Lead Product Designer
User research
Wireframes
Product design
Prototyping
Figma
Miro
Aurora Solar is creating a future of solar for all. The company is putting the power of data and technology into the hands of every solar professional to make solar adoption simple and predictable. The cloud-based platform uses data, automation, and AI to streamline workflows and grow solar businesses faster.
Aurora is at the forefront of the home solar space. They combine artificial intelligence, LIDAR mapping, and 3D rendering to help homeowners understand how solar can be implemented on their property and help suppliers close sales.
I was brought on to take ownership of critical product areas, including permitting, site surveys, and solar design management. We formed a cross-functional team including a Product Manager, an Engineering Manager, and four front-end engineers.
Aurora had developed incredible technology to help both customers and sales people envision the reality of home solar projects. However, much of that technology laid hidden within convoluted workflows or internal tools.
I spoke with key stakeholders within Aurora, leaders at solar sales companies, solar installation technicians, and select solar homeowners.
Solar is a complicated world for the average homeowner. They needed a simple and helpful self-guided exploration of Aurora’s products. The sales team needed better tools for speaking with customers about Aurora’s advantages.
I mapped out the previously existing customer, manager, site surveyor, and vendor journies, noting moments where information was passed between users and where pain points inhibited them.
Through rapid prototyping and feedback sessions, I created new user flows through the processes of permitting, site surveys, solar design management, and sales.
I took these designs out to key stakeholders and users. I found that the salesman and customer journeys were so intertwined that they needed to be two “views” of the same basic flow.
With the salesman/customer connection in mind, the two user flows were more closely aligned. Sales was given the ability to switch between a more comprehensive sales view and a more user-friendly view for sharing with potential customers.
Solar customers who wanted a self-guided experience could walk through a simple workflow to get a custom solar quote.
These customers were presented with key metrics if they decided to dive deeper into the numbers or selected a more custom option.
A sales dashboard was rethought from the ground up, giving them critical information and the ability to collaborate and act on time-sensitive information.
Each one of these flows and dashboards was entirely mobile optimized, including LiDAR mapping and 3D panel modeling.
More leads closed
Faster sales cycle
Higher trust score
A motivated user can be your best sales tool. If a user is so inclined to go through the process to weigh their options and make a purchasing decision, make sure to empower them to act on their decisions.
In a field where users are generally entering your platform with minimal knowledge, education can be one of your biggest sales tools. A confident and properly informed user is much more likely to make a purchase.
