Equiwatt

Project:

Partner:

LensLab
 Prof.Carlo Vezzoli

Coordinator:

Politecnico di Milano

My Role -

Design Leadership, Strategy & Innovation, Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams, Research and User Insights, Business Design Integration, Project Management, Communication & Storytelling, Business & Impact Design.

The Challenge

The main challenge was integrating human-centered design, emerging technologies, and business strategy to build a sustainable, scalable energy system. This involved SPSS-based research, iterative prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration to balance user needs, feasibility, and impact.

Context

The project focused on designing a sustainable and equitable energy system that integrates emerging technologies, human-centered design, and business strategy. In a world where energy access and efficiency are critical, the goal was to create a system that is scalable, socially inclusive, and technologically advanced.

The work involved analyzing user needs, energy consumption patterns, and community dynamics, applying data analysis (SPSS) to inform decisions, and developing iterative prototypes to test and refine solutions. By combining design thinking, systems analysis, and strategic planning, the project aimed to demonstrate how innovative energy solutions can create measurable social and environmental impact.

I solved to achieve # Digital transformation # # Distributed Energy Systems # # Sustainable Product Service #

Research

In my research for EquiWatt, I conducted a comprehensive study of community-based energy systems designed to provide equitable, sustainable, and efficient energy access. I explored specific Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) initiatives using a national and international case study approach, analyzing their neighborhood and community contexts. I examined system operations, energy distribution models, user demographics, community governance structures, historical development, and key distinguishing features of each project. This research allowed me to identify both existing challenges and opportunities for enhancing energy equity, optimizing system performance, and fostering meaningful community engagement. My findings offer insights into the broader need for continued innovation and inclusive practices in sustainable energy access initiatives.

Service Concept

EquiWatt is designed as a blockchain-integrated, community-driven energy service system that aims to make renewable energy accessible, equitable, and sustainable. The service concept revolves around providing communities with decentralized energy solutions while ensuring transparency, efficiency, and user empowerment.

At its core, EquiWatt combines technological innovation with human-centered service design. Blockchain integration ensures secure and transparent energy transactions, while modular Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) units allow communities to generate, share, and manage energy collaboratively. The system emphasizes community governance, enabling users to participate in decision-making processes related to energy production, distribution, and consumption. The service also focuses on long-term sustainability and inclusivity. By offering adaptable energy solutions, EquiWatt addresses both local energy needs and environmental impact, creating a model that balances technological efficiency, social equity, and community engagement. Through this approach, EquiWatt positions itself as a scalable, resilient, and human-centered energy service, demonstrating how design and technology can converge to foster equitable access to renewable energy.

Key Elements of the Service:

Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) Units  Modular units generate, store, and distribute renewable energy locally, increasing resilience and adaptability for communities of different sizes.
Blockchain Integration  Ensures secure, transparent, and verifiable energy transactions, supporting fairness, accountability, and automated energy trading within the community.
Community Governance  Empowers users to participate in decision-making, fostering local ownership, equity, and sustainable energy practices.
Sustainability & Scalability  Designed to minimize environmental impact and adapt to growing energy needs while maintaining service efficiency.
User-Centered Design  Focuses on accessibility, usability, and engagement, incorporating feedback to continuously improve the service.
Data-Driven Optimization  Uses analytics to monitor usage, predict demand, and optimize energy distribution for efficiency and reliability.

The Outcome...

Enhanced Energy Access
Communities gained reliable, decentralized energy supply, reducing dependence on traditional grids and improving overall energy resilience.
Sustainability Impact
The system promoted renewable energy adoption, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and long-term environmental benefits.
Equity and Community Engagement
Through community governance, users were empowered to participate in energy decisions, fostering local ownership, equity, and collaboration.
Data-Driven Efficiency
Use of analytics and monitoring enabled optimized energy distribution, improved system performance, and better resource management.
Scalable and Replicable Model
The service design demonstrated a scalable framework that can be adapted to different communities and energy needs, providing a template for future sustainable energy initiatives.
Innovation Integration
By combining design thinking, technology (blockchain, AI), and business strategy, EquiWatt created a novel, research-backed approach to sustainable energy services.