Client
A global leader supporting the digital transformation of traditional substations by improving operational efficiency and safety across the energy sector.
A global leader supporting the digital transformation of traditional substations by improving operational efficiency and safety across the energy sector.
Challenge
FLUID Design was invited to create a user experience for the Central Substation Computing Platform, a web application supporting the digital transformation of substations. The challenge was to navigate the shift from hardware to software, translating physical interactions into safe and intuitive digital workflows.
FLUID Design was invited to create a user experience for the Central Substation Computing Platform, a web application supporting the digital transformation of substations. The challenge was to navigate the shift from hardware to software, translating physical interactions into safe and intuitive digital workflows.
My Role
Responsible for the project’s success it was an interesting turn of events when we learned halfway through that the client also had an in-house UX team tackling similar challenges. As project lead I focused on creating a collaborative workflow aligning my team with their sprint structure and integrating their knowledge into our concept work. Navigating the technical complexity of this application, I prioritised establishing shared design values and a clear framework to empower the in-house team to continue the project independently once our involvement concluded.
Responsible for the project’s success it was an interesting turn of events when we learned halfway through that the client also had an in-house UX team tackling similar challenges. As project lead I focused on creating a collaborative workflow aligning my team with their sprint structure and integrating their knowledge into our concept work. Navigating the technical complexity of this application, I prioritised establishing shared design values and a clear framework to empower the in-house team to continue the project independently once our involvement concluded.
Solution
We set off by visiting the client’s substation specialists to understand their daily tasks and the tools they use. This hands-on approach provided insight into the challenges of transitioning from traditional hardware to digital solutions as well as identifying pain points with existing tools.
We set off by visiting the client’s substation specialists to understand their daily tasks and the tools they use. This hands-on approach provided insight into the challenges of transitioning from traditional hardware to digital solutions as well as identifying pain points with existing tools.
Building on this, we entered an extensive research phase working closely with the client’s stakeholders and experts to frame the complex challenges of substation management. Mapping the existing tool landscape and understanding how our platform would fit allowed us to define the necessary features and workflows.
We revisited the substation specialists for feedback on our initial concepts and wireframes ensuring we were on the right track and addressing their needs.
As we aligned with the client’s internal UX team, we joined their biweekly design sprints and set up regular feedback calls with the specialists. Clear communication was crucial enabling us to efficiently split the workload and align on an approach that focused on building a solid framework rather than continuing with a fragmented detailed design. We also learned the design had to sit within the clients existing design library to integrate with other tools under development.
By focusing on the broader vision first, we ensured the solution provided a clear user experience. It enabled users to navigate complex tasks easily while setting a new usability baseline for the evolving substation management landscape. This approach combined the strengths of both design strategies addressing user needs and preparing the company for a successful, scalable future in digital substation management.
My Highlights
Facilitating alignment across all parties was one of the most rewarding aspects of leading this innovative project. Positive feedback during our final retrospective highlighted both their openness to our role as external consultants and my success in navigating a complex collaboration. I recognised early that building strong rapport and mutual understanding was key to effective teamwork. The project successfully balanced traditional substation management practices with innovative digital solutions, both in design and functionality.
Facilitating alignment across all parties was one of the most rewarding aspects of leading this innovative project. Positive feedback during our final retrospective highlighted both their openness to our role as external consultants and my success in navigating a complex collaboration. I recognised early that building strong rapport and mutual understanding was key to effective teamwork. The project successfully balanced traditional substation management practices with innovative digital solutions, both in design and functionality.
