B2B & B2C WEB APP SUITE
Enstall
Project hub for solar installers
Role: Product Designer
Client engagement: 12 Months
Team: 2 UXD - 2 PM - 7 SWE - 1 Marketing
SCOPE OF WORK
Array of initiatives
Seeking to enhance their digital presence, Enstall approached Neuron to shift focus from hardware to a software offering, catering to solar installation businesses with innovative and customer-centric digital offerings.
Seamless flow between 3 disparate apps
Digital portal for solar professionals
Project management features
E-learning platform
Design System
THE CLIENT
Who is Enstall?
Enstall, formerly known as ESDEC, specializes in manufacturing professional solar rooftop mounting solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial markets. Designed by installers for installers, Enstall offers fast, economical mounting solutions.
THE CLIENT’S ASK
“Our competitors offer digital tools that help solar installers complete projects. How can we compete with them?”
Enstall understands that the digitization of their services is the most viable way to secure their position in the modern world. Their competitors have already started this process and Enstall would like to offer a product that competes with them.
DISCOVERY
First we need to understand solar installers
Entering this project, we possessed no prior knowledge in solar installation or the industry at large. The initial month of our engagement was devoted to exhaustive research, ensuring a comprehensive understanding necessary for developing digital solutions tailored to meet the requirements of solar installation companies. As a result of our efforts, we acquired a depth of knowledge that equates that of certified installers.
RESEARCH
Solar installation project timeline
THE OPPORTUNITY
Why isn’t there an app that serves the entire installation timeline?
What we learned is that there isn't an application that serves all phases of the installation journey. This lead to disjointed projects and inefficient collaboration amongst solar teams. We knew at this moment that we have found our opportunity to disrupt the market.
CLIENT PUSHBACK
The stakeholders wanted an app suite. We convinced them to be more!
Enstall understands that the digitization of their services is the most viable way to secure their position in the modern world. Their competitors have already started this process and Enstall would like to offer a product that competes with them.
App Suite
Users and projects are owned by integrations partners
Enstall provides no value to solar installers
A different project list in each app creates user confusion
Project Hub
Users and projects are owned by Enstall
Enstall offers collaborative project management features
A centralized hub for projects to be effectively managed
STRATEGIZING - PART 1
The installer journey (flow mapping)
In order for Neuron and the various integration stakeholders to understand the full user journey we mapped out and iterated on each flow. This helped to confirm the sequence and dependencies prior to wireframing.
STRATEGIZING - PART 2
Transitioning 20,000+ existing users to their new workspace
Prior to the Enstall portal, there were users with accounts on the integration partners’ platforms. We decided with the Enstall team that previously existing users who are associated with any of the brands under the Enstall umbrella should be able to seamlessly transition into the new platform.
This presented numerous challenges, as each user is associated with various data points, including their originating tool, company affiliation, or status as a sole proprietor, as well as their projects, among other points of data.
DESIGN - PART 1
Centralized work
Enstall serves as the centralized hub for comprehensive project management. Every project, regardless of the tools utilized, is aggregated within the 'My Projects' list. This consolidated page functions as the primary access point for all projects undertaken by solar installation companies.
Key project details are readily accessible, facilitating swift retrieval by project managers whenever necessary. It was recognized as crucial that the functionality of the project list ensures alignment among all members of a solar installation company from project inception to completion.
DESIGN - PART 2
Collaborative project management
It is imperative that project deliverables and information are centralized, ensuring all team members have access to the latest updates. All information pertaining to a solar installation is conveniently housed within the dedicated project page. Project collaborators can access and update crucial details regarding clients and properties, as well as seamlessly utilize various digital tools without navigating away from the Enstall portal.
DESIGN - PART 3
Team member management
We ensured a smooth transition for company owners migrating their company accounts from one tool to the Enstall portal, guaranteeing the accurate transfer of all members, projects, and company information.
Enstall provides company managers with authorization capabilities that extend across all tools within the portal. It was our task to standardize the nomenclature and permissions across all applications, enabling seamless management of member roles from a centralized location.
DESIGN - PART 4
Generating leads via accessible education
The strategic rationale behind incorporating an educational platform within the portal revolves around cultivating prospective clientele. By offering pathways for individuals to enter the industry through installer certification, Enstall aims to establish a pipeline of committed customers, fostering long-term loyalty and engagement.
The Solar Academy offers a comprehensive array of online learning pathways tailored to support skill development at various stages of an installer's career trajectory. Whether it entails a refresher course to enhance proficiency, mandatory safety training, or instruction on utilizing novel tools, Enstall users will remain abreast of evolving processes within the solar sector, thereby enhancing the caliber of their workmanship.
DESIGN - PART 5
Bespoke e-learning platform seamlessly integrated with an LMS
Integrating a learning management system was pivotal in advancing Enstall's vision of evolving into a comprehensive digital solution for solar installers. However, the selected integration partner presented a landing page layout and design distinct from the unified aesthetic of the Enstall portal. To ensure seamless coherence across the overall product, a bespoke catalog and course page were meticulously crafted to harmonize with the overarching design language. Users seamlessly transition into the LMS course experience within an iframe only upon accessing a specific lesson, thus maintaining a cohesive user journey.
DESIGN - PART 6
Comprehensive design system
Creating a custom design system that embodies the company's mission and goals ensures consistent branding and fosters trust and credibility. It enhances brand recognition, streamlines design processes, and delivers cohesive experiences aligned with the company's objectives.
Click the Figma link to view the full design system.
QUALITY ASSURANCE - PART 1
Development QA
Designer-led QA testing ensures a seamless user experience and product success by identifying and rectifying design issues before launch. This proactive approach enhances reliability, minimizes errors, and fosters collaboration between developers and designers. Ultimately, prioritizing QA testing creates a polished, user-friendly platform meeting audience needs.
QUALITY ASSURANCE - PART 2
Unifying existing marketing sites
Initially, the marketing sites were delegated to another agency specializing in marketing, as they were deemed out of scope for the Neuron team. However, upon review, it was found that the completed designs did not adhere to the Enstall design system and brand language. Consequently, we were tasked with auditing their designs and proposing redesigns that align more closely with the established Enstall brand identity.
PORJECT END
Embracing a digital future
In 2022 Jorgan, our main stakeholder was hired by Enstall to spearhead the digitization of the their product offerings. With the help of the Neuron UX design team in a +12 month long engagement, we were able to convince the Enstall chief officers to pursue the “digital dream” that we had designed based on the needs and wants of professional solar installers in today’s industry. As of the 2nd quarter of 2024, the mvp of the Enstall portal is being beta tested by a limited size group of everyday solar installation professionals. There are future milestones to release a native mobile version of the portal as well as system monitoring digital products that cater to home owners.
