Say goodbye to range anxiety and cumbersome trip planning with ‘CURRENT’, the revolutionary app that aims to redefine the way electric vehicle owners plan and navigate their journeys. CURRENT tackles the challenges and seizes the opportunities within the electric vehicle landscape, offering users a seamless and stress-free trip-planning solution.
Say goodbye to range anxiety and cumbersome trip planning with ‘CURRENT’, the revolutionary app that aims to redefine the way electric vehicle owners plan and navigate their journeys. CURRENT tackles the challenges and seizes the opportunities within the electric vehicle landscape, offering users a seamless and stress-free trip-planning solution.
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Watch The Demo Presentation
Watch The Demo Presentation
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Over the past 150 years, carbon dioxide levels steadily rose from burning fossil fuels, mainly due to increased vehicle usage.
In 2022, despite the surge in electric vehicles (‘EVs’), range anxiety remains prevalent when EVs have low charge and limited or unavailable charging stations.
In North America, the inadequate charging infrastructure continues to contribute to persistent range anxiety and hesitancy toward embracing the EV change.
Over the past 150 years, carbon dioxide levels steadily rose from burning fossil fuels, mainly due to increased vehicle usage.
In 2022, despite the surge in electric vehicles (‘EVs’), range anxiety remains prevalent when EVs have low charge and limited or unavailable charging stations.
In North America, the inadequate charging infrastructure continues to contribute to persistent range anxiety and hesitancy toward embracing the EV change.
Secondary Research
Secondary Research
While some cars can easily charge to 80 percent from approximately 10 percent at a Level 3 charger in about 20 minutes; the Level 2 chargers, connected to a 240-volt outlet, can easily take about five hours to replenish the battery.
But the problems don’t end there!
Even when EV drivers find a charger that is compatible and according to their preferences, it may be in use or not be working properly, or at all!
Thus, adding to EV drivers’ range anxiety.
While some cars can easily charge to 80 percent from approximately 10 percent at a Level 3 charger in about 20 minutes; the Level 2 chargers, connected to a 240-volt outlet, can easily take about five hours to replenish the battery.
But the problems don’t end there!
Even when EV drivers find a charger that is compatible and according to their preferences, it may be in use or not be working properly, or at all!
Thus, adding to EV drivers’ range anxiety.
But a Canada Standards Reportshowed that as of January 2022, 5.9 percent of Level 2 chargers and 4.7 percent of Level 3 chargers in Canada were not working.
But a Canada Standards Reportshowed that as of January 2022, 5.9 percent of Level 2 chargers and 4.7 percent of Level 3 chargers in Canada were not working.
How Might We help electric vehicle drivers feel confident whilst planning their trips without using multiple apps, without worrying about their car's driving range, charging stations availabilities and compatibilities, so that they can plan their trips in without range anxiety?
How Might We help electric vehicle drivers feel confident whilst planning their trips without using multiple apps, without worrying about their car's driving range, charging stations availabilities and compatibilities, so that they can plan their trips in without range anxiety?
Assumptions
Assumptions
I believe that people do not intend to purchase electric vehicles or use them for long-distance driving due to the perception of fear attached to range anxiety, fragmented charging infrastructure, and difficulty in trip planning.
I will know I’m right when I see the following feedback from the market:
6 out of 10 of my user interview respondents confirm that they find the planning portion of their trip with their EV to be a difficult task.
I believe that people do not intend to purchase electric vehicles or use them for long-distance driving due to the perception of fear attached to range anxiety, fragmented charging infrastructure, and difficulty in trip planning.
I will know I’m right when I see the following feedback from the market:
6 out of 10 of my user interview respondents confirm that they find the planning portion of their trip with their EV to be a difficult task.
Hypothesis
I believe that by investing in a robust and easily accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, we can increase the adoption of electric vehicles by reducing range anxiety, improving convenience
For Electric Vehicles owners, and ultimately accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable transportation system
I will know this is true when I see an increased adoption of electric vehicles; increased utilization of charging stations; positive feedback from Electric Vehicles owners; and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
I believe that by investing in a robust and easily accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure, we can increase the adoption of electric vehicles by reducing range anxiety, improving convenience
For Electric Vehicles owners, and ultimately accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable transportation system
I will know this is true when I see an increased adoption of electric vehicles; increased utilization of charging stations; positive feedback from Electric Vehicles owners; and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Primary Research
To gain deeper insight into the problem space, I conducted in-depth 1:1 interviews with 10 individuals, aged 26-70, who are EV drivers, residing in North America, have driven the car for at least one long-distance trip, and charged outside their homes.
In order to streamline the organization and analysis of interview insights, I leveraged the Affinity Mapping technique, which allowed me to systematically categorize the collected data into three key areas: motivations, behaviours, and pain points; thus identifying common patterns and relationships among the insights.
Affinity Mapping & Themes
From User Interviews and Affinity Mapping, four key themes emerged, with significant overlap
Key Insights
The Key Insights were grouped into 4 themes, which provided a comprehensive understanding of the users' needs and challenges.
The extensive research and analysis conducted not only validated and reinforced the significance of the problem space, but also served as compelling evidence to confirm my initial assumptions
Charging Network
Charging network locations,
reliability and compatibility between different car models and types are significant factors for Users
Convenience
User looks to save time as well and they are encouraged to use certain charging stations based on personal preferences in relation to amenities, cost, and time
Trip Planning
'Users have to use different apps, technology channels and services manually just to plan their trips properly so that they don’t have to worry about the range or any issues where they would be left without battery power and stranded
User Interface
In addition to there being a lack of collaboration between car
manufacturers and charging network operators, there is also a deficiency in overall user interface development
Competitor Research
Competitor Research
I also conducted competitor research surrounding the process of trip planning, and trip-planning apps in the market. Identifying shortcomings in competitor offerings revealed a design opportunity to create a user-friendly digital solution that improves the EV trip-planning experience overall.
I also conducted competitor research surrounding the process of trip planning, and trip-planning apps in the market. Identifying shortcomings in competitor offerings revealed a design opportunity to create a user-friendly digital solution that improves the EV trip-planning experience overall.
The following common pain points were identified:
The following common pain points were identified:
Separate apps
Too many apps and channels for the same function, goal and task
User must decide/calculate stops based on range
User must calculate their car's range and plan accordingly
Individual Digital Wallets for each app
User required to deposit funds, which don't get used completely and results in digital wallet waste
Not Integrated In Electric Vehicles Interface
Most Users still rely on adroid auto, apple carplay or their phone's navigation due to subscription fees / difficult user interface
No Real-Time Updates of Charger Status
No information regardiung charging station's status in terms of service, availability, and/or compatibility
Persona
Persona
Persona
Using the information and data collected from primary and secondary research, I created a persona, Adam, to ensure that my design was reflective of my target user’s goals and needs.
Using the information and data collected from primary and secondary research, I created a persona, Adam, to ensure that my design was reflective of my target user’s goals and needs.
Adam is a healthcare professional, a technologically inclined EV driver, who has a hectic work routine which involves travelling long distances frequently; and loves road trips with family. However, after hours of driving, when charging is necessary, there are too many variables which affect his experience; and there are too many differing apps and systems to keep track of for a single trip
Adam is a healthcare professional, a technologically inclined EV driver, who has a hectic work routine which involves travelling long distances frequently; and loves road trips with family. However, after hours of driving, when charging is necessary, there are too many variables which affect his experience; and there are too many differing apps and systems to keep track of for a single trip
Next, to visualize Adam’s trip planning journey, which would, in turn, reveal the design intervention opportunities, an Experience Map was created.
In the Experience Map, Adam's journey shifted from excitement to frustration quite quickly, encountering complexity and repetitive tasks. And his dependency on his current mode of transportation compelled continuation, but repetition dampens future engagement.
Leveraging primary research and experience mapping, I authored 30+ user stories to envision a digital solution for users like Adam, which were further grouped into 4 Key Epics. From there, ‘Trip Planning’ was chosen as my core epic to illustrate my persona’s primary task flow.
Leveraging primary research and experience mapping, I authored 30+ user stories to envision a digital solution for users like Adam, which were further grouped into 4 Key Epics. From there, ‘Trip Planning’ was chosen as my core epic to illustrate my persona’s primary task flow.
My digital solution began taking shape, next, was to bring it to life.
Beginning with creating a UI Inspiration Board, and iterations by trying to visualize through exploratory sketches, which, thereafter, transitioned into solution sketches for the specific screens identified in my task flow diagram.
The solution sketches were now ready to be translated into mid-fidelity wireframes, which became the first step of the working prototype. Through this step, I identified product improvements, optimized flows, and iteratively refined my digital solution for a streamlined design process.
Adam opens the application. After the Welcome Page, he lands on the log in screen.
Here he fills out his credentials, or can opt to log in using Google or Apple
And Click the CONTINUE button
FINDING A STOP
After entering his destination. Adam is presented with charging stations near / along the route to his final destination.
He scrolls / pans the map to navigate to add a charger stop of his choice.
He can use search functionalities, filters, or explore the map manually to find relevant stops or charging stations.
MAP VIEW
After a successful login, Adam is taken to the map view screen.
He can see a map with various markers indicating different stops or charging stations.
SELECTING A STOP
Once Adam finds a suitable charging station, he taps / clicks on the card on the map.
A modal (an information panel) appears, providing details about the stop, such as availability, charging capacity, connector compatibility, and pricing.
CHARGING STATION ADDED TO TRIP
Once Adam finds a suitable charging station, he taps / clicks on the card on the map.
A modal (an information panel) appears, providing details about the stop, such as availability, charging capacity, connector compatibility, and pricing.
CHARGING THE CAR
Adam arrives at the charging station on his trip and starts the charging process from the App.
After verifying the payment method, he taps / clicks on the connector of his choice
The application initiates the charging process, and he connects their car to the charging equipment to commence.
CHARGING IN PROGRESS
Adam is made aware that his car is charging.
He can, either, disconnect it manually by clicking the 'STOP CHARGING' button, or wait until the charge is complete.
PAYMENT & CHARGE SUMMARY
The Charge and Payment summary is presented, wherein it states all the important details relating to the charging stop.
Additionally, payment is directly charged from the user's card on file, eliminating the need for a digital wallet deposit.
With this method, there is no wastage of funds in the digital wallet as the payment is precisely taken from the specified amount required, ensuring that no residual funds remain unused.
UPDATE CAR RANGE
The app recalculates the remaining distance to the destination based on the updated car range.
If the car has enough range to reach the destination, no additional stops are necessary and Adam can confidently continue the trip without interruptions.
CONTINUE TRIP / NAVIGATION
Using Google/Apple, the Adam would navigate on his car's screen or his Phone Navigation App to continue the rest of his trip until his final destination
LOG IN PAGE
Adam opens the application. After the Welcome Page, he lands on the log in screen.
Here he fills out his credentials, or can opt to log in using Google or Apple
And Click the CONTINUE button
FINDING A STOP
After entering his destination. Adam is presented with charging stations near / along the route to his final destination.
He scrolls / pans the map to navigate to add a charger stop of his choice.
He can use search functionalities, filters, or explore the map manually to find relevant stops or charging stations.
MAP VIEW
After a successful login, Adam is taken to the map view screen.
He can see a map with various markers indicating different stops or charging stations.
SELECTING A STOP
Once Adam finds a suitable charging station, he taps / clicks on the card on the map.
A modal (an information panel) appears, providing details about the stop, such as availability, charging capacity, connector compatibility, and pricing.
CHARGING STATION ADDED TO TRIP
Once Adam finds a suitable charging station, he taps / clicks on the card on the map.
A modal (an information panel) appears, providing details about the stop, such as availability, charging capacity, connector compatibility, and pricing.
CHARGING THE CAR
Adam arrives at the charging station on his trip and starts the charging process from the App.
After verifying the payment method, he taps / clicks on the connector of his choice
The application initiates the charging process, and he connects their car to the charging equipment to commence.
CHARGING IN PROGRESS
Adam is made aware that his car is charging.
He can, either, disconnect it manually by clicking the 'STOP CHARGING' button, or wait until the charge is complete.
PAYMENT & CHARGE SUMMARY
The Charge and Payment summary is presented, wherein it states all the important details relating to the charging stop.
Additionally, payment is directly charged from the user's card on file, eliminating the need for a digital wallet deposit.
With this method, there is no wastage of funds in the digital wallet as the payment is precisely taken from the specified amount required, ensuring that no residual funds remain unused.
UPDATE CAR RANGE
The app recalculates the remaining distance to the destination based on the updated car range.
If the car has enough range to reach the destination, no additional stops are necessary and Adam can confidently continue the trip without interruptions.
CONTINUE TRIP / NAVIGATION
Using Google/Apple, the Adam would navigate on his car's screen or his Phone Navigation App to continue the rest of his trip until his final destination
Primary Task Flow
As a Electric Vehicle driver, Adam wants to efficiently plan his journey to ensure he has have access to charging stations along the route, so that he can reach his destination without running out of battery.
Usability Testing & Iterations
Upon completing the initial prototype, two separate rounds of usability testing were conducted, with 5 diverse users for each round, totalling 10 individual users, to test if my digital solution performed as it was intended. I synthesized qualitative feedback and utilized a prioritization matrix to assess effort-to-fix and user value.
While 'Current' had been the initial name, relating not only to electricity but also trying to state that this would be the present and future of driving, I explored alternative name ideas during the design process.
However, ‘Current’ remained the best choice which encompassed both thoughts and meanings I envisioned.
Branding my Wordmark and Mobile App Icon began with trying to incorporate an element of ‘electricity’ or something similar like a plug, etc, to make my wordmark’s purpose more clear. The final result was to create a simple Text wordmark but I still felt something was missing.
Mobile App Icon
Mobile App Icon
Thus, designing a mobile app icon featuring the letter 'C' representing the name 'Current,' with a plug at the center to symbolize its electric focus.
After finalizing the mobile app icon, I incorporated it into the wordmark to enhance comprehensibility and achieve a cohesive and unified visual identity.
Thus, designing a mobile app icon featuring the letter 'C' representing the name 'Current,' with a plug at the center to symbolize its electric focus.
After finalizing the mobile app icon, I incorporated it into the wordmark to enhance comprehensibility and achieve a cohesive and unified visual identity.
UI LIBRARY
UI LIBRARY
To solidify the visual identity elements for my app, I curated a moodboard inspired by keywords, which guided the selection of colours, app icons, typography, and illustrations, ensuring a cohesive and inspiring design direction.
Additionally, the UI Library documenting all my design elements within the app, also contained accessibility checks of each page.
An online digital tool quickly scanned for on-page and technical accessibility issues and errors, which if in line with recognized accessibility standards, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensures a delightful and inclusive user experience that caters to everyone.
To solidify the visual identity elements for my app, I curated a moodboard inspired by keywords, which guided the selection of colours, app icons, typography, and illustrations, ensuring a cohesive and inspiring design direction.
Additionally, the UI Library documenting all my design elements within the app, also contained accessibility checks of each page.
An online digital tool quickly scanned for on-page and technical accessibility issues and errors, which if in line with recognized accessibility standards, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensures a delightful and inclusive user experience that caters to everyone.
And finally, the moment we've all been eagerly anticipating... the grand unveiling of the final product! (Almost!)
Incorporating colours into the app proved to be a challenge and quite difficult. Balancing visual impact and user-friendliness was crucial in resolving user pain points.
After extensive iterations, I achieved a minimal yet informative design that struck the right balance.
And finally, the moment we've all been eagerly anticipating... the grand unveiling of the final product! (Almost!)
Incorporating colours into the app proved to be a challenge and quite difficult. Balancing visual impact and user-friendliness was crucial in resolving user pain points.
After extensive iterations, I achieved a minimal yet informative design that struck the right balance.
To market 'Current', I crafted a responsive product marketing website to entice users to download the app. The website creation process mirrored that of the app's development, beginning with UI inspiration, sketching, and multiple rounds of wireframing.
Thereafter, conducting user testing, and refining the design, which was then infused with the brand's visual identity to create a high-fidelity interactive site, on both desktop and mobile viewports.
And once again, prioritizing accessibility, I included alt-text for the images, for screen readers.
To market 'Current', I crafted a responsive product marketing website to entice users to download the app. The website creation process mirrored that of the app's development, beginning with UI inspiration, sketching, and multiple rounds of wireframing.
Thereafter, conducting user testing, and refining the design, which was then infused with the brand's visual identity to create a high-fidelity interactive site, on both desktop and mobile viewports.
And once again, prioritizing accessibility, I included alt-text for the images, for screen readers.
The future of Current involves a plan to collaborate with charging networks to establish a unified system for users
Google & Apple
Partner with Google, a leader in trip navigation and with extensive access to global markets, would be an ideal step to collaborate on real-time updates and integration with Android Auto, and Apple for their in-car assistant, Apple CarPlay
Car Manufacturers
Collaborate with car manufacturers for seamless integration of the Current App into their user interface; but eventually to have a universal charging connector which doesn't differ from model and manufacturer, as we already do with the ICE [internal combustible engine
