1. Introduction

Time — the most valuable currency of customers, thanks to the mobile app from Digital Forms

Observing the rapidly growing e-mobility market in Poland, our client invested in car chargers. However, they needed an additional tool to stand out in the market and ultimately succeed in this industry. They knew they had to offer their customers much more than just devices to charge their vehicles.

One way to improve the user experience was by saving their time through the option to reserve a charging spot. Therefore, in addition to the chargers, the client needed an appropriate mobile app.

At Digital Forms, we took on this task by creating the groundbreaking POWER mobile app along with the entire system infrastructure.

2. Problems

Technical and business challenges of the client

The company faced two challenges: one technical and one business-related. Both were interconnected, with one influencing the other.

The investment in car chargers did not immediately deliver the expected value. The client needed an additional, comprehensive solution to stand out in the market.

3. Goal

A groundbreaking app and seamless integration with charging devices

We aimed to achieve the highest possible level of user satisfaction, and of course, surpass that of competing solutions.

However, the task couldn’t end with just designing the app. An additional challenge was ensuring the proper integration of the software with the electric vehicle chargers to provide seamless and reliable connectivity.

4. Solution

POWER Smart Infrastructure, along with the mobile app

After a thorough assessment of needs, which resulted from workshops with the client and close collaboration throughout the project, we developed a digital innovation platform that effectively addresses the challenges of Roche.

In response to our client’s challenge, we designed an intelligent infrastructure that includes:

The POWER mobile app

Application server

A communication module enabling seamless connection between charging stations, including the reservation lock, and the user’s app.

In the mobile application we designed, drivers gained insight into the availability of charging stations before reaching the location. 

The system was integrated with both the application and the physical infrastructure. This allowed customers to check for available spots via the app and then effectively reserve them. During this time, access for other users was physically blocked by a barrier, which could only be lifted by the person who made the reservation—through the app.

This solution required seamless communication between the app, the physical barrier and the charging station. Therefore, we developed a special communication module that enabled effective spot reservations by integrating the functionality of the mobile app with the physical infrastructure. 

The operation of the application was based on the following stages:

checking spot availability

reservation

blockade in the form of a barrier, preventing others from entering the parking spot

releasing the barrier via the app

the ability to charge the car

Previously, they would often waste time arriving at occupied spots and then waiting for a chance to charge, without knowing how long it would take.

5. Process

A well-thought-out plan that leads to solving a business problem

1. 
   1

   Workshops

   Before starting the design process, we invited our client to participate in a key stage of the process: the workshops. This is a time for a thorough understanding of their needs. We know that the foundation of our projects’ success lies in understanding the context, the real challenge our client faces, and the outcome that our solution must deliver.
2. 
   2

   System assumptions

   At this stage, we defined the key system assumptions. We knew we needed to design a mobile application for electric car owners that would allow them to effectively reserve a charging spot, which required an additional communication module. We always operate comprehensively, creating a complete system rather than just a part of it. Therefore, we did not stop at designing only the mobile application but created a comprehensive solution to the problem presented to us.
   
3. 
   3

   UX Workshops

   The mobile application, in addition to its defined functionalities, was intended to be a distinguishing element for our client within their industry. Therefore, it had to meet the highest standards. To design an intuitive and functional application, we conducted UX workshops, which enabled us to achieve the desired outcome.
4. 
   4

   System Structure

   The system is organized around three key components, each fulfilling specific functions.
   
   
5. 
   5

   Implementation Plan

   The dynamic e-mobility market requires its participants to act quickly. Our client also knew they needed to move fast to stay one step ahead of the competition. At Digital Forms, we understand how crucial time is in business, so we delivered the initial project within a few weeks. Following the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) approach, after the first tests and feedback, we were able to add new functionalities and introduce improvements to earlier versions.

6. Effect

A New Standard for Electric Vehicle Users

A high level of user satisfaction was achieved thanks to the significant time savings gained during the process of charging their electric vehicles using the POWER app.

There was a rapid increase in the number of new customers and loyalty among existing ones, who were more inclined to choose charging stations integrated with the POWER mobile app.

This resulted in tremendous business success for our client.