brix2bytes
A new business model through an IoT platform for reducing energy use in buildings
From idea to IoT platform:
Development of an intelligent software platform that collects and analyses building data to optimise heating, ventilation and other systems.
New revenue streams through an IoT platform:
Development of a digital product that solves real customer needs and serves as the basis for new revenue.
Intuitive operation for building managers: Clear user guidance, simple data visualisation and specific use cases that address the needs of building managers directly.
Measurable results in real buildings:
An MVP validated through tests in real buildings, demonstrably helping to save energy and support key decisions.
Kieback&Peter, a long-established company with more than 1,500 employees in building automation, recognised the need to offer digital solutions beyond its own hardware.
The goal was to build a standalone platform that simplifies energy management, opens up new digital business models and works independently of the core business in the long term.
Within a year, we turned an idea into the IoT platform: brix2bytes.
Real problems identified through conversations with building managers
Qualitative interviews with facility managers and building managers surfaced real problems in building operations (for example, a lack of transparency about energy consumption and inefficient monitoring routines).
These insights led to concrete use cases such as comparing energy consumption across sites — a feature identified as a decisive lever for efficiency and cost control.
Commercial success through
a well-considered product strategy
brix2bytes was not built as a purely technical tool but as a considered business model: a platform that helps building operators run their systems more efficiently while saving energy and operating costs.
That creates not only real value for customers, but also the option of a sustainable business model for Kieback&Peter through recurring software subscriptions.
A working IoT platform solves real building problems
By the end of the project, brix2bytes had become a user-centred IoT platform that solves concrete problems in building management.
The system lets facility managers analyse, compare and export energy consumption in real time — simply, intuitively and based on data.
A brand of its own for new market opportunities and new customer groups
With brix2bytes we created not just a product but a brand in its own right — visually and strategically distinct from the parent company.
That supports long-term positioning in the digital market and opens up new partnership potential, including beyond the existing customer base.
Our services for brix2bytes
The path to the digital IoT platform at brix2bytes was shaped by close collaboration, consistent user focus and a structured, iterative approach based on our consulting and design standard DIaaS® (Design Innovation as a Service).
User Research
Qualitative interviews with representatives of the target groups to identify key pain points and needs along the customer journey.
Market analysis
Analysis of existing market and competitor solutions to derive points of differentiation and innovation potential.
UX Design
Conception and development of user flows, navigation structures and core interaction patterns based on real usage scenarios.
UI Design
Development of a modular UI kit following atomic design principles, including a style guide for consistent visual design.
Prototyping & testing
Creation of a clickable prototype and usability testing in the UX lab to validate the product promise and user guidance.
Product Strategy
Derivation of a future-proof product vision including positioning, value proposition and brand strategy.
Interface & data analysis
Technical assessment of existing systems and data sources to define relevant use cases and API requirements.
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