The issues Evplug aimed to address were identified through prior research, highlighting key challenges that required design intervention. My role was to create solutions that effectively addressed these problems:
Finding the closest charging station.
Verifying battery capacity for the journey to the charging station.
Selecting the type of EV vehicle they own.
To address the challenges identified, I developed design solutions that provided users with a seamless experience in managing their EV charging needs. The solutions are:
Map Feature
A map feature to easily locate the closest charging stations
Battery Indicator
A battery capacity indicator to help users assess their range and plan their journey
EV Vehicle Selector
An onboarding flow for users to select their EV type, with the option to update later. The integration feature syncs EVs to unlock personalized features based on the model.
Research
Research Validation
The research confirmed the key challenges faced by EV users, particularly the need for a quick and reliable method to find charging stations.
Competitive Analysis
As part of the Discover phase, a Competitive analysis was also conducted to gain further insights into market dynamics, industry trends, and possible possibilities for EVplug. Three competitors in the EV market were examined.
With the insights gathered from both the research and competitive analysis, I moved into synthesising the findings to translate them into actionable design elements.
Define
I created a user persona based on the research insights, which helped to humanize the target audience and better understand their goals, frustrations, and behaviors. This persona served as a guiding reference throughout the design process, ensuring that every decision remained aligned with user needs
I went on to further generate ideas by creating the following:
Information Architecture
I also developed an information architecture (IA) to organize and structure the content effectively, ensuring users could easily navigate the app. From there, I created a site map that visualized the overall structure and flow of the app, helping to define how different features and screens would be interconnected.
Sitemap
User Flows
I then mapped out user flows to outline the steps users would take to achieve their goals within the app. These flows helped to visualize the user's journey, highlighting key touchpoints and ensuring a seamless experience across different interactions.
After generating these ideas, I had a clear roadmap that set the direction for the next phase, where these foundational elements would come together into concrete design solutions.
Develop
I chose the “Inter” typeface for its simplicity and clarity, aligning with the goal of a straightforward user experience.
I created a colour palette consistent with Bp’s brand principles for sustainable energy while prioritizing accessibility considerations.
Mockups
I Designed major screens dedicated to the primary tasks, ensuring an intuitive and visually appealing interface. To bring the design to life, I developed high-fidelity mockups. This allowed for a more polished and interactive representation of the app.
With the designs refined during the Develop phase, I moved into the Deliver phase to bring the concepts closer to reality.
Deliver
I created interactive prototypes to simulate the app’s functionality. This step allowed me to test user interactions and gather feedback on the overall experience
I conducted moderated usability tests on Figma to evaluate the app's effectiveness in achieving its design goals and addressing the identified challenges faced by EV owners.
Several enhancements and changes were made to optimize the user experience:
One significant improvement involved making the battery icon more explanatory and accessible by adding the word "battery," providing users with a clearer understanding of the icon's purpose. This adjustment aims to enhance overall user comprehension and experience with the interface.
Users who interacted with the little icons on the map noticed something interesting: they expected a response but got none. This realization led to a user-centric improvement: each time a tiny icon is clicked on the map, a pop-up preview now displays. The goal of this update is to make the interface more in line with user expectations and enhance the mapping experience overall by making it more engaging and dynamic.
Recognizing that a critical concern among EV owners was “Finding the closest EV charging station”, an option to add their vehicle later has been easily integrated to accommodate users who place a high value on quickly locating the closest EV station. I added the “Add later” to accommodate the various needs and interests of users by offering flexibility in updating car specifications at a later time, making the overall experience more user-friendly and accommodating.
This Project holds immense potential to address key user needs and enhance the EV experience. By solving real challenges and focusing on scalability, the design presents a promising future for its adoption. Here’s what the solution could achieve:
The proposed solutions address key pain points—helping users locate charging stations, monitor battery levels, and access tailored features for their EVs.
By streamlining these processes, the design has the power to enhance user convenience, reduce range anxiety, and improve the overall EV ownership experience. If adopted, this solution could bridge critical gaps in the market by offering a fast, reliable, and user-friendly way to navigate the challenges of EV charging.
The scalability of this project opens the door for further integrations, which will be valuable in supporting the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
While Evplug isn’t a live app, these are the following metrics I would evaluate for potential success and user impact:
User Engagement: Track active users and session duration to understand how frequently and effectively the app is used.
Onboarding Completion: Measure how many users successfully set up their EV type or sync their vehicle.
Search-to-Navigation Rate: Monitor the percentage of users who find and navigate to a charging station.
User Satisfaction: Gather feedback through app store ratings and Net Promoter Score (NPS) to assess the app’s usability and overall value.
Retention Rate: Evaluate how many users return to the app after their first use, especially within the first week
This case study demonstrated my commitment to a user-centric approach to solving design problems. By addressing usability concerns, enhancing map interactivity, and offering a convenient solution for EV owners, I've aimed to create a more seamless and satisfying user experience. There’s always a need for improvement with user feedback and evolving needs. Thank you for joining me on this design journey, and I'm looking forward to bringing more innovations that put the needs and happiness of users first.