Seamless fueling
Redefining Visual Language for Autonomous Vehicle Charging
@EDF Pulse / 2021
Research
Interaction design
3D Concept
UX/UI
Nowadays, autonomous mobility services are mainly focused on large cities because there is a lack of charging infrastructure in suburban and rural areas. To address this issue, EDF Design Lab initiated a project to imagine possible futures where demographic changes and technologies lead to disruptive scenarios in autonomous mobility. One of the scenarios we explored in this case study envisions an urban exodus that results in the development of a new mobility infrastructure in French suburbs and rural areas.
My role
Through concept design and storytelling, this research project generated multiple innovative ideas that expand the possibilities for EDF's core business. As the lead designer in this project, my role involved conducting research, creating 3D concept models, and designing user interactions.
Process
Our team generated various future scenarios for rural areas in France, envisioning how the next generation of mobility services connecting major cities and underprivileged locations would look. In these scenarios, I collaborated with our engineering team to explore different charging infrastructure systems based on renewable energy generation.
Visualizing Charging Scenarios for Autonomous Pods in French Rural Areas
The main focus of my inquiry was to challenge the conventional perception of electric charging in our daily lives. The transition from fuel to electricity has introduced many new behaviors over the past 20 years, but the understanding of electricity consumption remains technical and basic. With the introduction of new forms of autonomous vehicle charging systems, I explored new ways to convey meaning and aesthetics while enhancing the user experience.
Scenario design
Shared mobility in suburban and rural areas revolves around autonomous "pods," which are 6 to 8-seater vehicles that cater to passengers based on the specific demands of each region. The pods are designed to adapt to the diverse charging infrastructure in different environments.
I created a series of 3D scenes to illustrate each autonomous charging concept.
Currently, the storage capacity of an electric vehicle is represented by a number and a gauge. Instead of relying on a linear representation of the battery, I aimed to introduce another dimension to the perceived volume. My goal was to invent a more intuitive and visually appealing way to understand the battery's state.
Could the battery become an organic matter?
The electrification of cars brings about significant changes in driver experience, and the automation of driving and charging introduces a new dimension. As drivers become passengers, they require a clear understanding of information related to the remaining battery range. The interaction with the vehicle before, during, and after the ride should cater to each context, including the battery's health status.
I conducted a comprehensive exploration of visual interactions related to energy generation and consumption.
motion exploration on different speeds and states
Battery health is crucial for electric vehicles, particularly when driverless pods follow a complex network of routes within a limited time frame. The work involved redefining the physics of electrical storage and creating a unique virtual identity.
Research outputs
As a result, we discussed several graphic approaches, with the example of a particle being presented here. A battery is essentially a collection of electrons, and the flow of electricity has distinct characteristics that differ from gasoline.
Concept of a battery dashboard on an autonomous pod
Consistent visual language in the app for autonomous pod users
The research output included multiple animated concepts that visually communicated battery status, charging speed, and energy flow. This approach not only enhanced user understanding but also supported seamless navigation and decision-making during the charging process. By tailoring the virtual battery’s behavior to the context, the interface provided real-time, context-aware feedback, aligning with best practices in user experience and interface design for EV charging stations