Design each task in a problem-solving effort so that it is most fruitful and provides the most information or guidance:
Create accurate gauges of power consumption of household appliances
Design a new-user friendly app that display easy to read gauges for both young and old users
Design with purpose, make sure that each part has performance relative to cost and effectiveness
Use various attributes of the final solution state to guide earlier decisions made along the solution path
End goal: A plug-and-play, affordable, real-time Smart Energy Monitor
Key attributes influencing early decisions
Affordability: Target cost of ~$169 guided hardware choices
User-friendliness: Mobile/Web dashboard ensured accessibility
Non-intrusive installation: Avoided circuit breaker modifications
Define design goals and design specifications
Design goals
Provide real-time energy insights for residential users
Ensure ease of use with a simple intuitive dashboard
Keep costs low while maintaining accuracy and functionality
Design Specs
Hardware: ESP32 microprocessor, ACS712 current sensor, plug module
Software: Web/Mobiledashborad for real-time data visualization
Power Supply: Designed for standard outlets avoiding complex wiring
Constraints
Cost, installation complexity, and data privacy were key considerations
Product Dimensions: 3 in x 5in x 6 in (L x W x H)
Eliminate paths that do not satisfy the desired design goals and/or specifications
Remove complexity, we want the product to be simple and easy setup/operate.
No intrusive installations, make sure that it is plug and play to allow for simple monitoring at no risk to the customer.
Avoiding more high-end parts that may allow for unnecessary upgrades that do not fit customer's use case.
Avoid making the enclosure large and heavy as it limits the places it could be installed.