Augmented Reality for EPRI
Product Overview
Founded in 1972, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is noted as the world’s most “preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization.”
So, how did I push an already-innovative institute even further? By designing and developing the company’s first-ever AR experience. This AR experience turned impossible-to-read, multiple-page reports on their head by putting interactive visual elements in front of user that better showcased the research’s value.
Founded in 1972, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is noted as the world’s most “preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization.”
So, how did I push an already-innovative institute even further? By designing and developing the company’s first-ever AR experience. This AR experience turned impossible-to-read, multiple-page reports on their head by putting interactive visual elements in front of user that better showcased the research’s value.
The Process:
First, I conducted a series of research and pilot studies to determine if augmented and virtual reality technology such as wearables would benefit worker efficiency and operations at energy companies. I defined use cases and ran test trials that compared completing a task with AR VR.
First, I conducted a series of research and pilot studies to determine if augmented and virtual reality technology such as wearables would benefit worker efficiency and operations at energy companies. I defined use cases and ran test trials that compared completing a task with AR VR.
Task Completion Time
As you might expect, the research revealed that AR technology could double worker efficiency and save millions ($8,250,000+ in a quote from a utility) in lost revenue per power outage caused by storms.
This information, as stated, was fine. But how could I create an experience that would help CEOs and decision-makers really imagine it? And not only imagine it, but actually adopt the emerging technology research into their business operations model?
This information, as stated, was fine. But how could I create an experience that would help CEOs and decision-makers really imagine it? And not only imagine it, but actually adopt the emerging technology research into their business operations model?
My initial curiosity leapt from idea to action. I developed an intuitive, user-centered prototype in Gitlab and sourcing 3D models for the VR app (EnergyXR) that would allow users to spatially browse research offerings in their browsers.
View 1
The tool welcomes the user in a comfortable 2D environment with a small view of a 3D model that can be rotated.
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View 2
Upon scrolling down, the user is presented the option to enter the AR view.
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View 3
The user can positionally rotate in 360 degrees to see a volumetric schematic of what they had just been viewing in 2D dimensions.
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The Results:
While EnergyXR didn’t make it out of beta, the efforts caught the attention of the Nuclear Research arm, who tapped me to lead the design of a first-of-its-kind digital assistance mobile application for top nuclear power plants, CSTARR.
While EnergyXR didn’t make it out of beta, the efforts caught the attention of the Nuclear Research arm, who tapped me to lead the design of a first-of-its-kind digital assistance mobile application for top nuclear power plants, CSTARR.