Electek
As part of an Interactive Design Studio class, my team of 4 undertook a UX challenge focusing on newly defined opportunity areas created by recent technology innovations. Completed in 10 weeks, our given prompt, vision video and process book are below. We all lead certain aspects of the UX process but we all were involved from research to the design. Due to COVID, we completed all this virtually as a team, using Zoom and Miro.
My Roles: Visual Designer (1/3 hi-fi screens in the app + prototyping), Lead Product Designer (3D charger render), Lead Motion Designer (video and animations)
Programs: Figma, Miro, Cinema4D (Redshift Renderer), After Effects, Illustrator
Vision Video
Below is a summary of our Discover, Define, Develop and Develop process. Our full process book is available here: View PDF
1. Discover
Prompt: Create a product/service that addresses a newly defined opportunity area created by recent technology innovations.
After running through a list of potential topics, we found that we were all passionate about the effects electric cars were having on our environment and economy. According to the research, we were able to conclude there will be a huge push towards electric cars in the next few years:
At least 50% of new cars produced will be electric in 10 years.
As of late 2020, auto manufacturers pledged to spend a total of $225 billion developing new EVs.
After identifying the proof of the change, we dove deeper into the economic issues. Employment impacts and electrical fire issues were found as our main pain points: With the rise of electric vehicles, the US economy could be negatively impacted due to loss of jobs in the crude oil industry, gas stations, and mechanic repair shops.
We sent out a survey on multiple social media pages and collected 57 responses. 71% were from ages 46-76 years old. 29% were 18-35 years old.
77% plan to buy their next car from new from dealerships
51% are interested in electric/hybrid cars
96% have never owned an EV
Another pain point found through our research indicated that people were nervous to purchase an electric car due to lack of charging accessibility.
2. Define
Building off this idea of potential economic issues in gas-powered job industries, we conducted 15 interviews with auto mechanic professionals, including 3 interactive interviews and 2 cultural probes. We concluded the following:
Very few mechanics know how to work on electric vehicles.
Mechanics are acknowledging that a rapid change is coming in their industry.
Most mechanics are open to EV training if it is not expensive or free.
Mechanics believe that charging stations will not make any money.
Mechanic shops will consider drastically changing their business or closing due to the uprise of EVs.
100% of interviewed mechanics expressed interest in being trained to work on EVs if it was cheap or free.
80% of interviewed mechanics expressed they would need to shut down or adjust their careers/business for EVs.
So how might we… Create affordable and accessible EV training for car mechanics of small auto shops? Facilitate tools for auto mechanic shops to be prepared for an influx of EVs? Create more accessibility to fast charging stations? Instill trust in customers with newer EV's to come in to small auto shops?
The Problem
The increasing adoption of Electric Vehicles poses a threat to the lives of small auto repair shops focused on gas-powered vehicles. Obtaining adequate accessible EV training is extremely difficult and expensive.
Our Solution
An ecosystem that helps small auto repair shops obtain EV certifications and helps EV drivers find fast charging stations
Our solution is an ecosystem of products, Electek. Electek connects consumers to chargers, connects consumers to certified mechanics, certifies mechanics to fix EVs, and promotes small businesses. The chargers can be sponsored by local businesses and located in thoughtful locations where people spend ample time. Consumers who download the Electek app can choose to cash back at local businesses for the time they spent charging. While plugged into a charger the consumer will also receive a free diagnostic test to find any issues with their car. After an issue is detected, a consumer will be directed to nearby mechanic shops who have been certified to work on electric vehicles through the Electek app. Everything is connected.
3. Develop
We generated a couple user personas (images above) and their journey maps. Our Mid-Fi prototypes are below.
Product Design Process
As lead product designer, I was in charge of developing a digital model of the Electek charger.
I did research on current charging stations features to find most basic features and needs. Some differences I included with our charging station was the inclusion of an overhead light and a touch screen. The touch screen allows us to easily port over our designs from the app to the charger. I also wanted the charging station’s shape to be slim and efficient, to stylistically complement any environment.
Lastly, I wanted to create a more dramatic setting for the final render. I created a simple studio with one dome light and another point light, which created dramatic shadows I was looking for.
Mid-Fi Prototypes
4. Delivery
Our final wireframes are at the very top.