Introduction
Charger.ro, a leading platform offering solutions for electric vehicle charging stations, solar energy systems, and smart city innovations, became one of my key projects during my time at Webmarc.
I was responsible for overseeing the entire design process, from initial concept to final delivery. This included creating the design for both the Charger platform and a back-office system for internal management. Throughout the project, I maintained and updated the design system to ensure consistency across all components of the platform.
Research and Analysis
Before beginning the design process, I analysed Charger.ro’s unique position in the market. I started by studying similar platforms offering EV charging solutions, solar energy systems, and smart city innovations. This research provided a baseline for differentiating Charger.ro's offerings from competitors.
To better understand the needs of the platform’s diverse audience, I created user journeys and personas. Charger.ro had to serve two distinct user groups: individual users looking for personal solutions (such as home charging stations and solar energy systems), and businesses seeking more comprehensive solutions for the three main verticals — charging stations, smart city infrastructure, and solar energy systems. Through this process, I identified that the platform needed to be highly responsive to both individual and business needs, allowing for customisation depending on the user type.
Based on the insights gathered, I created prototypes that enabled iterative testing with users. This user-focused approach ensured that the website would meet the specific needs of both customer segments.
Homepage Prototype in Figma (Personal vs. Businesses)
Concept Development
One of the major outcomes of our research was identifying the need for a flow that could guide users towards the right solutions. This led to the development of a questionnaire flow. The idea was to create a system that could ask users targeted questions based on their needs, which would then direct them to the appropriate product or service offered by Charger.ro.
Whether a user was looking for a charging station for their home, solar energy for their business, or smart city solutions, the questionnaire flow would streamline the selection process, making it easy for users to find exactly what they were looking for without unnecessary complexity.
This approach ensured that both individual users and businesses would have a tailored experience, reducing friction and helping users make informed decisions quickly and efficiently.
Design
The final design focused on ensuring clarity and ease of navigation for both types of users. Here are the main elements that were developed:
Two Distinct Home Pages:
The platform needed to accommodate both individual users and business customers. To address this, I created two separate home pages that adapted based on the user's needs. The home page for individuals focused on products like home chargers and solar systems, while the business home page highlighted solutions for commercial charging stations, solar energy systems, and smart city solutions.
Custom Shop by Product Category:
The shop section was designed to be dynamic. This customisation ensured that users only saw relevant products. For example, an individual interested in home charging stations would only be shown related products, while a business user interested in solar energy solutions would have access to a broader range of options.
Questionnaire Flow:
The questionnaire flow was a core element of the user experience. Based on the user's answers to a few key questions, the platform provided tailored solutions, making it easy for users to quickly find products or services that matched their needs.
Back-office Platform:
I also designed a separate back-office platform for admins. This interface was created to allow easy management of the products listed in the shop, including the ability to add, remove, and update product details. It was designed to be intuitive, ensuring that administrators could manage inventory without needing technical expertise.
Reflections and Learnings
Throughout the project, I learned several key lessons that greatly influenced the final product:
Adapting to Client Needs and Context: It was crucial to remain flexible and continuously adapt the design to meet the evolving needs of the client and the different user groups (individuals and businesses). Ensuring that the design worked well for such a broad audience required ongoing communication and iteration.
User Comfort and Familiarity: Designing the interface to feel comfortable and familiar was vital to ensure users, regardless of their technical background, could navigate and use the platform without frustration. This required balancing simplicity with functionality to avoid overwhelming users.
The Value of Iterative Design: Iterative design and prototyping were key to the success of this project. By testing prototypes with real users and refining the design based on their feedback, we were able to create a more effective platform that met the needs of both individual users and business clients.
Conclusion
Designing the Charger.ro platform was a rewarding experience that required addressing the unique needs of both individuals and businesses. This project underscored the importance of balancing flexibility with user-centric design. By constantly iterating and adapting based on feedback, we created a solution that meets the diverse needs of Charger.ro’s users, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for everyone involved.
