CleverCharge EV Charging Mobile App UX/UI Redesign
About the client
CleverCharge is developed by Danlaw Technologies, an international company headquartered in Novi, Michigan, specializing in embedded technologies, connected systems and automotive software solutions. Danlaw designs products for demanding environment, particularly in the electric vehicle and connected mobility sectors.
With strong expertise in IoT and embedded system, Danlaw delivers reliable and innovative hardware and software solutions that power next-generation mobility products.
CleverCharge builds on this expertise, offering a mobile application that connects users to their EV chargers in a smart and secure way.
Project overview
The project
CleverCharge is an EV charging mobile app connected to smart chargers, designed to guide users through the setup and everyday use of a physical connected device
Sidekick Interactive was brought in to simplify a complex software experience while respecting strict technical constraints related to the existing hardware, server infrastructure and configuration sequence. The goal was to make the app more intuitive, clear and seamless, without changing the underlaying infrastructure.
The context
CleverCharge already had a robust hardware product and a functional server infrastructure. However, the IoT mobile app associated with the charger faced significant adoption challenges. The software interface was perceived as complex, unintuitive, and difficult to use, especially during the initial charger setup.
In a highly competitive market for smart EV chargers, the mobile IoT experience plays a critical role in users’ perception of product quality. Danlaw Technologies wanted to enhance the user experience without altering the existing architecture.
UX challenges and technical constraints for EV charging
The challenge
Before the redesign, the CleverCharge app interface was perceived as difficult to use. The user journey lacked clarity and fluidity, especially during the charger setup process, which increased friction and cognitive load.
Despite the product’s strong technical foundation, the software experience did not meet user expectations. This gap limited adoption of the EV charging solution in an increasingly competitive market.
Constraints
- The charger configuration sequence could not be modified
- No changes were allowed to the hardware or server infrastructure.
- Improvements had to be made solely through UX and UI design.
- The new design had to fully comply with existing processes.
These constraints made the project particularly complex and required advanced expertise in designing mobile applications for connected IoT devices.
Our approach and UX/UI solution for the connected mobile app
Analysis and understanding of the existing user flow
Sidekick Interactive was brought in for a strategic UX/UI project, combining product design with front-end mobile development. Our team worked closely with Danlaw Technologies as a true technology partner, fully integration with their product realities and hardware constraints.
This collaboration allowed us to thoroughly understand the existing user journey and identity opportunities to simplify and enhance the mobile experience while respecting the technical limitations of the system.
Full UX/UI redesign
The redesign focus on visually simplifying each step, and guiding users intuitively through the process. Every screen was reimagined to support users through a complex configuration, while fully respecting the sequence dictated by the hardware.
The result is a mobile experience that is now smoother, and more engaging without any changes to the existing infrastructure.
Front-end development contribution
In addition to design, our team contributed to front-end development to ensure faithful implementation of the UX/UI wireframes and seamless alignment between conception and final product.
Results and benefits for the mobile IoT experience
Results
The project outcomes demonstrate the direct impact of applying UX/UI expertise to complex and connected mobile applications:
100%
of delivered screens matched the UX/UI wireframes
The project outcomes demonstrate the direct impact of applying UX/UI expertise to complex and connected mobile applications:
100%
of wireframes adhered to the hardware configuration sequence
100%
of users rated the app as easy to use in a beta survey
Why CleverCharge chose Sidekick Interactive for its IoT mobile app
This project illustrates one of Sidekick Interactive core strengths: developing and designing complex mobile applications integrated with connected devices.
Danlaw Technologies trusted us for several reasons:
- Our extensive experience in native iOS and Android mobile app development
- Our ability to work with established companies as technology partner
- Our specialization in mobile app for connected devices and IoT
- Our specific expertise in electric vehicles and smart chargers
Sidekick Interactive has completed multiple projects in EV charging, electric vehicles and connected ecosystems, giving us a deep understanding of both software and hardware challenges.
Sidekick Interactive’s expertise in IoT mobile app
This CleverCharge project demonstrates our ability to tackle advanced technology products, where constraints are high and margins for error are low.
We support companies developing:
- Complex mobile applications
- Connected and IoT products
- Solutions for electric vehicles
- Hardware and software ecosystems
Our approach combines strategic UX, product design and mobile development to deliver high-performing and scalable applications aligned with our clients’ technical realities.
