Jessy Irvine
& Kalin Sivolella
10-weeks
Fall 2024
Fluke creates professional test and measurement tools such as multimeters, thermal cameras, and network testers—used across electrical, industrial, HVAC, and energy industries.
Design a new tool for Fluke that serves one of their core professional industries.
By 2033, the United States will need 475,000 solar workers, nearly double what we now have.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be only a 22% growth in solar photovoltaic installers between now and 2032.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/eliamdur/2024/08/05/huge-shortfall-in-solar-workers-is-our-own-fault/
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be only a 22% growth in solar photovoltaic installers between now and 2032.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/eliamdur/2024/08/05/huge-shortfall-in-solar-workers-is-our-own-fault/
Any inneficiencies in a PV technicians daily workflow are
felt exponentially as a result of the labor shortage.
So, what problems do solar workers encounter?
felt exponentially as a result of the labor shortage.
So, what problems do solar workers encounter?
WILL WHITE Solar Farm Subject Matter Expert “Fluke has a unique position in solar as one of the only
companies that has tools for practically every test”
Pain points:
in communication between solar workers
STEVEN ERRICKSON Regional Manager @ Pearce Renewables “Fluke Connect is great, as long as you don’t need to be far away”
Pain points:
What is Fluke Connect (FC) ?
‘Fluke Connect is a software tool designed to digitally collect, store and view measurements from Fluke wireless test tools and condition monitoring sensors.’
[APP STORE REVIEWS]
“Good hardware, lousy software”
“I want to record for an extended amount of time. The app will not let me do this. The whole purpose is that I do not have to babysit and monitor this process”
“We just want to view real time data remotely, for safety or accessibility”
“I want to record for an extended amount of time. The app will not let me do this. The whole purpose is that I do not have to babysit and monitor this process”
“We just want to view real time data remotely, for safety or accessibility”
[KEY PROBLEMS]
Disconnected
Confusing CMMS softwares
Confusing CMMS softwares
Workload Burden
Long, often tedious hours
Long, often tedious hours
Cluttered UI
Unnecessary FC features
Unnecessary FC features
[THE PROBLEM]
With a shortage of PV technicians, every minute matters. Some troubleshooting requires monitoring output over hours or days, and technicians can’t afford to babysit equipment or leave their phones behind to capture long-term data in Fluke Connect.
How might we design a tool that seamlessly integrates with existing solar tools to streamline workflows, reduce data delays, and provide real-time, cross-functional access to long-term measurement data through an enhanced Fluke Connect app?
[DESIGN CRITERIA]
01 Rugged
02 Portable
03 Sleek
[PROCESS—SKETCHES]
Our initial concepts explored a wearable AI assistant, a tangible Fluke Connect device, and an interactive GIS system, with a focus on communication and data logging isssues within PV technician work.
We narrowed down to the idea of Fluke ‘bugs’— small, portable tools that enable PV techs to safely take long-term & remote measurements.
[PROCESS—FORM EXPLORATION]
[PROCESS—FORM REFINEMENT]
[SYSTEM DIAGRAM]
FLUKE BUGS
What is it?
A wireless, Bluetooth / WIFI compatible tool, that magnetically attaches to nearby surfaces, recording and uploading data.
Why?
Some problems can’t be immediately diagnosed, especially within the solar industry. With Fluke Bugs, PV techs won’t have to surrender their phones for an extended amount of time when running long term measurements. They’ll have more time to attend to other issues on in the field, while also being able to see the data being taken in live time from their phones.
PORTABLE The compact case is designed for a seamless fit in any pocket while keeping a low profile. It securely stores and charges four Bugs—two for the junior PV tech and two for the senior tech. Albeit small, each Bug can be easily handled with gloves on.
CONNECTED
Fluke Bugs bridge the gap between your preexisting tools and your phone, making remote measurements effortless. With both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, they offer a powerful range and keep logging data— even when you’re off-site.
VERSATILE Fluke Bugs easily attach to surfaces throughout a solar farm— whether it’s an inverter box, mounting structure, tool, or even a solar panel. The magnetic design keeps them securely in place, ensuring they stay within range of Fluke Connect compatible tools.
[FLUKE CONNECT APP REDESIGN]
VIEW ANIMATION FOR FULL PROTOTYPE
[FINAL MOCKUP]
Special thanks to my team—Jessy Irvine and Kalin Sivolella—
our professor, Meichun Liu, and the wonderful folks at Fluke.
our professor, Meichun Liu, and the wonderful folks at Fluke.