A redesigned trip-planning feature for EV drivers
Strategy
Research
UI/UX Design
Interaction Design
Prototyping
Usability Testing
Continued Collaboration
Our research began with a deep dive into the EV landscape and competitor apps. We discovered that while Plugshare was feature-rich, its information-heavy screens and dated design created friction. By focusing on simplifying the information architecture, we aimed to reduce cognitive load and help users get where they needed to go faster.
Smarter Trip Planning
The redesigned Trips feature introduces auto-selected charging stops along routes, saving drivers from manually searching for stations. Users can also toggle to display all stations and view detailed information, including station features, plug types, charging capacity, and user reviews.
Amenities on the Go
To improve long-route planning, we added nearby amenities—such as hotels, restaurants, and rest stops—directly into the trip planner. Drivers now have a holistic view of their journey, making stops more useful and efficient.
Intuitive Interface
The redesign drew inspiration from familiar mapping and travel apps like Google Maps and Uber, ensuring the interface felt both innovative and familiar. Cohesive icons, an immersive station panel, and a refreshed visual style kept the design aligned with Plugshare’s brand.
Simplified Task Flows
We tested our prototype with users across three key tasks: creating a trip, customizing a trip, and starting a trip. Results were positive—users completed tasks quickly with minimal errors. Key improvements included:
A clear trip overview screen with auto-selected charging stops
An upgraded stop list with station features and amenities
A “Share Trip” option for collaborating with other drivers
Conclusion
As EV adoption grows, planning tools like Plugshare Trips play a crucial role in making long-distance driving practical. Our redesign simplified workflows, reduced information overload, and introduced features that made the experience more useful and enjoyable. The result: a trip planner that better supports drivers today and scales with the needs of tomorrow.