Transportation Programs | EV | Startup
The lack of universal charging adapters for EVs makes charging difficult and expensive, discouraging EV adoption and impeding carbon footprint reduction efforts.
I led ideation, wireframing, and prototyping for the renting flow. I conducted usability tests with stakeholders to enhance access to charging adapters. Ensuring accessibility across web and mobile platforms, I also created a comprehensive design system. Our designs are set to be implemented in the upcoming EVALV Solutions app, with the launch date to be determined.
Mobile, App
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
Design Solution
The EVALV app allows users to locate, reserve, and remotely access adapters, ensuring secure rental pickup and return with integrated payment and authentication.
Selecting “Use it Now” or “Reserve for Later” leads to the payment screen before scanning the QR code.
Selecting “Reserve for Later” directs users to a simplified survey to identify their EV type and recommend the right adapter.
Introducing automatic payments, eliminating manual transactions for a smoother experience while enhancing security with upfront payments to reduce potential losses.
Context
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
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.
Define
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
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.
User Flow
In renting the adapter, we make sure our EV drivers 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 EV drivers the option to rent the adapter immediately or reserve their adapter for a later time or trip.
In the returning flow, users can return adapters to any locker while quickly locating the nearest one and reserving a return slot to reduce anxiety and uncertainty.
Ideation
After identifying key user pain points, we transformed our ideas into low-fidelity wireframes to visualize solutions. Each design decision focused on reducing range anxiety, streamlining the rental process, and ensuring a stress-free return experience.
Final Design
Retrospective
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 love to explore more of…
Refining the design by incorporating usability insights and real-time data to enhance user confidence and product reliability.
Further feasibility assessments, A/B testing, and advanced features like filters, impact visualizations, and social sharing.
Expanding in-app content and gamification to empower users with EV charging knowledge and sustainable choices.