The EV Kiosk App simplifies electric vehicle charging by removing the need for a mobile app. It provides a user-friendly interface for station selection, payment, and real-time monitoring, ensuring accessibility for all users.
"We’re building a new business model—a kiosk solution that allows EV drivers to pay and start charging without relying on an app."
My notes on the first day of meeting with clients.
Bridging Priorities Across Teams
Regular sync meetings and workshops, supported by visual tools like Figma user flows and wireframes, streamlined communication and ensured clarity across teams.
Tailoring Solutions for Every User
Distinct solutions were designed for each user group: a kiosk for drivers, a setup platform for installers, and a management dashboard for site owners, ensuring simplicity and functionality.
Designing Within Limitations
The exact screen size of 1280x800 demanded efficient layouts to convey essential information clearly while meeting ADA standards for accessibility, including readable fonts and touch-friendly elements.
The project began with an in-depth analysis of existing kiosks in EV charging and parking systems.
These insights informed a structured user journey: station selection, payment, progress monitoring, and session completion.
Research Findings
EV charging stations: Workflows relied heavily on apps or RFID cards, creating barriers for less tech-savvy users or those in low-connectivity areas.
Choose the connector cable.
Activate charging (via app or RFID).
Remove the gun and leave.
Receive a receipt.
Payment parking kiosks: Two patterns emerged: inputting a license plate or using a physical card, both offering simplicity and flexibility.
License
Enter a license plate number, view parking details, and make a payment.
Physical Card
Receive a physical parking card upon entry. When leaving, insert the card and make a payment.
Paper Prototyping
Early research allowed me to quickly sketch and communicate with the Siemens team, capturing their vision and ideas. This phase was crucial for uncovering scenarios, identifying system statuses, and understanding backend requirements.
It also highlighted the need for drivers to receive messages on their mobile devices, shaping the overall workflow.
Wireframing was a pivotal step in bridging research insights with design execution. I played a key role in collaborating with the Siemens team to define and refine each scenario.
This phase involved five iterations to address challenges and align the team before moving forward. It demanded quick updates to adapt to evolving scenarios, but I ensured timely delivery while keeping the user experience at the forefront.
Wireframe Example: Personal Information
The wireframe prompted drivers to input their contact details before starting the charging process. Initial designs lacked clarity, leading to confusion about the next steps. Iterative improvements introduced clearer instructions and incorporated valuable insights, resulting in a more seamless and intuitive user experience.
High-Fidelity Prototypes
Building on the finalized wireframes, high-fidelity prototypes were developed by another designer on the project to refine workflows and translate concepts into practical designs. Each screen and interaction prioritized clarity, efficiency, and engagement, effectively addressing the diverse needs of users. These prototypes also facilitated collaboration, ensuring seamless alignment between design, engineering, and business teams.
Error Handling
The design incorporated solutions for common issues such as payment failures, inactive card readers, offline stations, and disconnections.
Clear prompts and guidance ensured users could navigate these situations smoothly, maintaining confidence and usability throughout.
Tailoring Solutions for Every User
The EV kiosk was designed with accessibility at its core. Following ADA guidelines, the screen was positioned between 38 cm and 120 cm in height to accommodate users of all abilities, including those in wheelchairs. Font size was carefully calibrated based on average viewing height and distance, ensuring clear and easy readability for everyone.
Design System Alignment
The kiosk's design system needed to align with Siemens' internal standards while maintaining usability and flexibility. We tested three variations, evaluating each for visual consistency, ease of use, and adaptability to the kiosk's unique needs. The final design system was chosen for its balance between branding requirements and functionality, ensuring a seamless experience for users while reflecting Siemens’ global identity.
1st Attempt
2nd Attempt
Usability Testing
To validate the design, we conducted usability testing with 5 EV drivers. The goal was to assess how effectively users could complete essential tasks like starting and stopping charging sessions.
Each test revealed areas for improvement, leading to targeted refinements. Below are the findings (not all) with accompanying screenshots:
Contact Information: Users were unclear about the need to fill in both contact information fields.
During Testing
There were no prompts or reminders for mandatory fields, leaving users confused.
Improvement
Introduced clear prompts for required fields and visually distinguished optional fields by displaying them in a disabled state.
Charging Status: Users lacked confidence in whether the charging session had started.
During Testing
There was no clear indication or feedback after initiating charging.
Improvement
Added a charging animation and a confirmation image to reassure users that the session had begun.
Insufficient Time for Review: Users struggled to review detailed information within the allotted 15 seconds.
During Testing
The initial time limit was too short, causing stress and potential errors.
Improvement
Extended the review time to 30 seconds, providing users ample time to read and confirm details.
Over nearly three months, I collaborated with Siemens, Noodoe, and Ventron to create a thoughtful design that addressed key challenges in usability, accessibility, and scalability.
Though the product was not released due to budget and vendor constraints, the project remains a valuable reference for future innovations in EV infrastructure.
A video demonstration captures the kiosk’s envisioned functionality, showcasing how users could seamlessly navigate the system—from station selection to payment and charging.
Looking Ahead
This experience emphasized the importance of adaptability, cross-functional collaboration, and scalable design. While the project faced challenges beyond the design scope, it highlighted how thoughtful design can solve complex problems and pave the way for future opportunities.
That said, it was frustrating not to see the product launch after I left the company—I was eager to witness its impact in the market. The kiosk was just one piece of Siemens' broader platform ecosystem, which brought its own set of complexities and interdependencies.
Still, I’m proud of what we achieved. I gained invaluable experience in crafting detailed wireframe scenarios, streamlining workflows, and conducting usability testing. Collaborating with such a talented team made the process rewarding and left a lasting impact on how I approach design challenges.
Kiosk
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