Overview

The Ornitwizy App project involves the development of a car-sharing application tailored for Twizy, an electric vehicle from the French automaker Renault. This project, specifically designed as a Software as a Service (SaaS), targets individuals with disabilities, allowing them to utilize electric vehicles and pay based on the kilometers driven. The participating vehicles in the initiative were modified to accommodate even wheelchair users, providing them with autonomy and independence.

my role: product designer for both the digital project of the application for using the electric vehicle as a car sharing service (SAAS), and the owner of the project to adapt the vehicle itself, adapting the structures so that it could be used by people in wheelchairs. UX design, research and implementation.

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Objectives

To develop an intuitive platform for individuals with disabilities, enabling seamless access and operation of electric vehicles.
To ensure the app and the vehicles meet the specific accessibility needs, facilitating autonomous use by individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
To promote inclusive mobility solutions that enhance the independence and mobility of individuals with disabilities.

Research and Discovery

A comprehensive research phase was undertaken, involving interviews with potential users, accessibility experts, and stakeholders to identify the unique mobility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The insights gathered underscored the need for an accessible, user-friendly solution that supports independence and ease of use.

Business strategy

In order to build the best value proposition in the delivery of a product-service system, we observed the need to discuss scenarios where a small electric vehicle could be used.

Thinking abou that, we used the Bill Aulet's methodology to map all the journey from discovery to launch. Here you can see the Brainstorming we made, trying to spread the ideas about opportunities to explore. After this point, we refined the options of the top voted plans and it was realy nice to see clear the best way to step. Having set the market and the value proposition, we think about the beachhead user profile to cause the greatest positive impact, understanding in the best possible way for whom we work and what are the pains of this audience.

Empathizing with the users

To feel the user's difficulties to a minimum, I used a wheelchair for a few days to list topics that could be

relevant to the project, obtaining greater accuracy of technical and practical elements.

I also followed the daily journey of wheelchair users to list relevant information in the construction of the concept

the dream team

designer and engineers from different specialties

A call was made mediated by FEEVALE University, where teachers of technical disciplines from the Design and Engineering courses nominated their best students to help with the construction of the electric vehicle project adapted for people with disabilities, at Renault's request.
The final team was made up of 1 designer, 1 mechanical engineer, 1 production engineer and 2 electrical engineers.

Prototyping

Prototypes ranging from low to high fidelity were developed to test the interface's accessibility and the overall user experience. Iterations were made based on feedback from users with disabilities to refine the design.

Usability Testing

Prototypes were tested with a diverse group of users, including those with different types of disabilities, focusing on the app's accessibility features, ease of navigation, and the effectiveness of the vehicle booking process.

Results and Impact

Increased Independence: Users reported a significant increase in their sense of independence and mobility, attributing it to the ease of use and accessibility of the service.
Positive User Feedback: The app received positive feedback for its intuitive design and the inclusivity of the vehicle modifications.
Community Impact: The service has been recognized for its contribution to promoting inclusivity and independence for individuals with disabilities, setting a precedent for accessible transportation solutions.

Lessons Learned

The critical importance of involving users with disabilities in the design and testing phases to ensure the solution meets their needs effectively.
The value of comprehensive accessibility in not just the digital product but also the physical components and services it connects with.

Next Steps

Expand the service to include more locations and a larger fleet of accessible vehicles to cater to a broader user base.
Continuously gather user feedback to improve and innovate on the accessibility features of both the app and the vehicles.

The Ornitwizy App project exemplifies the profound impact of inclusive design in the mobility sector, offering a scalable model for accessible transportation that empowers individuals with disabilities to navigate their environments with greater autonomy and confidence.