MinutE² - Electric Scooter Without Charging

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Project inspired by the experience that I worked with Kiska x Brand University. MinutE² is a campus-focused electric scooter service with quick-swap battery stations. Designed for convenience and sustainability, it aims to solve common issues like inefficient charging and cluttered parking.

Completion Date

November 2023

Deliverables

• Market, user, and competitor research • Brand identity and business model • Stakeholder map • Product and app design (3D renders, UX/UI) • Project key visual and presentation deck

Credits

Zihan Huang, Zewei Zhu

Skills

Product Design

Project Name: MINUTE - Smart Battery Swapping Service System for Campuses

Project Introduction

MINUTE is an innovative service system designed to address the pain points of electric scooter commuting on university campuses. Targeting common issues such as charging difficulties, slow charging speeds, safety hazards associated with charging, and disorganized parking, MINUTE offers a comprehensive solution integrating smart electric scooters, a dedicated mobile application, and one-minute rapid battery swap stations. Our aim is to provide a safer, more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly mobility option for university students through a convenient "swap instead of charge" model and flexible subscription services, thereby reshaping the micro-mobility ecosystem within campuses.

Market Insights and Challenges | The Challenge

  • Significant Safety Hazards: Traditional electric scooter charging methods (e.g., unauthorized wiring, overcharging) have caused multiple fire incidents on campuses, posing a severe threat to students' safety and property.

  • Inefficient and Inconvenient: The lengthy charging times of several hours clash with the fast-paced and efficient lifestyle of students. Additionally, issues such as charging stations being occupied for extended periods and disorganized parking complicate campus management.

  • Environmental and Cost Pressures: Improper disposal of used batteries pollutes the environment, and students, being a price-sensitive group, require a more affordable and predictable transportation cost solution.

Target Audience

Our core users are Generation Z students in Chinese universities. They are:

  • Technology Adopters: Highly receptive to new technologies and models, eager to try intelligent solutions.

  • Efficiency and Individuality Seekers: Value personal experience and prefer products that save time and reflect their individuality.

  • Value-Driven: Focus on cost-effectiveness while also having a strong awareness of environmental and social responsibility.

Our Solution

MINUTE tackles the aforementioned challenges through a seamlessly integrated ecosystem:

  1. "Swap & Go" Battery Swapping System:

    • The core highlight is the Swap Station, allowing users to replace batteries in under a minute, completely eliminating lengthy charging waits.

    • The swap cabinet is equipped with an intelligent sensing system, an interactive screen, and clear battery level indicators, making the process simple and intuitive.

    • Centralized management and charging of batteries fundamentally eliminate fire risks associated with individual unregulated charging practices.

    • Features a Grid Load Balancing function, utilizing off-peak electricity to charge batteries, which helps optimize campus energy consumption.

  2. "Once and for All" Subscription Model:

    • Through a subscription service, users can enjoy a comprehensive package including vehicle use, unlimited battery swaps, GPS positioning, equipment maintenance, and OTA cloud updates.

    • This model provides students with predictable and economical transportation costs, lowering their financial barriers and decision-making burden.

Core Product Features | Core Features

  • Smart Electric Scooter (E-Scooter):

    • Smart Lock & Unlock: Supports unlocking via mobile app Bluetooth or fingerprint, offering convenience and security.

    • Dynamic Battery Swap: A carefully designed battery compartment structure makes battery removal and insertion effortless.

  • MINUTE App:

    • Serving as the central hub for the service, the app allows users to locate vehicles, navigate to the nearest swap station, check vehicle and battery status, and manage their subscription services.

  • Swap Station:

    • Intelligent Sensing System: Automatically activates when a user approaches, simplifying the operation process.

    • Green Indicator Light: Clearly indicates a fully charged and available battery; yellow indicates low charge, and red indicates a fault.

    • Panel Interface: A touchscreen provides access to battery information, transaction records, and other information related to scooters and swap station operations, enhancing user interaction.

Project Value and Impact | Project Value

The MINUTE project is not just a product design, but a systematic restructuring of campus mobility. By enhancing convenience, ensuring safety, and achieving sustainability, it brings multiple benefits to students, university administrators, and society as a whole, aiming to create a smarter, safer, and greener campus transportation environment.

Completion Date

November 2023