Developing Superior Products with User Collaboration

It is said that building automation works best when you don't notice it. However, even the best building automation does not operate entirely on its own; it is used by people. That is why top-notch building automation is created together with users.

New generations are accustomed to using digital services and know how to demand first-class usability from work-life solutions as well. Therefore, building automation can only be top-tier when it offers users a superior user experience both during and after the automation process.

The bar is set high, but together with users, surpassing it is entirely possible.

A couple of practical examples of usability improvements

Building automation is often used locally through display panels placed in technical rooms. We have just released a new central unit with an interface that specifically considers the demands of field conditions. User research has assisted in the development, and based on the feedback received, the functions are intuitive, and the interface is easy to use with a touch screen.

Increasingly, users are also taking advantage of remote access solutions for building automation via a browser. To streamline service usage, we have implemented a single sign-on solution for our remote access portal for organizations using Azure AD for identity management. This allows for multi-factor authentication without the user needing a password to log in.

Cloud services accelerate the user experience

The best products are never truly finished; they are continuously improved based on user feedback. This principle is best realized in cloud services, as the cloud ensures that all users always have access to the latest features. The time from user feedback to visible changes in the software is significantly reduced.

User experience is increasingly created through system integrations, automating some of the tasks previously handled by the user. In the future, these integrations will increasingly rely on cloud-based APIs and data warehouses, allowing integrations to be implemented without touching local automation.

User experience guides our product development models

In software development, a significant portion of cost-influencing decisions is often made in the early stages of the project. Making the right decisions in these critical moments saves time and money in product development, getting products to users faster.

For this reason, involving users in development projects from day one has become increasingly important in our product development. In new projects, we always utilize a user interface prototype to effectively study user preferences and various usage scenarios without writing a single line of costly code.

Above all, it is a change in mindset. The success of product development depends on how users receive the product, which is why all new ideas must first be tested with them. And when we start early enough, it is also permissible to fail and try again.

The end result is a product that makes managing building conditions smoother than ever before.

Juha Ilvespalo
Product Owner