Google Feather

A Redefined Google Nest Experience for
Mindful, Modern Users.

Design Role

Project Manager

UI Designer

Duration

Fall 2024
10 Weeks

Team

Cole Thompson
Catelyn Cai

Tools

Figma
Slack

Overview

The Google Nest redesign reimagines the thermostat experience with a focus on modern, mindful living. Guided by thoughtful design principles, the project focuses on creating a seamless and visually engaging interface that aligns with the evolving needs of today's users.

The concious modernist

The Conscious Modernist values harmony, sustainability, and effortless usability. Rooted in organic textures, muted tones, and structured layouts, this moodboard captures their world, where design is intentional, calming, and intuitive.

Who is our user?

The Conscious Modernist values intentionality in every aspect of life—prioritizing aesthetic harmony, sustainability, and functionality in their environment. They gravitate towards thoughtfully designed products that enhance their lifestyle without adding complexity.

Understanding the Conscious Modernist

Pain Points:

Data overload distracts from key tasks

Disruptive visual hierarchy
Functionality overpowers user experience.

Pain Points:

Data overload distracts from key tasks

Disruptive visual hierarchy
Functionality overpowers user experience.

Pain Points:

Data overload distracts from key tasks

Disruptive visual hierarchy
Functionality overpowers user experience.

Motivations:

Prioritize sustainability without sacrificing convenience

Seek modern, functional design
Value technology that enhances daily life

Motivations:

Prioritize sustainability without sacrificing convenience

Seek modern, functional design
Value technology that enhances daily life

Needs:

Intuitive smart home integration

Visually cohesive, minimalist design
Functionality that complements aesthetics

Needs:

Intuitive smart home integration

Visually cohesive, minimalist design
Functionality that complements aesthetics

Needs:

Intuitive smart home integration

Visually cohesive, minimalist design
Functionality that complements aesthetics

Motivations:

Prioritize sustainability without sacrificing convenience

Seek modern, functional design
Value technology that enhances daily life

Let's Evaluate the Current Interface

What Doesn't Work:

The structured layout on thr cooling status screen enhances clarity, while subtle color cues like blue for cooling provide feedback without disrupting harmony. Layered information balances data and usability, aligning with the Conscious Modernist’s intentional design approach.

The home status screen overloads users with too many equally weighted elements, making it difficult to quickly identify key information. Dispersed controls and a lack of clear hierarchy add to cognitive strain, requiring unnecessary effort to navigate.

Home Status Screen

Cooling Status Screen

What Works:

Let's Evaluate the Current Interface

What Doesn't Work:

The structured layout enhances clarity, while subtle color cues like blue for cooling provide feedback without disrupting harmony. Layered information balances data and usability, aligning with the Conscious Modernist’s intentional design approach.

Home Status Screen

Cooling Status Screen

What Works:

Branding the Vision

After much iteration, the branding and advertising team developed these two distinct directions:

The interior design team further supported these directions by creating layouts that aligned with the brand identities. Our foundational research provided the teams with critical insights to guide their creative processes.

A community-centered concept symbolizing resilience and connection.

A modern and bold identity focusing on freshness and trustworthiness.

App Mockup

To complement the physical grocery store experience, we decided to create an app mockup that integrates key digital touchpoints. Using insights from the phygital research as a foundation, we developed features that prioritize user convenience and streamline interactions.

The app’s key features address the needs of all four personas: the Quick Payment & Barcode Screen supports Natasha’s need for speed, the Order Pickup Screen aligns with Ken’s focus on sustainability, the Recipes and Cooking Classes Screens cater to Corey’s curiosity, and the Digital Wallet and Loyalty Screens suit Burt’s grab-and-go lifestyle. These designs seamlessly bridge research insights with user needs.

Presenting the Vision

To bring our work to life, we invited stakeholders, including Mayor Dickens and Paul, the founder of Savi Provisions, to review our progress. The UX and ID teams opened the session by presenting research posters that highlighted key insights and user-driven opportunities. This was followed by two presentations from the Branding & Advertising and Interior Design teams, showcasing both creative directions for the project.

Key Takeaways:
The stakeholders appreciated the depth of our research and the seamless integration of user insights into design solutions. The branding and interior teams' presentations provided a well-rounded vision of the project’s potential impact, sparking discussions about feasibility and implementation.

What I Learned:
This experience taught me the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration and clear communication in conveying design decisions to diverse audiences. It also reinforced the value of grounding creative solutions in research to ensure they resonate with both users and stakeholders.