The client

Renson, pioneers in indoor climate solutions

Renson is a family-owned company that has been setting trends for a healthy indoor climate and comfortable outdoor life worldwide for more than 115 years. It’s a leader in the industry for effective, efficient and user-friendly solutions in ventilation, solar shading, aluminum wall cladding and outdoor systems. With a clear focus on durable quality, minimalist design, far-reaching personalization, as well as ease of use and maintenance, it provides high-quality solutions for today and tomorrow.

With these goals in mind, Renson reached out to us 8 years ago to build 2 apps. One to help installers, and another to enhance end-user experience. The company already had a pretty clear idea of what these apps should look like and how they should work, but they were unsure about the technical feasibility. Ever since then, we’ve been supporting Renson. First, by building the front end of both apps, but later, by continuously improving the apps along the way. Throughout this partnership, we’ve also been adding new features and extending the device range from, for example, just the Healthbox to the Flux+ line, too.

The challenge

Simplifying the installation process

Renson decided to build an installer app for a ventilation system to address the needs and challenges of installers. The app must simplify the installation, configuration, and verification process, which is typically time-consuming and complex. It should help installers manage multiple projects and installations seamlessly, minimizing the chaos often caused by unexpected delays. Additionally, the app needs to provide clear guidance for common issues encountered during installation, supporting both experienced and new installers. For new installers, in particular, the app should reduce the need for extensive training by offering user-friendly instructions and troubleshooting assistance, making the process more efficient and accessible.

Enhancing end-user experience

At the same time, Renson also wanted to develop a user app for the same ventilation system to meet new, rising user needs. This app needs to allow users to engage with the system in a way that aligns with their unique preferences and requirements, offering straightforward control over settings like ventilation levels for specific situations. It must also provide users with easy access to performance data, giving them a clear understanding of how their system is functioning over time. Balancing ease of use with the technical complexity of the system is crucial, ensuring that users can efficiently manage and monitor their ventilation system without feeling overwhelmed.

The solution

All-in-one installation support

The mobile application has to enable the installer to save time during the installation of the Renson ventilation device. That’s why the installer app communicates via the APIs of the ventilation device firmware to guide the installer and complete the installation process. The main challenge to overcome on this app was connectivity. Often, these installers work on construction sites without an internet connection, yet the app has to continuously get and share information about the device. We optimized this connection by using cloud-based calls. 

To ensure high-end quality and customer support, Renson only allows installation by Renson-certified teams. That’s why besides configuration and calibration, the app also connects to the Renson online platform, where the installer is identified before approving the installation. In addition, installers can keep track of all their projects and installations right from inside the app. The app then makes it easy to connect and calibrate the ventilation device. Moreover, a troubleshooter allows installers to solve common device issues during an installation. Either general information with tabs to pick your device if you’re early in the installation process, or specifically for the device they’re working on.

Personalized ventilation control

The user app empowers end-users by providing seamless connectivity to their ventilation system, allowing them to monitor specific air quality measurements and manage their device preferences with ease, anywhere, anytime. To ensure efficient and reliable use, we conducted continuous and extensive user tests together with Renson throughout the design process.

Through intuitive graphs, users can track how their system has performed over the past 24 hours or even the past week, giving them a clear picture of indoor air quality trends. The app offers personalized control over ventilation performance in each room, enabling users to choose between a quieter, but potentially slower, operation and a faster one at a slightly higher noise level. Additionally, users can manually adjust ventilation levels at any time, ensuring flexibility and optimal comfort tailored to their immediate needs.

The results

Streamlined for installers, empowering for users

Building the installer app for Renson-approved professionals resulted in a streamlined and more efficient installation process for Healthbox 3.0 and Flux+ systems. The app guides installers through every step of installation and calibration, while the intelligent troubleshooter helps detect and resolve any errors on the spot. Additionally, it allows for customization of ventilation devices according to customer-specific needs and provides detailed insights into the installation process. With the capability to generate and upload measurement reports directly to the Renson installer portal, the app enhances installation management by connecting seamlessly to the Renson installer platform.

The development of the user app for the Healthbox 3.0 and Flux+ smart ventilation systems significantly enhanced user control and awareness of indoor air quality. The app provides real-time insights into air quality throughout the home, offering instant visibility into the status of different rooms. Users can track air quality history and tailor ventilation to their preferences using health, eco, or intense profiles. With the ability to manually adjust ventilation modes and receive alerts when air quality becomes critical or when system errors occur, the app empowers users to maintain optimal air conditions day and night.

A partnership in progress

Through our long-standing partnership with Renson, we’ve successfully developed and continuously improved two innovative apps that simplify and enhance both the installation process for professionals and the user experience for end customers. Our intense effort in onboarding domain-specific knowledge has paid off in the long run, as we’ve gone from having no prior experience in this field to being able to make well-calculated suggestions that help Renson extend its app capabilities. 

By addressing complex technical challenges and evolving the features over time, we’ve enabled Renson to deliver user-friendly, efficient solutions that meet the specific needs of installers and provide end users with greater control over their indoor air quality. This collaboration showcases how technology can transform product ecosystems, creating value for both professionals and consumers alike.

Any questions?
Tell me all about them.

Steven Poelmans
Manager Innovation Acceleration

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