Product Design Scotland, Edinburgh: Shore Design

Ewgeco ▪ Electricity, Water and Gas – Metering System

Requirement

Tanya Ewing, a housewife from Perth, Scotland, approached Shore Design with a conceptual idea for a clever device that would monitor, in real-time, the consumption of the 3 major utilities of Electricity, Water and Gas in an ‘eco’ friendly format. The device also had to display ‘at a glance’ the immediate affects of increased usage of any utility, such as running a bath or putting the kettle. The aim  was to become an educational device that would encourage families and businesses where energy can be saved. In 2006 Ewgeco approached Shore to design such a device and its transmitter unit that communicated with the utility networks.

Development

We initially carried out a feasibility study to assess the product architecture, manufacturing & development costs and the creation of high quality initial concept visuals. This information was then used to secure further funding for the product development.

For the mainstream development, one of the key areas of focus was user interface to ensure instant and clear communication of any changes in usage, while tracking the peaks of consumption.

Shore completed the full Industrial Design & Engineering development program and assisted in the set up and management of the mass production manufacturing supply chain.

Result

• Ewgeco's unique 'traffic light' display alerts the user at a glance to real-time usage, enabling them to make changes before the money is spent.
• Ewgeco makes it easy to provide users with information about their C02 emissions.
• Ewgeco provides CO2 emission data required for the Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and Display Energy Certificates (DEC) under the EU Energy Performance in Buildings Directive.