakers- the employees and customers of our partner solar Energy Service Company (ESCO), Tara Urja. Field immersions and in-depth interviews fed the teams understanding of our users daily lives; their local economies and cultural customs as well as the attitudes and behaviors surrounding the mini grid ecosystem.

The Quicksand research team travelled to villages in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to meet with our filmmakers- the employees and customers of our partner solar Energy Service Company (ESCO), Tara Urja. Field immersions and in-depth interviews fed the teams understanding of our users daily lives; their local economies and cultural customs as well as the attitudes and behaviors surrounding the mini grid ecosystem.

The Quicksand research team travelled to villages in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to meet with our filmmakers- the employees and customers of our partner solar Energy Service Company (ESCO), Tara Urja. Field immersions and in-depth interviews fed the teams understanding of our users daily lives; their local economies and cultural customs as well as the attitudes and behaviors surrounding the mini grid ecosystem.


The Quicksand research team travelled to villages in the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to meet with our filmmakers- the employees and customers of our partner solar Energy Service Company (ESCO), Tara Urja. Field immersions and in-depth interviews fed the teams understanding of our users daily lives; their local economies and cultural customs as well as the attitudes and behaviors surrounding the mini grid ecosystem.


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Screen-Shot-2020-03-02-at-10.22.41-AM
Group 13

[L to R] Mapping a typical town,persona creation,popular apps used-courtesy Quicksand

[L to R] Mapping a typical town,persona creation,popular apps used-courtesy Quicksand

[L to R] Mapping a typical town,persona creation,popular apps used-courtesy Quicksand

[L to R] Mapping a typical town,persona creation,popular apps used-courtesy Quicksand

[L to R] Mapping a typical town,persona creation,popular apps used-courtesy Quicksand

comp_apps_view

Mapping out the flows of similar apps to look at the ui details and flow details

The team conducted video workshops with community members and guided them in the basics of storytelling, scripting, shooting, and editing, to produce finished films on topics related to the grid. The insights derived from this research informed the content strategy and components that would be needed in a 'filmmaking toolkit', as well as the kind of approach I would need to take to build an experience for first time mobile users.

The team conducted video workshops with community members and guided them in the basics of storytelling, scripting, shooting, and editing, to produce finished films on topics related to the grid. The insights derived from this research informed the content strategy and components that would be needed in a 'filmmaking toolkit', as well as the kind of approach I would need to take to build an experience for first time mobile users.

The team conducted video workshops with community members and guided them in the basics of storytelling, scripting, shooting, and editing, to produce finished films on topics related to the grid. The insights derived from this research informed the content strategy and components that would be needed in a 'filmmaking toolkit', as well as the kind of approach I would need to take to build an experience for first time mobile users.

The team conducted video workshops with community members and guided them in the basics of storytelling, scripting, shooting, and editing, to produce finished films on topics related to the grid. The insights derived from this research informed the content strategy and components that would be needed in a 'filmmaking toolkit', as well as the kind of approach I would need to take to build an experience for first time mobile users.

The team conducted video workshops with community members and guided them in the basics of storytelling, scripting, shooting, and editing, to produce finished films on topics related to the grid. The insights derived from this research informed the content strategy and components that would be needed in a 'filmmaking toolkit', as well as the kind of approach I would need to take to build an experience for first time mobile users.

video_workshops

RESEARCH SYNTHESIS

RESEARCH SYNTHESIS

RESEARCH SYNTHESIS

RESEARCH SYNTHESIS

RESEARCH SYNTHESIS

Guiding principles for the filmmaking toolkit

A growing number of people in rural India own smartphones but have little experience in creating content. We had to build a filmmaking app for these first time mobile users, helping them produce narrative driven films with minimal effort.

Guiding principles for the filmmaking toolkit

A growing number of people in rural India own smartphones but have little experience in creating content. We had to build a filmmaking app for these first time mobile users, helping them produce narrative driven films with minimal effort.

Guiding principles for the filmmaking toolkit

A growing number of people in rural India own smartphones but have little experience in creating content. We had to build a filmmaking app for these first time mobile users, helping them produce narrative driven films with minimal effort.


Guiding principles for the filmmaking toolkit

A growing number of people in rural India own smartphones but have little experience in creating content. We had to build a filmmaking app for these first time mobile users, helping them produce narrative driven films with minimal effort.


Guiding principles for the filmmaking toolkit

A growing number of people in rural India own smartphones but have little experience in creating content. We had to build a filmmaking app for these first time mobile users, helping them produce narrative driven films with minimal effort.

 

Icon-1-1

LOW EFFORT PROCESS 

Users may have a lot of experience consuming content, not creating it- make the process as easy as possible

Differentiate the experience (content, user flow, types of films)  for the two separate user groups- employees and customers

Differentiate the experience (content, user flow, types of films)  for the two separate user groups- employees and customers

Differentiate the experience (content, user flow, types of films) for the two separate user groups- employees and customers

Differentiate the experience (content, user flow, types of films)  for the two separate user groups- employees and customers

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TUTORIALS AND TRAINING

Train filmmakers in best practices of camera handling, framing and general shooting strategies

Train filmmakers in best practices of camera handling, framing and general shooting strategies

Train filmmakers in best practices of camera handling, framing and general shooting strategies

Train filmmakers in best practices of camera handling, framing and general shooting strategies

Train filmmakers in best practices of camera handling, framing and general shooting strategies

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CREATIVITY AND STRUCTURE 

Strike a balance between empowering filmmakers to deliver personal content while still following a scripted approach

Strike a balance between empowering filmmakers to deliver personal content while still following a scripted approach

Strike a balance between empowering filmmakers to deliver personal content while still following a scripted approach

Strike a balance between empowering filmmakers to deliver personal content while still following a scripted approach

Strike a balance between empowering filmmakers to deliver personal content while still following a scripted approach

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LOCALIZED EXPERIENCE

Employ localization in areas like  language, aesthetic and content

Employ localization in areas like  language, aesthetic and content

Employ localization in areas like  language, aesthetic and content

Employ localization in areas like language, aesthetic and content

Employ localization in areas like language, aesthetic and content

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DEVICE CONSTRAINTS

Design for user concerns around data consumption, internal device memory and internet access

Design for user concerns around data consumption, internal device memory and internet access

Design for user concerns around data consumption, internal device memory and internet access

Design for user concerns around data consumption, internal device memory and internet access

Design for user concerns around data consumption, internal device memory and internet access

PROTOTYPING

PROTOTYPING

PROTOTYPING

PROTOTYPING

PROTOTYPING

Can a scripted approach make filmmaking easier?

In the initial working prototype, we wanted to test if providing a script would make the film making process easier. The first filmmaking app prototype we built explored the idea of sequential, templatized filmmaking by breaking down a story into its key parts. The filmmaker selected a theme and then answered a number of prompts related to that theme by recording video. After answering each individual prompt or scene, the filmmaker could press a button to stitch the individual clips into a cohesive narrative. We tested this approach with users in Bihar.

Can a scripted approach make filmmaking easier?

In the initial working prototype, we wanted to test if providing a script would make the film making process easier. The first filmmaking app prototype we built explored the idea of sequential, templatized filmmaking by breaking down a story into its key parts. The filmmaker selected a theme and then answered a number of prompts related to that theme by recording video. After answering each individual prompt or scene, the filmmaker could press a button to stitch the individual clips into a cohesive narrative. We tested this approach with users in Bihar.

Can a scripted approach make filmmaking easier?

In the initial working prototype, we wanted to test if providing a script would make the film making process easier. The first filmmaking app prototype we built explored the idea of sequential, templatized filmmaking by breaking down a story into its key parts. The filmmaker selected a theme and then answered a number of prompts related to that theme by recording video. After answering each individual prompt or scene, the filmmaker could press a button to stitch the individual clips into a cohesive narrative. We tested this approach with users in Bihar.

Can a scripted approach make filmmaking easier?

In the initial working prototype, we wanted to test if providing a script would make the film making process easier. The first filmmaking app prototype we built explored the idea of sequential, templatized filmmaking by breaking down a story into its key parts. The filmmaker selected a theme and then answered a number of prompts related to that theme by recording video. After answering each individual prompt or scene, the filmmaker could press a button to stitch the individual clips into a cohesive narrative. We tested this approach with users in Bihar.

Can a scripted approach make filmmaking easier?

In the initial working prototype, we wanted to test if providing a script would make the film making process easier. The first filmmaking app prototype we built explored the idea of sequential, templatized filmmaking by breaking down a story into its key parts. The filmmaker selected a theme and then answered a number of prompts related to that theme by recording video. After answering each individual prompt or scene, the filmmaker could press a button to stitch the individual clips into a cohesive narrative. We tested this approach with users in Bihar.

user_flow1
camera_screens

KEY FINDING 

Tests with the initial prototype revealed we needed to breakdown the filmmaking process into steps –

KEY FINDING 

Tests with the initial prototype revealed we needed to breakdown the filmmaking process into steps –

KEY FINDING 

Tests with the initial prototype revealed we needed to breakdown the filmmaking process into steps –

KEY FINDING 

Tests with the initial prototype revealed we needed to breakdown the filmmaking process into steps –

KEY FINDING 

Tests with the initial prototype revealed we needed to breakdown the filmmaking process into steps –

step01

Shoot Surroundings

Shoot Surroundings

Shoot Outside

Shoot Surroundings

step02

Record Audio

Record Audio

Record Audio

step03

Record Selfie Video

Record Selfie Video

Record Selfie Video

Recording audio and video separately would reduce the cognitive load on the filmmaker while shooting, and produce more interesting films.

 To build a mental model of the process for the filmmaker, I came up with nomenclature that described the making process. I settled on the verbs ‘dhikao’ and ‘sunao’, which in english translates to ‘show’ and ‘tell’. The filmmaker had to show us their surroundings by recording video with ambient sound, and tell us about their lives by taking ‘selfie’ videos, and recording snippets of audio.

Recording audio and video separately would reduce the cognitive load on the filmmaker while shooting, and produce more interesting films.

 To build a mental model of the process for the filmmaker, I came up with nomenclature that described the making process. I settled on the verbs ‘dhikao’ and ‘sunao’, which in english translates to ‘show’ and ‘tell’. The filmmaker had to show us their surroundings by recording video with ambient sound, and tell us about their lives by taking ‘selfie’ videos, and recording snippets of audio.

Recording audio and video separately would reduce the cognitive load on the filmmaker while shooting, and produce more interesting films.

 To build a mental model of the process for the filmmaker, I came up with nomenclature that described the making process. I settled on the verbs ‘dhikao’ and ‘sunao’, which in english translates to ‘show’ and ‘tell’. The filmmaker had to show us their surroundings by recording video with ambient sound, and tell us about their lives by taking ‘selfie’ videos, and recording snippets of audio.


Recording audio and video separately would reduce the cognitive load on the filmmaker while shooting, and produce more interesting films.

 To build a mental model of the process for the filmmaker, I came up with nomenclature that described the making process. I settled on the verbs ‘dhikao’ and ‘sunao’, which in english translates to ‘show’ and ‘tell’. The filmmaker had to show us their surroundings by recording video with ambient sound, and tell us about their lives by taking ‘selfie’ videos, and recording snippets of audio.

Recording audio and video separately would reduce the cognitive load on the filmmaker while shooting, and produce more interesting films.

 To build a mental model of the process for the filmmaker, I came up with nomenclature that described the making process. I settled on the verbs ‘dhikao’ and ‘sunao’, which in english translates to ‘show’ and ‘tell’. The filmmaker had to show us their surroundings by recording video with ambient sound, and tell us about their lives by taking ‘selfie’ videos, and recording snippets of audio.

sketch01

Figuring out how to build the structure on the backend with the developer

Figuring out how to build the structure on the backend with the developer

Figuring out how to build the structure on the backend with the developer
Figuring out how to build the structure on the backend with the developer
Figuring out how to build the structure on the backend with the developer
app_flow_24

User flow of complete second prototype

User flow of complete second prototype

User flow of complete second prototype

User flow of complete second prototype

User flow of complete second prototype

USABILITY TESTING

USABILITY TESTING

USABILITY TESTING

USABILITY TESTING

USABILITY TESTING

While testing the prototype in Uttar Pradesh, users found that a low effort process gave them big rewards

While testing the prototype in Uttar Pradesh, users found that a low effort process gave them big rewards

While testing the prototype in Uttar Pradesh, users found that a low effort process gave them big rewards

While testing the prototype in Uttar Pradesh, users found that a low effort process gave them big rewards

While testing the prototype in Uttar Pradesh, users found that a low effort process gave them big rewards

I tested the new iteration of the app in five communities in Uttar Pradesh with our key filmmakers mini grid administrators and customers. I designed a field guide for testing that probed into the overall usability, content, and general interest in the app, and used task based usability testing. We implemented changes over a two week period while on the field based on our observations. Participants relied extensively on the local grid administrators for help, trusting their input and coming up with responses to the questions with them. We found that building a rapport with this last-mile energy service staff would be crucial for the success of the project.

 

icn_participants

15 Participants

15 Participants

15 Participants

icn_phone

Android Prototype

Android Prototype

Android Prototype

icn_time

2 Weeks

2 Weeks

2 Weeks

2 Weeks

icn_test

Usability Testing

Usability Testing

Usability Testing

I tested the new iteration of the app in five communities in Uttar Pradesh with our key filmmakers mini grid administrators and customers. I designed a field guide for testing that probed into the overall usability, content, and general interest in the app, and used task based usability testing. We implemented changes over a two week period while on the field based on our observations. Participants relied extensively on the local grid administrators for help, trusting their input and coming up with responses to the questions with them. We found that building a rapport with this last-mile energy service staff would be crucial for the success of the project.

I tested the new iteration of the app in five communities in Uttar Pradesh with our key filmmakers mini grid administrators and customers. I designed a field guide for testing that probed into the overall usability, content, and general interest in the app, and used task based usability testing. We implemented changes over a two week period while on the field based on our observations. Participants relied extensively on the local grid administrators for help, trusting their input and coming up with responses to the questions with them. We found that building a rapport with this last-mile energy service staff would be crucial for the success of the project.

I tested the new iteration of the app in five communities in Uttar Pradesh with our key filmmakers mini grid administrators and customers. I designed a field guide for testing that probed into the overall usability, content, and general interest in the app, and used task based usability testing. We implemented changes over a two week period while on the field based on our observations. Participants relied extensively on the local grid administrators for help, trusting their input and coming up with responses to the questions with them. We found that building a rapport with this last-mile energy service staff would be crucial for the success of the project.


I tested the new iteration of the app in five communities in Uttar Pradesh with our key filmmakers mini grid administrators and customers. I designed a field guide for testing that probed into the overall usability, content, and general interest in the app, and used task based usability testing. We implemented changes over a two week period while on the field based on our observations. Participants relied extensively on the local grid administrators for help, trusting their input and coming up with responses to the questions with them. We found that building a rapport with this last-mile energy service staff would be crucial for the success of the project.


Mini grids are small scale power grids that improve access to electricity in developing countries. According to a recent World Bank Study, they have the potential to bring electricity to half a billion people and tackle the universal energy gap. In rural India, mini grids provide reliable sources of electricity to consumers and businesses who struggle with access to the main grid and frequent power cuts. Still, Energy Service Companies(ESCO’s) need to build trust with potential customers who are wary of privatized energy services. I joined the Quicksand team as a user experience designer to prototype a type a proof-of-concept community engagement solution that could scale up the use of mini grids. 


guide

LEARNING TO ADAPT ON-THE-GO

I created detailed testing guides for each screen but often ended up straying away from these questions and testing microtasks instead. The technological capabilities of the users were so varied that I had to adapt my testing methods fairly quickly. 

img_testing

RAJAN CHAURASIYA Mobile Shop Owner

“I liked that the things I recorded went to the right places in the final film. Without settings or difficulty, an automatic film was made.”

RAJAN CHAURASIYA Mobile Shop Owner

“I liked that the things I recorded went to the right places in the final film. Without settings or difficulty, an automatic film was made.”

RAJAN CHAURASIYA Mobile shop owner 

“I liked that the things I recorded went to the right places in the final film. Without settings or difficulty, an automatic film was made.”

RAJAN CHAURASIYA Mobile Shop Owner 

"I liked that the things I recorded went to the right places in the final film. Without settings or difficulty, an automatic film was made.”

RAJAN CHAURASIYA Mobile Shop Owner

"I liked that the things I recorded went to the right places in the final film. Without settings or difficulty, an automatic film was made.”

A film made by a local music producer using the prototype 

A film made by a local music producer using the prototype 

A film made by a local music producer using the prototype 
A film made by a local music producer using the prototype 
A film made by a local music producer using the prototype 

GATHERING INSIGHTS

GATHERING INSIGHTS

GATHERING INSIGHTS

GATHERING INSIGHTS

GATHERING INSIGHTS

Collating trends across users into insights to improve the app experience and service model

Collating trends across users into insights to improve the app experience and service model

Collating trends across users into insights to improve the app experience and service model

Collating trends across users into insights to improve the app experience and service model

Collating trends across users into insights to improve the app experience and service model 

insights

Presenting digestible insights and design implications to the client

Presenting digestible insights and design implications to the client
Presenting digestible insights and design implications to the client
Presenting digestible insights and design implications to the client
Presenting digestible insights and design implications to the client

Developing a visual strategy

Developing a visual strategy

Developing a visual strategy

Visual strategy developed from insights

Visual strategy developed from insights

LOGO AND APP ICON

LOGO AND APP ICON

LOGO AND APP ICON

LOGO AND APP ICON

LOGO AND APP ICON

app_banner
app_icon

VISUAL PRINCIPLES

VISUAL PRINCIPLES

VISUAL PRINCIPLES

VISUAL PRINCIPLES

VISUAL PRINCIPLES

interface

Simple, uncluttered interface

Call to action buttons and a minimal amount of options guide filmmakers down on a path. 

Simple, uncluttered interface

Call to action buttons and a minimal amount of options guide filmmakers down on a path. 

Simple, uncluttered interface

Call to action buttons and a minimal amount of options guide filmmakers down on a path.

Simple, uncluttered interface

Call to action buttons and minimizing the number of options guide filmmakers down on a path.

Simple, uncluttered interface

Call to action buttons and a minimal amount of options guide filmmakers down on a path. 

local

Localized content

Areas like button text use ‘Hinglish’, a combination of Hindi and English, and app illustrations take on a distinctively Indian tone. 

Localized content

Areas like button text use ‘Hinglish’, a combination of Hindi and English, and app illustrations take on a distinctively Indian tone. 

Localized content

Areas like button text use ‘Hinglish’, a combination of Hindi and English, and app illustrations take on a distinctively Indian tone. 

Localized content

Areas like button text use ‘hinglish’ and app illustrations take on a distinctively Indian tone.

Localized content

Areas like button text use ‘Hinglish’, a combination of Hindi and English, and app illustrations take on a distinctively Indian tone. 

progress

Tracked progress

Progress indicators are crucial in a flow that is linear, so that filmmakers know how many scenes they have left to complete.

 

 

 

Tracked progress

Progress indicators are crucial in a flow that is linear, so that filmmakers know how many scenes they have left to complete.

 

 

 

Tracked progress

Progress indicators are crucial in a flow that is linear, so that filmmakers know how many scenes they have left to complete.

 

 

 

Tracked progress

Progress indicators are crucial in a flow that is linear, so that users know how many scenes they have left to complete.

 

 

Tracked progress

Progress indicators are crucial in a flow that is linear, so that filmmakers know how many scenes they have left to complete. 

overlays

Overlays and explanations

In-app explanations, whether they are through text, illustrations, or videos are necessary to explain the actions that a filmmaker can take. 

 

 

Overlays and explanations

In-app explanations, whether they are through text, illustrations, or videos are necessary to explain the actions that a filmmaker can take. 

 

 

Overlays and explanations

In-app explanations, whether they are through text, illustrations, or videos are necessary to explain the actions that a filmmaker can take. 

 

 

Overlays and explanations

In-app explanations, whether they are through text, illustrations, or videos are necessary to explain the actions that a filmmaker can take. 

 

 

Overlays and explanations

In-app explanations, whether they are through text, illustrations, or videos are necessary to explain the actions that a filmmaker can take. 

 

 

profile

Building a profile

The filmmaker can build a basic profile of himself, which furnishes his online persona on the platform, and connects him to the administrator who handles the publishing of the films.

The filmmaker's profile also includes enagagement metrics of ‘claps’ (which function as likes), published films, and video views.

Building a profile

The filmmaker can build a basic profile of himself, which furnishes his online persona on the platform, and connects him to the administrator who handles the publishing of the films.

The filmmaker's profile also includes enagagement metrics of ‘claps’ (which function as likes), published films, and video views.

Building a profile

The filmmaker can build a basic profile of himself, which furnishes his online persona on the platform, and connects him to the administrator who handles the publishing of the films.

The filmmaker's profile also includes enagagement metrics of ‘claps’ (which function as likes), published films, and video views.

Building a profile

The filmmaker can build a basic profile of himself, which furnishes his online persona on the platform, and connects him to the administrator who handles the publishing of the films. The filmmaker's profile also includes enagagement metrics of ‘claps’ (which function as likes), published films, and video views.

Building a profile

The filmmaker can build a basic profile of himself, which furnishes his online persona on the platform, and connects him to the administrator who handles the publishing of the films.

The filmmaker's profile also includes enagagement metrics of ‘claps’ (which function as likes), published films, and video views.

Step by step filmmaking

Filmmakers are guided through a series of scripted scenes to answer questions in the form of audio or video recordings.

Step by step filmmaking

Filmmakers are guided through a series of scripted scenes to answer questions in the form of audio or video recordings.

Step by step filmmaking

Filmmakers are guided through a series of scripted scenes to answer questions in the form of audio or video recordings.

Step by step filmmaking

Filmmakers are guided through a series of scripted scenes to answer questions in the form of audio or video recordings.

Step by step filmmaking

Banao or the Make space is where filmmakers shoot new films and edit completed projects. The app stitches together a narrative by layering the individual scenes from the ‘tell’ section over the scenes from the ‘show’ section.

step
project

Managing Projects

I created a simple project structure that houses in-progress and complete projects. An in progress project has to be completed to be able to view a film while completed projects remain editable. Users can re-record any scene to export new versions of their films.

Managing Projects

I created a simple project structure that houses in-progress and complete projects. An in progress project has to be completed to be able to view a film while completed projects remain editable. Users can re-record any scene to export new versions of their films.

Managing Projects

I created a simple project structure that houses in-progress and complete projects. An in progress project has to be completed to be able to view a film while completed projects remain editable. Users can re-record any scene to export new versions of their films.

Managing Projects

I created a simple project structure that houses in-progress and complete projects. An in progress project has to be completed to be able to view a film while completed projects remain editable. Users can re-record any scene to export new versions of their films.

Managing Projects

I created a simple project structure that houses in-progress and complete projects. An in progress project has to be completed to be able to view a film while completed projects remain editable. Users can re-record any scene to export new versions of their films.

Publishing to the community

The Watch space is where filmmakers can view a curated set of featured films from the community platform.

The Share space holds all of the user's published and unpublished films. A film needs to be approved by an energy company administrator to be published on the platform. 

Publishing to the community

The Watch space is where filmmakers can view a curated set of featured films from the community platform.

The Share space holds all of the user's published and unpublished films. A film needs to be approved by an energy company administrator to be published on the platform. 

Publishing to the community

The Watch space is where filmmakers can view a curated set of featured films from the community platform.

The Share space holds all of the user's published and unpublished films. A film needs to be approved by an energy company administrator to be published on the platform. 

Publishing to the community

The Watch space is where filmmakers can view a curated set of featured films from the community platform. The Share space holds all of the user's published and unpublished films. A film needs to be approved by an energy company administrator to be published on the platform. 

Publishing to the community

The Watch space is where filmmakers can view a curated set of featured films from the community platform.

The Share space holds all of the user's published and unpublished films. A film needs to be approved by an energy company administrator to be published on the platform. 

publishing

ONLINE PLATFORM DESIGN

ONLINE PLATFORM DESIGN

ONLINE PLATFORM DESIGN

ONLINE PLATFORM DESIGN

ONLINE PLATFORM DESIGN

Taking a mobile-first approach to designing the community platform

I designed the online community for mobile before designing it for the desktop, because phones are the primary devices available to our users. The primary navigation includes three sections - Explore Stories (the film collection), How it Works (An explanation of the project), and Partner With Us (Information for energy companies interested in the project).

Taking a mobile-first approach to designing the community platform

I designed the online community for mobile before designing it for the desktop, because phones are the primary devices available to our users. The primary navigation includes three sections - Explore Stories (the film collection), How it Works (An explanation of the project), and Partner With Us (Information for energy companies interested in the project).

Taking a mobile-first approach to designing the community platform

I designed the online community for mobile before designing it for the desktop, because phones are the primary devices available to our users. The primary navigation includes three sections - Explore Stories (the film collection), How it Works (An explanation of the project), and Partner With Us (Information for energy companies interested in the project).


Taking a mobile-first approach to designing the community platform

I designed the online community for mobile before designing it for the desktop, because phones are the primary devices available to our users. The primary navigation includes three sections - Explore Stories (the film collection), How it Works (An explanation of the project), and Partner With Us (Information for energy companies interested in the project).


Taking a mobile-first approach to designing the community platform

I designed the online community for mobile before designing it for the desktop, because phones are the primary devices available to our users. The primary navigation includes three sections - Explore Stories (the film collection), How it Works (An explanation of the project), and Partner With Us (Information for energy companies interested in the project).

 

website_Screens_large

PROJECT IMPACT

PROJECT IMPACT

PROJECT IMPACT

PROJECT IMPACT

PROJECT IMPACT

My work helped win a bid for the project's extension with the World Bank, and Mini Grid Stories is now set for further testing in India and expansion into Nigeria.

My work helped win a bid for the project's extension with the World Bank, and Mini Grid Stories is now set for further testing in India and expansion into Nigeria.

My work helped win a bid for the project's extension with the World Bank, and Mini Grid Stories is now set for further testing in India and expansion into Nigeria.

My work helped win a bid for the project's extension with the World Bank, and Mini Grid Stories is now set for further testing in India and expansion into Nigeria.

My work helped win a bid for the project's extension with the World Bank, and Mini Grid Stories is now set for further testing in India and expansion into Nigeria.

 

10

10

10

Communities visited

Communities visited

Communities visited

Communities visited

1

1

1

Android Hi-fi prototype

Android Hi-fi prototype

Android Hi-fi prototype

1

1

1

online platform

online platform

Online platform

Online platform

22

22

22

Films

Films

Films

1

1

1

Project report

Project report

Project report

Project report

© 2020 Rhea Laroya.