Introducing a fresh brand proposition for SMS plc through the creation of a responsive website, meticulously designed and developed from the ground up.
In this role I was responsible for translating the new brand into functional UI, Creating a bespoke illustration style, created prototypes, all while collaborating closely with UX designers and the development team. Additionally, I established the foundation of the design system and facilitated communication with client stakeholders.
When venturing into a new market, it's imperative to learn from the best in the field. We meticulously examined numerous competitors both within and outside our industry to pinpoint strategic opportunities that could give us a competitive edge from the outset. Many users embark on this journey with minimal prior knowledge. Therefore, providing clear, jargon-free information and transparent cost breakdowns is vital. This ensures users can make informed decisions, fostering trust and loyalty in the brand. Hidden costs, inaccurate savings estimates, and subpar workmanship can erode trust in service providers. As customers entrust their hard-earned money and their homes to these providers, any breaches of trust can have significant consequences.
For many individuals, sustainable energy remains out of reach, whether they desire it or not. Rising energy expenses and the substantial initial investments associated with most sustainable energy technologies make it inaccessible to the majority. Unless a simpler solution presents itself, sustainability remains a distant prospect for most. Simplicity and humanity were significant factors influencing the proposition for Metis.
As a team, it was essential to agree on our collective goal: to produce an exceptional experience that is both simple to use and exciting for the business and our customers. Through collaborative brainstorming sessions, we distilled our aspirations into the following key goals: simplicity, transparency, engagement, education, playfulness, trustworthiness, and accuracy.Communication was Key
This enabled us to devise an effective plan for managing all the work, ensuring all key deliverables could be completed by the relevant deadlines. This approach allowed our developers to do at what they do best!
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Additionally to the UI effort I was tasked with developing an illustration library to support the proposition. The decision to use illustration was born out of challenge. As Metis did not have a specific product to push we were limited to the types of imagery we could use. Generative AI imagery served initially to give an indication of the imagery that would be suitable, however concerns were raised over the provenance of the imagery and the legality of their use. Professional quality photography would take too long to be art directed and then signed off. With this in mind the decision to use illustration seemed sensible.
Despite the desired approach being a departure from my usual style I threw my hat in the ring. Adopting a more naive approach and taking inspiration from our chosen display font 'OC Blimp' I set upon a style which layered simple forms over a bold colourful silhouette. While initially challenging (and undergoing many style iterations) the result became a pillar of the brand direction.
Considering the intricacies of energy consumption, various factors must be taken into account. These encompass readings from your smart meter to gauge energy usage, the dimensions of your roof, household occupancy, and the presence of an electric vehicle. Crafting a streamlined user flow under such circumstances poses a challenge, compounded by the technical intricacies of implementation. By employing a visually stylised illustrated approach I was able to convey complex instructions through simple means, however, when seen on the whole the balance of the brand was becoming too illustration-centric. Learning how to strike the right balance was key.
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As part of the project the team were also tasked with creating a brand solution for Metis next proposition. Commercial charging points which will be installed nation wide. My role within this offshoot of the project was to define an illustration style that would be approachable yet instructive.
Taking inspiration from sources such as Hayes manuals and Ikea I adopted a simple diagrammatic style that aimed to keep confusion to a minimum.
A challenge presented itself in that currently the charge points have yet to be designed, therefore my initial explorations needed to kept fairly generic. Adding too many brand flourishes would detract from the purpose of the illustration.
With this in mind I aimed to keep the hardware imagery functional opting to add brand elements to any required UI. This approach allowed the brand identity to surface adding energy to the composition.
With all the assets split into layers the intention was to animate the scene to add an additional layer of clarity for the user.
As of writing, the official launch of Metis and Metis Charge are pending, Working with the Metis team has been incredibly rewarding, filled with moments of growth and collaboration amidst many challenges. Witnessing the project evolve from its inception to its current state has been immensely fulfilling, and I look forward to when the site goes live, and seeing the waves it creates in the energy market
• Assisting with the development of the New brand
• Working closely with the brand lead to realise the concept across functional UI.
• Turning low-fidelity wireframes into responsive pixel-perfect designs.
• Leading the Illustration arm of the brand concept (including both 2D & 3D assets)
• Regularly liaising with client stakeholders, presenting concepts
• running user testing interviews
• Creating and maintaining the Metis design library.• Supporting the development team.
