Empowering a sustainable EV charging community by enabling users to share charging stations, earn rewards, and invest in cleaner energy through an engaging and collaborative platform.
Solar Dashboard
AI Chatbot
Financial Analysis
Renewable Energy Education
Organization
Microsoft Research& University of Washington
Role
Product Designer
User Study, Design System, UI/UX,
Usability Testing
Team
1 Data Analyst, 1 Developer,
& 1 UX Researcher
Duration
6 months (Ongoing)
Client Needs
Aligned with XCharge’s vision of “Share, Earn, Invest,” the website drives key goals by connecting EV drivers, property hosts, and business partners. It provides accessible tools and resources to streamline charging, sharing, and earning, while fostering collaboration and promoting renewable energy solutions.
User Engagement
XCharge serves two primary user groups: Consumers, such as EV drivers, who utilize tokens for convenient and sustainable charging services, and Providers, including property hosts and business partners, who invest in chargers to generate income and contribute to the shared energy ecosystem. These users collectively drive XCharge’s mission to create a connected, sustainable energy community.
This diagram highlights XCharge’s role in fostering a collaborative EV charging ecosystem. By bridging drivers, property hosts, and business partners, the platform promotes shared infrastructure, token-based rewards, and sustainable energy practices. Each user group contributes uniquely to the network, reinforcing XCharge’s mission of building a cleaner, connected future for EV charging.
Tone
The XCharge brand is encapsulated in the intersection of being Planet-First Innovators, Community Cultivators, and Trailblazers of Shared Energy.
Reflecting these values, the XCharge website should embody a seamless and engaging user experience, with features like an intuitive interface for charger management, community insights, and renewable energy solutions. It should prioritize easy navigation, clear communication of benefits, and tools that empower users to join a sustainable energy movement while fostering collaboration and innovation in the EV ecosystem.
Inspired by insights drawn from the user study and design brief, the information architecture includes four main sections: Product & Solution, Community, About Us, and the Online Store. These areas were prioritized to ensure logical navigation, seamless accessibility, and alignment with user needs and brand goals.
The color palette combines primary, secondary, and gradient hues to create a cohesive and visually engaging interface. Design elements like buttons, highlights, and backgrounds follow consistent styling, ensuring a seamless and accessible visual experience across the website.
Property Hosts
This user flow showcases how Emily Carter, a target user from the property host group, navigates the XCharge website to explore tailored content, seamlessly make informed decisions, and complete essential actions like purchasing and renting EV chargers.
Part 3: Design Implementation
Components
The navigation bar integrates diverse sections like Product & Solution, Community, and Online Store, streamlining access to key areas while prioritizing user experience. Its unconventional design consolidates information and offers a seamless, intuitive browsing journey tailored to user needs.
Components
Showcasing diverse user scenarios highlights the platform’s adaptability for home, business, or shared spaces. This inclusion emphasizes the platform’s universal usability, appealing to a broad audience with tailored EV charging solutions.
Components
The interactive map connects users to thousands of global charging points, offering real-time location insights and environmental impact statistics. Featuring this on the homepage underlines accessibility and the platform’s expansive network.
Components
The subscription feature fosters ongoing engagement by delivering updates on innovations and community activities. Positioned on the homepage, it strengthens user connection and encourages sustained interest in the brand’s initiatives.
Components
Product Card: Displays essential product details in a clean layout, enabling seamless and informed purchases.
Interactive Information Card: Engages users with dynamic content, showcasing the brand’s vision and updates.
Part 4: Iterations & Reflections
The project is undergoing ongoing iterations, with the visual identity evolving to feature a vibrant neon green palette, reflecting a strategic shift to appeal to a younger target audience.
This marks the second phase of user focus, driven by insights from user research and data analysis. As the scope continues to expand, the design adapts to align with emerging user needs and business goals, ensuring the project remains dynamic and relevant.
# How did the design support the project’s goals?
# What challenges emerged, and how can they guide future improvements?
The XCharge project underscored the importance of user-centric design in achieving business goals. By addressing the needs of two distinct user groups, the website aimed to enhance engagement, encourage community participation, and drive charger sales.
Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team revealed the need for clear user flows to reduce confusion between user roles. Iterative improvements to the information architecture aligned user needs with business goals, highlighting the value of early testing and team collaboration.
As the lead designer, I learned to prioritize users while aligning with business objectives. This project sharpened my skills in creating clear structures, managing diverse feedback, and collaborating across roles to deliver impactful designs.
(Development & Design Iterations Ongoing, More to Come…)