Brake Monitor
Enhancing Urban Arrow: Designing a Brake Sensor System for Proactive Maintenance and Premium User Experience
Client
Urban Arrow
Industry
E-Mobility
Duration
02/2022- 06/2022
My Role
UX/UI Designer
During my time at Urban Arrow, I played a key role in the Brake Monitor project - a smart sensor system engineered to improve user safety and maintenance ease. As the UX/UI Designer, I developed an innovative add-in feature that communicates the bike's brake-wear status, alerting users to schedule timely maintenance and avoid potential issues. By leveraging user-centric design methods, including field interviews and usability testing, I refined the riders' overall user experiences. Additionally, I made the final project showcase video. The result not only measurably enhanced customer satisfaction according to UA follow-up research, but also led to the project being selected by Urban Arrow for further development.
Brake Monitor is a service system - featuring an app and a sensor - that alerts users of brake pad wear on their cargo bike.
The brake pad wear sensor effectively monitors and predicts brake pad wear, with communication facilitated through the Urban Arrow app. This integrated service system empowers users to replace pads promptly, ensuring optimal braking performance and maximal safety, whilst enabling a luxurious cargo bike experience characterised by seamless functionality.
Keywords
Product Service System Design | IoT | App Redesign
Urban Arrow, the world’s leading manufacturer of electric cargo bikes, produces premium e-bike models designed for families and businesses. Known for their comfort, durability, and eco-friendly design, Urban Arrow bikes deliver a high-quality experience that aligns with their premium brand image. A key aspect of this premium experience is reliability. Urban Arrow customers expect their bikes to perform seamlessly, without unexpected malfunctions. To meet this expectation, Urban Arrow seeks to integrate sensors into their bikes. These sensors will monitor the condition of key components, communicate maintenance needs, and ensure optimal performance, enhancing user trust and satisfaction.
To ensure the final design resonates with users, I adopted a user-centric approach for this project, organised into four key phases. Each stage delivered specific outcomes, with every design decision tested and validated through user feedback to ensure the solution effectively addressed user needs and expectations.
To address the challenges, I redesigned the UA app by integrating the Brake Life Monitor feature, aimed at bridging the gap between complex technical data and an intuitive user experience. Through smart sensor integration and a user-friendly interface, the app provides real-time monitoring of brake pad condition, predictive maintenance alerts, and accessible diagnostics. Instead of relying on delayed manual checks or vague warning lights, riders receive clear, actionable insights that empower them to proactively manage brake maintenance. This solution ensures a safer, more reliable, and stress-free cycling experience, making advanced brake monitoring accessible to everyday users.
Driving Safety and Business Growth Through User-Centric Innovation
The Brake Monitor project had a significant impact on both user experience and Urban Arrow’s business goals. By providing real-time brake status updates and timely maintenance alerts, the system enhanced rider safety and confidence, reducing the likelihood of unexpected brake failures. The improved user experience led to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, while the proactive maintenance feature helped lower long-term service costs. Recognising its potential, Urban Arrow selected the project for further development, positioning it as a key innovation to drive sales and strengthen their market leadership in the e-bike industry.
