NUDGING USERS TO CHARGE
CHEAPER AND GREENER

NUDGING USERS TO
CHARGE CHEAPER
AND GREENER

NUDGING USERS TO CHARGE
CHEAPER AND GREENER

Electric vehicle charge control
Electric vehicle charge control

This project included a 3-month redesign of Varberg Energis mobile app. By using Figma for design, we aimed to streamline the user flows of controlling electric vehicle charge and nudge users to charge smart (= cheaper and more enviromentally friendly).

One of the biggest challenges in this project was reducing cognitive overload for users navigating the charging settings. During usability testing, I observed that users struggled to switch between settings, because the action was dependent on various factors that were not clearly communicated to the user. The users overlooked key instructions, attempted to interact with disabled buttons without receiving feedback, and quickly became frustrated. Some users mentioned they would have quit the app entirely after less than a minute.

Electric vehicle charge control.
TASK

This project included a 3-month redesign of Varberg Energis mobile app. By using Figma for design, we aimed to streamline the user flows of controlling electric vehicle charge and nudge users to charge smart (= cheaper and more enviromentally friendly).

Challenge

One of the biggest challenges in this project was reducing cognitive overload for users navigating the charging settings. During usability testing, I observed that users struggled to switch between settings, because the action was dependent on various factors that were not clearly communicated to the user. The users overlooked key instructions, attempted to interact with disabled buttons without receiving feedback, and quickly became frustrated—some mentioning they would have quit the app entirely after less than a minute.

Research
  • Usability tests
  • Competitor Analysis
  • Cognitive walkthrough
  • Background research
  • Usability tests
  • Competitor Analysis
  • Cognitive walkthrough
  • Background research
USER TEST RESULTS
Before

Based on usability tests, it took the users 15 clicks on average to change their charge type from No Schedule with locked access to Smart Charge. Some testers abandoned the task after less than a minute.

Before

Based on usability tests, it took the users 15 clicks on average to change their charge type from No Schedule with locked access to Smart Charge. Some testers abandoned the task after less than a minute.

Before

Based on usability tests, it took the users 15 clicks on average to change their charge type from No Schedule with locked access to Smart Charge. Some testers abandoned the task after less than a minute.

AFTER

On the redesign, it took the users only 2 clicks on average for the same task. No mistakes or misinterpretations were made.

Clicks to destination

-87%

Less clicks

15

2

Before
After
Clicks to
destination

-87%

Less clicks

15

2

Before
After
Clicks to destination

-87%

Less clicks

15

2

Before
After
LACK OF GUIDANCE
Challenge /
Cognitive Overload

Users had to figure out pathways on their own, with minimal error messages or confirmations. For example, adjustments of charge settings required unplugging the charging cable and specific access settings - yet the app provided no clear instruction. The features that affected each other were separated, forcing users to search around themselves rather than being guided to the right place.

Challenge /
Cognitive Overload

Users had to figure out pathways on their own, with minimal error messages or confirmations. For example, adjustments of charge settings required unplugging the charging cable and specific access settings - yet the app provided no clear instruction. The features that affected each other were separated, forcing users to search around themselves rather than being guided to the right place.

Challenge /
Cognitive Overload

Users had to figure out pathways on their own, with minimal error messages or confirmations. For example, adjustments of charge settings required unplugging the charging cable and specific access settings - yet the app provided no clear instruction. The features that affected each other were separated, forcing users to search around themselves rather than being guided to the right place.

Solution /
Related functionalities in one place

Related functionalities were combined into a single card to simplify the experience. Users prefer a clear view of their charging options rather than scattered settings they may not realize are necessary to achieve their goal. My competitor analysis and my usability tests supported this decision.

Solution /
Related functionalities in one place

Related functionalities were combined into a single card to simplify the experience. Users prefer a clear view of their charging options rather than scattered settings they may not realize are necessary to achieve their goal. My competitor analysis and my usability tests supported this decision.

Solution /
Related functionalities in one place

Related functionalities were combined into a single card to simplify the experience. Users prefer a clear view of their charging options rather than scattered settings they may not realize are necessary to achieve their goal. My competitor analysis and my usability tests supported this decision.

Solution /
Automated system

Previously, users had to manually change access settings before selecting a new charging type. Now, the system adjusts access automatically while still displaying the status of the access.

Solution /
Automated system

Previously, users had to manually change access settings before selecting a new charging type. Now, the system adjusts access automatically while still displaying the status of the access.

Solution /
Automated system

Previously, users had to manually change access settings before selecting a new charging type. Now, the system adjusts access automatically while still displaying the status of the access.

Solution /
Improved error-messages

If an action is unavailable, users now receive immediate popups or messages explaining why and what to do next - eliminating the trial-and-error frustration from before.

Solution /
Improved error-messages

If an action is unavailable, users now receive immediate popups or messages explaining why and what to do next - eliminating the trial-and-error frustration from before.

Solution /
Improved error-messages

If an action is unavailable, users now receive immediate popups or messages explaining why and what to do next - eliminating the trial-and-error frustration from before.

Charging types were merged, settings where automated and clear information were provided.

The overview went from prioritising statistics and presenting 6 cards, to prioritising a charge status, charge control and only 3 cards instead.

An overview of the charging plan was added for charge types with schedules.

Tailored, user friendly solutions for smart charging and schedule charging with an recognisable interface, inspired by Apple's IPhone Calendar.

The list of vehicles and the flow of adding a new vehicle had small buttons. They were replaced by an interaction - simply click the card of the vehicle to edit it, and swipe to delete it. This interaction is well known from e.g. Apple's IPhone Alarm.

Nudging users toward good decisions!

A new design suggestion was to implement a quiz-guide for new users who are not sure what charge type suits them. A quiz is more engaging and the user won't need to read about all the charge types. It is more easily consumable, and therefore more accessible.

This function also allows us to nudge the user to choose smart charge, through how we word the questions and the answers to influence the user. Smart charge helps the users charge cheaper and more enviromentally friendly - a win-win solution for everybody!

Social:

Location:

Gothenburg, Sweden

6:07:41 PM

sofia.joelson1@gmail.com

+46 704 833 123

©2025 Sofia Joelson

Social:

Linkedin

Location:

Gothenburg, Sweden

6:07:41 PM

Contact

sofia.joelson1@gmail.com

+46 704 833 123

©2025 Sofia Joelson

Social:

Linkedin

Location:

Gothenburg, Sweden

6:07:41 PM

Contact:

sofia.joelson1@gmail.com

+46 704 833 123

©2025 Sofia Joelson