Jule EV Charging
Designing the Experience for EV Fast Chargers
To support Jule’s mission of accelerating EV infrastructure in North America, I designed the user interface for their ultra-fast EV chargers. The goal was to create a simple, accessible, and intuitive charging experience that could be used in all weather conditions by drivers of any tech familiarity. I collaborated closely with hardware engineers to ensure my designs fit the specific flow and nuances of EV charging, and mapped intuitively to the physical button layout of the WeCabin Wurth i10 screen. Through user testing and driver interviews, I refined the flow to reduce friction and confusion during charging sessions. Since launch, we have deployed 75+ EV chargers throughout Ontario grocery stores such as Loblaws, and highways in North America, helping power the next generation of clean transportation.
Problem
There were a couple of key constraints I was working with. Firstly, due to the nuances of EV charging, my designs had to conform to a pre-defined charging logic and sequence, which meant I had to design the user flow based on the hardware’s state. The other constraint was that I had to map the buttons of the UI to the physical buttons of the WeCabin Wurth i10 touch screen interface, which would then be mounted onto the EV charger. Through collaboration with Jule’s electrical engineers and thoughtful design, I was able to create an intuitive charging experience that respected the constraints of the project.
Constraint 1 - Hardware-Driven User Flow
To fully understand the charging logic and system behavior, I conducted in-depth research by collaborating with Jule’s electrical engineers and asking questions about the backend system during a charging session. These conversations helped me break down the technical sequence into user-friendly steps. Based on this understanding, I created a detailed user flow diagram that aligned with how the hardware operated, ensuring that each screen and available actions matched the backend logic. This diagram became a critical foundation for the interface, ensuring that the eventual UI would follow the correct charging logic and provide a smooth, intuitive experience for users.
Constraint 2 - Mapping UI to Hardware Controls
The second constraint involved designing the UI to align with the physical buttons on the WeCabin Wurth i10 touchscreen. While the device supported many interactive elements, I was limited in where I could place them, since each on-screen button needed to align with a corresponding physical button on the hardware. To tackle this, I first reviewed the Wurth i10 spec sheet to understand its features and, most importantly, its display resolution. I then created the interface using that resolution as a foundation. To maintain consistent alignment, I built a vector wireframe of the Wurth i10 in Adobe XD and placed my design frames within it. This gave me a visual reference for where each button should appear, ensuring that the digital interface would match the physical controls accurately during use.
Validation
Conducting User Testing & Interviews with Real EV Drivers
After fleshing out a prototype design and deploying it onto our charging-ready testing units, I posted a temporary listing onto the Plugshare station map platform to attract EV-driving participants. As drivers visited the testing station during our hours of operation, I took the opportunity to facilitate usability testing and interviews with EV drivers.
Objective
Assess the inefficiencies in the current prototype user flow and design to examine potential changes to the user interface that may elevate the overall experience of EV drivers when charging their vehicles.
Method
Data was collected in two parts. I first conducted a cognitive walkthrough with participants, asking them questions and encouraging them to think-aloud as they interacted with our chargers to complete a charging session. An open-interview was then recorded to delve deeper into the customer experience to gather comprehensive insights on EV charging.
Solution
After prioritizing the necessary changes to the user experience with the team, I reiterated on the design and created a consumer-ready interface.
Impact
Over 75 EV Chargers Deployed Across North America and Ontario Grocery Stores
