Konnect
The future of smart building automation
During a 3-week-long Innovation Sprint between Italy and Belgium focused on business design, we had to find a solution for the leading switch, sockets, and home automation company in Belgium. The brief was about designing and developing a viable, desirable and feasible circular business model for a solution that the company can integrate in its portfolio.
The brief
Design and develop a solution with a circular system business model enabling substantial growth preferably outside Belgium.
Our solution
After market analysis and research, we developed three concepts addressing stakeholders in multi-dwelling volume buildings. We successfully integrated these concepts into a comprehensive solution that caters to the needs of developers and end-users.
Project details
Type
Business design
When
2022
Role & responsabilities
User research UX/UI design Product strategy
Team
1 × architect
2 × product designers
2 x business developers
1 x engineer
Konnect
The future of smart building automation
During a 3-week-long Innovation Sprint between Italy and Belgium focused on business design, we had to find a solution for the leading switch, sockets, and home automation company in Belgium. The brief was about designing and developing a viable, desirable and feasible circular business model for a solution that the company can integrate in its portfolio.
The brief
Design and develop a solution with a circular system business model enabling substantial growth preferably outside Belgium.
Our solution
After market analysis and research, we developed three concepts addressing stakeholders in multi-dwelling volume buildings. We successfully integrated these concepts into a comprehensive solution that caters to the needs of developers and end-users.
Project details
Type
Business design
When
2022
Role & responsabilities
User research UX/UI design Product strategy
Team
1 × architect
2 × product designers
2 x business developers
1 x engineer
Konnect
The future of smart building automation
During a 3-week-long Innovation Sprint between Italy and Belgium focused on business design, we had to find a solution for the leading switch, sockets, and home automation company in Belgium. The brief was about designing and developing a viable, desirable and feasible circular business model for a solution that the company can integrate in its portfolio.
The brief
Design and develop a solution with a circular system business model enabling substantial growth preferably outside Belgium.
Our solution
After market analysis and research, we developed three concepts addressing stakeholders in multi-dwelling volume buildings. We successfully integrated these concepts into a comprehensive solution that caters to the needs of developers and end-users.
Project details
Type
Business design
When
2022
Role & responsabilities
User research UX/UI design Product strategy
Team
1 × architect
2 × product designers
2 x business developers
1 x engineer
Week 1 - Discover
In the discovery phase of our project, we conducted extensive research to gain valuable information. Our research methodology included interviews with users and quantitative research in three key areas: brand, product and user.
Gathering quantitative data through desk research and surveys
We began the research process by exploring various online platforms and conducting surveys to collect quantitative data. After delving into future housing trends, we noticed that single house construction projects are shifting toward volume construction. In addition, multi-unit housing is becoming more popular than single dwellings, and rental housing will be the standard for the next generation. It is more important than ever for construction companies to build sustainable and future-proof buildings. This means that the building must not only have solar panels or insulation, but also be fully equipped with smart home automation.
Uncovering valuable qualitative insights from prospects and stakeholders
Through interviews with construction companies in Belgium and Germany, we found that builders are still struggling to make buildings fully smart and connected, even though they are aware of the importance of this to remain relevant in the future. In addition, Europe's climate and energy goals are pushing them even further down this path, introducing new and stricter regulations and standards, which have an impact on building techniques and electrical systems. During research and interviews with Generation Z, we found that they live a hectic life, moving several times from one house to another. They expect high quality, great comfort and high convenience when it comes to their housing. In addition, Gen Z is the most environmentally conscious, confirming the need for sustainable and smart buildings that do not have a negative impact on the environment.
Week 1 - Define
Combining quantitative and qualitative insights
In the Define phase, we devoted ourselves to a comprehensive analysis of the research results, combining insights from quantitative research with qualitative ones. By leveraging the data collected through surveys and quantitative analysis, we gained a broader understanding of the general trends and patterns that emerged in the brand, product, and user domains.
In addition, qualitative research, conducted through interviews with construction companies and Gen Z, provided us with in-depth perspectives and personal experiences. This qualitative data allowed us to capture the nuances and complexities of users' needs and challenges, giving us a more holistic view of their expectations and pain points.
Discovering opportunities through in-depth analysis
By synthesizing and consolidating the insights gained from the quantitative and qualitative research, we were able to identify key themes and recurring patterns. This analysis allowed us to draw meaningful conclusions about the specific opportunities that exist in the context of multi-volume housing buildings. These insights formed the basis for the next phases of our project, enabling us to create a robust, tailored solution for developers and end users.
Week 2 - Develop
Crafting a comprehensive user experience: customer journey and value proposition
During the second week, the focus of our project shifted towards the Develop phase. Our team dedicated extensive efforts to delve deep into the selected concept, meticulously examining and defining its functionalities. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the user experience, we crafted a customer journey that mapped out each step of the user's interaction with the concept.
Simultaneously, we recognized the importance of communicating our value proposition effectively to stakeholders. To achieve this, we created a value map that highlighted the unique benefits and advantages our concept offered to different stakeholders. This value map served as a visual representation of our value proposition, ensuring clear and concise communication of our concept's value to our target audience.
Building a sustainable business model: revenue streams and partnerships
As we progressed, we also delved into refining the business model associated with our concept. We explored various revenue streams, cost structures, and potential partnerships to establish a sustainable and viable business model. By thoroughly examining and defining these aspects, we aimed to lay a solid foundation for the successful implementation and adoption of our concept.
Throughout the Develop phase, our team worked meticulously to ensure that our concept addressed the unique needs of our target audience while also being commercially viable. The combination of a detailed customer journey, a compelling value proposition, and a refined business model paved the way for the subsequent phases of our project, bringing us closer to a successful implementation of our holistic solution for developers and end-users.
Week 3 - Refine
During the third week of our project, we entered the Refine phase, where we focused on further refining and optimizing the Konnect concept. Konnect introduces a unique approach by offering electricity as a service for multi-dwelling smart buildings, providing users with connected, comfortable, and energy-efficient solutions. Our goal is to reduce energy costs through optimized data utilization, promote circularity by regularly upgrading appliances, and empower users with customizable features through our innovative Passport system.
Go-to-Market Strategy: collaborations, sample concepts and strategic partnerships
To ensure the successful implementation of Konnect, we devised a comprehensive go-to-market strategy. Collaboration with installers and architects is a key aspect, as we aim to create sample concepts that attract builders to adopt our solution. Additionally, we established strategic partnerships with leading smart appliance manufacturers to enhance our product offering. Through piloting, we will gather valuable feedback to refine and optimize the concept, ensuring its seamless integration into multi-dwelling smart buildings.
Expansion plans and data insights: targeting markets and fueling future innovations
Looking ahead, our expansion plans include targeting markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, and France. In Germany specifically, we aim to capture a significant market share of 30% in large-volume multi-dwelling projects. Konnect's robust data collection capabilities will not only benefit our business but also provide valuable insights for product designers and market researchers, paving the way for future business opportunities and innovations.
Learnings
In the process of developing a workable solution within a tight time frame, I encountered both challenges and inspiration. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the effectiveness of hybrid teamwork, in which individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills come together to create innovative solutions. This collaborative approach proved critical in leveraging different perspectives and skills to develop a comprehensive concept.
Week 1 - Discover
In the discovery phase of our project, we conducted extensive research to gain valuable information. Our research methodology included interviews with users and quantitative research in three key areas: brand, product and user.
Gathering quantitative data through desk research and surveys
We began the research process by exploring various online platforms and conducting surveys to collect quantitative data. After delving into future housing trends, we noticed that single house construction projects are shifting toward volume construction. In addition, multi-unit housing is becoming more popular than single dwellings, and rental housing will be the standard for the next generation. It is more important than ever for construction companies to build sustainable and future-proof buildings. This means that the building must not only have solar panels or insulation, but also be fully equipped with smart home automation.
Uncovering valuable qualitative insights from prospects and stakeholders
Through interviews with construction companies in Belgium and Germany, we found that builders are still struggling to make buildings fully smart and connected, even though they are aware of the importance of this to remain relevant in the future. In addition, Europe's climate and energy goals are pushing them even further down this path, introducing new and stricter regulations and standards, which have an impact on building techniques and electrical systems. During research and interviews with Generation Z, we found that they live a hectic life, moving several times from one house to another. They expect high quality, great comfort and high convenience when it comes to their housing. In addition, Gen Z is the most environmentally conscious, confirming the need for sustainable and smart buildings that do not have a negative impact on the environment.
Week 1 - Define
Combining quantitative and qualitative insights
In the Define phase, we devoted ourselves to a comprehensive analysis of the research results, combining insights from quantitative research with qualitative ones. By leveraging the data collected through surveys and quantitative analysis, we gained a broader understanding of the general trends and patterns that emerged in the brand, product, and user domains.
In addition, qualitative research, conducted through interviews with construction companies and Gen Z, provided us with in-depth perspectives and personal experiences. This qualitative data allowed us to capture the nuances and complexities of users' needs and challenges, giving us a more holistic view of their expectations and pain points.
Discovering opportunities through in-depth analysis
By synthesizing and consolidating the insights gained from the quantitative and qualitative research, we were able to identify key themes and recurring patterns. This analysis allowed us to draw meaningful conclusions about the specific opportunities that exist in the context of multi-volume housing buildings. These insights formed the basis for the next phases of our project, enabling us to create a robust, tailored solution for developers and end users.
Week 2 - Develop
Crafting a comprehensive user experience: customer journey and value proposition
During the second week, the focus of our project shifted towards the Develop phase. Our team dedicated extensive efforts to delve deep into the selected concept, meticulously examining and defining its functionalities. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the user experience, we crafted a customer journey that mapped out each step of the user's interaction with the concept.
Simultaneously, we recognized the importance of communicating our value proposition effectively to stakeholders. To achieve this, we created a value map that highlighted the unique benefits and advantages our concept offered to different stakeholders. This value map served as a visual representation of our value proposition, ensuring clear and concise communication of our concept's value to our target audience.
Building a sustainable business model: revenue streams and partnerships
As we progressed, we also delved into refining the business model associated with our concept. We explored various revenue streams, cost structures, and potential partnerships to establish a sustainable and viable business model. By thoroughly examining and defining these aspects, we aimed to lay a solid foundation for the successful implementation and adoption of our concept.
Throughout the Develop phase, our team worked meticulously to ensure that our concept addressed the unique needs of our target audience while also being commercially viable. The combination of a detailed customer journey, a compelling value proposition, and a refined business model paved the way for the subsequent phases of our project, bringing us closer to a successful implementation of our holistic solution for developers and end-users.
Week 3 - Refine
During the third week of our project, we entered the Refine phase, where we focused on further refining and optimizing the Konnect concept. Konnect introduces a unique approach by offering electricity as a service for multi-dwelling smart buildings, providing users with connected, comfortable, and energy-efficient solutions. Our goal is to reduce energy costs through optimized data utilization, promote circularity by regularly upgrading appliances, and empower users with customizable features through our innovative Passport system.
Go-to-Market Strategy: collaborations, sample concepts and strategic partnerships
To ensure the successful implementation of Konnect, we devised a comprehensive go-to-market strategy. Collaboration with installers and architects is a key aspect, as we aim to create sample concepts that attract builders to adopt our solution. Additionally, we established strategic partnerships with leading smart appliance manufacturers to enhance our product offering. Through piloting, we will gather valuable feedback to refine and optimize the concept, ensuring its seamless integration into multi-dwelling smart buildings.
Expansion plans and data insights: targeting markets and fueling future innovations
Looking ahead, our expansion plans include targeting markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, and France. In Germany specifically, we aim to capture a significant market share of 30% in large-volume multi-dwelling projects. Konnect's robust data collection capabilities will not only benefit our business but also provide valuable insights for product designers and market researchers, paving the way for future business opportunities and innovations.
Learnings
In the process of developing a workable solution within a tight time frame, I encountered both challenges and inspiration. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the effectiveness of hybrid teamwork, in which individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills come together to create innovative solutions. This collaborative approach proved critical in leveraging different perspectives and skills to develop a comprehensive concept.
Week 1 - Discover
In the discovery phase of our project, we conducted extensive research to gain valuable information. Our research methodology included interviews with users and quantitative research in three key areas: brand, product and user.
Gathering quantitative data through desk research and surveys
We began the research process by exploring various online platforms and conducting surveys to collect quantitative data. After delving into future housing trends, we noticed that single house construction projects are shifting toward volume construction. In addition, multi-unit housing is becoming more popular than single dwellings, and rental housing will be the standard for the next generation. It is more important than ever for construction companies to build sustainable and future-proof buildings. This means that the building must not only have solar panels or insulation, but also be fully equipped with smart home automation.
Uncovering valuable qualitative insights from prospects and stakeholders
Through interviews with construction companies in Belgium and Germany, we found that builders are still struggling to make buildings fully smart and connected, even though they are aware of the importance of this to remain relevant in the future. In addition, Europe's climate and energy goals are pushing them even further down this path, introducing new and stricter regulations and standards, which have an impact on building techniques and electrical systems. During research and interviews with Generation Z, we found that they live a hectic life, moving several times from one house to another. They expect high quality, great comfort and high convenience when it comes to their housing. In addition, Gen Z is the most environmentally conscious, confirming the need for sustainable and smart buildings that do not have a negative impact on the environment.
Week 1 - Define
Combining quantitative and qualitative insights
In the Define phase, we devoted ourselves to a comprehensive analysis of the research results, combining insights from quantitative research with qualitative ones. By leveraging the data collected through surveys and quantitative analysis, we gained a broader understanding of the general trends and patterns that emerged in the brand, product, and user domains.
In addition, qualitative research, conducted through interviews with construction companies and Gen Z, provided us with in-depth perspectives and personal experiences. This qualitative data allowed us to capture the nuances and complexities of users' needs and challenges, giving us a more holistic view of their expectations and pain points.
Discovering opportunities through in-depth analysis
By synthesizing and consolidating the insights gained from the quantitative and qualitative research, we were able to identify key themes and recurring patterns. This analysis allowed us to draw meaningful conclusions about the specific opportunities that exist in the context of multi-volume housing buildings. These insights formed the basis for the next phases of our project, enabling us to create a robust, tailored solution for developers and end users.
Week 2 - Develop
Crafting a comprehensive user experience: customer journey and value proposition
During the second week, the focus of our project shifted towards the Develop phase. Our team dedicated extensive efforts to delve deep into the selected concept, meticulously examining and defining its functionalities. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the user experience, we crafted a customer journey that mapped out each step of the user's interaction with the concept.
Simultaneously, we recognized the importance of communicating our value proposition effectively to stakeholders. To achieve this, we created a value map that highlighted the unique benefits and advantages our concept offered to different stakeholders. This value map served as a visual representation of our value proposition, ensuring clear and concise communication of our concept's value to our target audience.
Building a sustainable business model: revenue streams and partnerships
As we progressed, we also delved into refining the business model associated with our concept. We explored various revenue streams, cost structures, and potential partnerships to establish a sustainable and viable business model. By thoroughly examining and defining these aspects, we aimed to lay a solid foundation for the successful implementation and adoption of our concept.
Throughout the Develop phase, our team worked meticulously to ensure that our concept addressed the unique needs of our target audience while also being commercially viable. The combination of a detailed customer journey, a compelling value proposition, and a refined business model paved the way for the subsequent phases of our project, bringing us closer to a successful implementation of our holistic solution for developers and end-users.
Week 3 - Refine
During the third week of our project, we entered the Refine phase, where we focused on further refining and optimizing the Konnect concept. Konnect introduces a unique approach by offering electricity as a service for multi-dwelling smart buildings, providing users with connected, comfortable, and energy-efficient solutions. Our goal is to reduce energy costs through optimized data utilization, promote circularity by regularly upgrading appliances, and empower users with customizable features through our innovative Passport system.
Go-to-Market Strategy: collaborations, sample concepts and strategic partnerships
To ensure the successful implementation of Konnect, we devised a comprehensive go-to-market strategy. Collaboration with installers and architects is a key aspect, as we aim to create sample concepts that attract builders to adopt our solution. Additionally, we established strategic partnerships with leading smart appliance manufacturers to enhance our product offering. Through piloting, we will gather valuable feedback to refine and optimize the concept, ensuring its seamless integration into multi-dwelling smart buildings.
Expansion plans and data insights: targeting markets and fueling future innovations
Looking ahead, our expansion plans include targeting markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, and France. In Germany specifically, we aim to capture a significant market share of 30% in large-volume multi-dwelling projects. Konnect's robust data collection capabilities will not only benefit our business but also provide valuable insights for product designers and market researchers, paving the way for future business opportunities and innovations.
Learnings
In the process of developing a workable solution within a tight time frame, I encountered both challenges and inspiration. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the effectiveness of hybrid teamwork, in which individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills come together to create innovative solutions. This collaborative approach proved critical in leveraging different perspectives and skills to develop a comprehensive concept.
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