Transportation Programs | EV | Startup

EVALV Solutions

EVALV Solutions

EVALV Solutions

How might we help EV drivers easily locate available charging stations and compatible adapters to reduce uncertainty and charging disruptions?

How might we help EV drivers easily locate available charging stations and compatible adapters to reduce uncertainty and charging disruptions?

How might we help EV drivers easily locate available charging stations and compatible adapters to reduce uncertainty and charging disruptions?

The Challenge

The Challenge

The lack of universal charging adapters for EVs makes charging difficult and expensive, discouraging EV adoption and impeding carbon footprint reduction efforts.

The lack of universal charging adapters for EVs makes charging difficult and expensive, discouraging EV adoption and impeding carbon footprint reduction efforts.

My Role & Impact

My Role & Impact

As a Product Designer, I led ideation, wireframing, and prototyping for the renting flow. I conducted usability tests with stakeholders to enhance access to charging adapters. I also created a comprehensive design system, ensuring accessibility across web and mobile platforms. Our designs are set to be implemented in the upcoming EVALV Solutions app, with the launch date to be determined.

As a Product Designer, I led ideation, wireframing, and prototyping for the renting flow. I conducted usability tests with stakeholders to enhance access to charging adapters. I also created a comprehensive design system, ensuring accessibility across web and mobile platforms. Our designs are set to be implemented in the upcoming EVALV Solutions app, with the launch date to be determined.

Mobile, App

Client

EVALV Solutions

Contribution

UX Research

Ideation

Wireframing

Prototyping

Usability Testing

Design System

Designers

Yuri Kawada

Luciana Cheung

Shay Duan

Antares Yuan

Tools

FigJam

Figma

Timeline

8 weeks

Solution

The EVALV app allows users to locate, reserve, and remotely access adapters, ensuring secure rental pickup and return with integrated payment and authentication.

The EVALV app allows users to locate, reserve, and remotely access adapters, ensuring secure rental pickup and return with integrated payment and authentication.

Context

What is EVALV?

What is EVALV?

EVALV Solutions provides affordable, convenient adapter rental lockers at public charging stations, ensuring EV owners have on-demand access to the right adapter whenever and wherever needed. Our team collaborated with EVALV Solutions to help build their mobile app, working alongside another team focused on developing the EVALV website.

EVALV Solutions provides affordable, convenient adapter rental lockers at public charging stations, ensuring EV owners have on-demand access to the right adapter whenever and wherever needed. Our team collaborated with EVALV Solutions to help build their mobile app, working alongside another team focused on developing the EVALV website.

Discover

Uncovering insights through secondary research and stakeholder interview

Uncovering insights through secondary research and stakeholder interview

We used stakeholder interviews, surveys, and secondary research to understand client goals and objectives, and reveal EV user’s pain points.

We used stakeholder interviews, surveys, and secondary research to understand client goals and objectives, and reveal EV user’s pain points.

Secondary Research

Explored 30+ EV community forums to uncover user challenges and preferences related to charging adapters, identifying key pain points and expectations.

Survey

Analyzed survey data (100+ responses from EV owners/prospective adopters) to align EVALV’s values with user needs.

Stakeholder Interviews

Conducted 3 stakeholder interviews with EVALV’s web team to understand client goals and improve the EV charging experience for the mobile app.

Problem

Deriving from our research, we found 3 main pain points that we want to focus on.

Deriving from our research, we found 3 main pain points that we want to focus on.

01. Limited Charging Access

Incompatible ports restrict charging options and forces drivers to buy costly adapters or limit travel.

02. High Investment Costs

Quality adapters cost up to $1,000 which makes EV ownership expensive for individuals and fleets.

03. Charging Uncertainty

Unreliable adapter availability causes stress for drivers and fleet operators managing multiple EVs.

Define

Defining our target users

Defining our target users

The Cost-Conscious Consumer

Hannah, 32

As a long-distance EV driver, I want to easily rent adapters for specific trips, so I can avoid spending thousands on rarely-used equipment.

The Efficient Fleet Manager

James, 42

As a fleet manager, I want flexible adapter rental options, so I can efficiently manage charging for multiple vehicle types.

Ideation

Generating Ideas from Concept to Creation

Generating Ideas from Concept to Creation

In identifying our user's pain points, we categorized our pain points into 4 categories and put our ideas on how we can solve our user's pain points.

In identifying our user's pain points, we categorized our pain points into 4 categories and put our ideas on how we can solve our user's pain points.

Real time, reliable information

Integrate interactive map with real-time user location, nearby stations, locker/return slot availability, and operating hours.

Reduce range anxiety

Reserve adapters in advance with email confirmation.
Integrate external navigation apps or directly within EVALV.
Simplified process with code scanning and photo proof.

Stress free charging experience

Notification reminders for rental status (e.g., time remaining).
No deposits required and smooth payment flow.

Range of adapter options

Search or filter by adapter name, compatible EVs, amperage/voltage/wattage, and locker details.
Save multiple car profiles by collecting car info to match adapter type and station location.

User Flow

Renting and Reserving an Adapter

Renting and Reserving an Adapter

In renting the adapter, we make sure our users are provided with a range of adapter options to find the right adapter for their EV through a personalized car profile. To reduce range anxiety, we also give the users the option to rent the adapter immediately or reserve their adapter for a later time or trip.

In renting the adapter, we make sure our users are provided with a range of adapter options to find the right adapter for their EV through a personalized car profile. To reduce range anxiety, we also give the users the option to rent the adapter immediately or reserve their adapter for a later time or trip.

Returning an Adapter

Returning an Adapter

In the returning flow, we allow users to return adapters to any locker, but they can always locate the nearest locker quickly. We also allow users to reserve a returning slot to reduce the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty.

In the returning flow, we allow users to return adapters to any locker, but they can always locate the nearest locker quickly. We also allow users to reserve a returning slot to reduce the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty.

Wireframes

Renting an Adapter

Renting an Adapter

The renting flow addresses range anxiety by guiding first-time EV users in selecting the correct adapter to rent, even without prior knowledge. For users with a set car profile, it saves time and reduces the stress of finding the right adapter. Additionally, it offers multiple adapter options to suit their EV needs.

The renting flow addresses range anxiety by guiding first-time EV users in selecting the correct adapter to rent, even without prior knowledge. For users with a set car profile, it saves time and reduces the stress of finding the right adapter. Additionally, it offers multiple adapter options to suit their EV needs.

Returning an Adapter

Returning an Adapter

In the returning flow, the app reduces uncertainty by offering real-time availability of locker slots, allowing users to reserve them in advance for a stress-free return process. It also provides quick action options to ensure a seamless and efficient returning experience.

In the returning flow, the app reduces uncertainty by offering real-time availability of locker slots, allowing users to reserve them in advance for a stress-free return process. It also provides quick action options to ensure a seamless and efficient returning experience.

Final Design

Payment in Renting

Payment in Renting

Based on feedback and usability testing, we implemented the payment method upfront, requiring users to pay before renting the adapter. When users click [Use it Now] or [Reserve for Later], they are directed to the payment screen to complete the charge before scanning the QR code.

Based on feedback and usability testing, we implemented the payment method upfront, requiring users to pay before renting the adapter. When users click [Use it Now] or [Reserve for Later], they are directed to the payment screen to complete the charge before scanning the QR code.

Before

Before

After

After

Car Profile in Renting

Car Profile in Renting

To streamline the process of helping users quickly determine the best adapter for their EV, we decided to condense the car profile survey. When users click [Reserve for Later], they are directed to a simplified survey that identifies their EV type and guides them in selecting the appropriate adapter.

To streamline the process of helping users quickly determine the best adapter for their EV, we decided to condense the car profile survey. When users click [Reserve for Later], they are directed to a simplified survey that identifies their EV type and guides them in selecting the appropriate adapter.

Before

Before

After

After

Returning the Adapter

Returning the Adapter

After conducting a usability test and meeting with our client, we decided to shift from manual to automatic payments. This change eliminates the need for users to manually pay after each order, creating a smoother, more seamless experience. Additionally, it enhances business security by requiring upfront payments, reducing the risk of potential losses.

After conducting a usability test and meeting with our client, we decided to shift from manual to automatic payments. This change eliminates the need for users to manually pay after each order, creating a smoother, more seamless experience. Additionally, it enhances business security by requiring upfront payments, reducing the risk of potential losses.

Before

Before

After

After

Retrospective

Takeaways & Next Steps

Takeaways & Next Steps

We successfully addressed the “How Might We” (HMW) question and incorporated insights from usability tests to refine our design. By integrating real-time data, we enhanced user confidence in the product’s reliability. However, this app is just the beginning—a foundation for addressing the broader needs of EV users. 

If given more time, we would assess the feasibility and impact of the key features, conduct further A/B testing, and explore advanced functionalities like enhanced filters, environmental impact visualizations, and social sharing options. We also aspire to expand user education through in-app content or gamification, empowering users to better understand EV charging options and the benefits of alternative fuels.

We successfully addressed the “How Might We” (HMW) question and incorporated insights from usability tests to refine our design. By integrating real-time data, we enhanced user confidence in the product’s reliability. However, this app is just the beginning—a foundation for addressing the broader needs of EV users. 

If given more time, we would assess the feasibility and impact of the key features, conduct further A/B testing, and explore advanced functionalities like enhanced filters, environmental impact visualizations, and social sharing options. We also aspire to expand user education through in-app content or gamification, empowering users to better understand EV charging options and the benefits of alternative fuels.

View more projects

View more projects

Support Systems | Accessibility | Social Impact

Pocket Pad

Facilitating interactions between adults and their aging parents to build stronger support systems.

Support Systems | Accessibility | Social Impact

Pocket Pad

Facilitating interactions between adults and their aging parents to build stronger support systems.
Support Systems | Accessibility | Social Impact

Pocket Pad

Facilitating interactions between adults and their aging parents to build stronger support systems.