Cuboid Parking

Reinvent parking

Abstract

Cuboid parking is part of multi-year project initiated by Deutsche Parken GmbH to rethink and reinvent parking in high-density inner-cities.

As a team at Intuity Media Lab, we were tasked to lead the project and help develop innovative solutions to challenging problems. The project touched upon all aspects of urban design. From building architecture and construction to zoning laws.

I was responsible for the design of the Cuboid parking mobile app and contributed to the products customer experience.

Outcomes and impact
  • First cuboid constructed with end-to-end customer experience
  • Launch iOS and Android apps (4.85 avg rating)
Responsibility
  • From 2018 to 2019
  • UX and CX design
  • Mobile app design

Problem

Cities are congested with cars. Not only is it hard finding a parking spot, but far too often, parked vehicles line the sides of streets, turning potential recreational spaces into barricaded obstacle courses. On average, these vehicles remain stationary 23 hours a day! 
The key is: Where and how can vehicles be better stored? Is there a way to turn vehicle parking into an equitable urban space?

Solution

Cuboid Parking buildings transform existing urban vacant lots into aesthetic and easy-to-use parking garages. These small parking garages reduce unnecessary transit traffic and free up parking areas in surrounding streets. It creates new opportunities to turn streets back into public spaces – for example, by introducing urban gardening and other innovations.

How does a Cuboid work?

Process and strategy

At the heart of Cuboid Parking is a commitment to transforming how people interact with parking in dense urban environments. The mobile app and customer experience design were crucial components of this vision, serving as the digital gateway to a fully digitized parking process.

A Reflection of the Whole The app was not an isolated tool but the digital mirror of a seamlessly integrated parking system. Every feature and interaction within the app reflected a tightly coordinated infrastructure—from vehicle lifts to charging stations and rooftop gardens. To succeed, the app had to harmonize with the physical operations of the parking house, ensuring a unified and frictionless experience for the user.

Empathizing with the User The design process began with a deep dive into user research. By interviewing city residents, commuters, and business owners, we uncovered key pain points in traditional parking systems: time wasted in search of spaces, unclear pricing, and a lack of integrated services such as EV charging. These insights informed the foundation of the app’s design—a system that prioritizes simplicity, transparency, and speed.

Mapping the Journey The customer journey was mapped to ensure every interaction—from initial discovery to parking retrieval—was streamlined. Key moments in the journey included:

  • Discovery and Booking: Users locate nearby Cuboid Parking structures, check real-time availability, and reserve a space through the app.
  • Arrival and Access: QR code-based entry eliminates the need for physical tickets, while in-app navigation guides users seamlessly to the parking facility.
  • Parking Experience: Vehicle lifts transport cars to assigned spots efficiently, and the app updates users on their car’s exact location within the Cuboid.
  • Retrieval: A one-tap “retrieve vehicle” feature ensures minimal wait times, allowing users to access their cars when they need them without unnecessary delays.

Iterative Design and Prototyping The app’s design followed a user-centered iterative process. Wireframes and prototypes were tested with potential users to ensure the interface was intuitive and aligned with their expectations. Early feedback revealed the need for additional features, such as the ability to pre-schedule car retrieval and real-time updates on charging progress for EVs. These were integrated into subsequent iterations.

Enhancing Engagement with Visual Design The visual design of the app focused on clarity and modernity. A clean, minimalist interface paired with intuitive icons and a calming color palette mirrored the aesthetic and functional ethos of Cuboid Parking structures. Dynamic animations, such as visual cues during vehicle lift operations, further enhanced the user experience by making interactions feel seamless and responsive.

Deep Integration with Physical Processes Building the app required more than just software development. It demanded an intricate understanding of how every digital action would correspond to a physical reaction. Scanning a QR code initiated entry; tapping “retrieve” sent precise instructions to the vehicle lift. The app was the user’s interface to a digitized system that worked invisibly to make parking effortless. This integration eliminated traditional barriers and made parking a natural extension of daily life.

Beyond Parking: Added Value for Users To elevate the experience, we integrated additional services within the app, including:

  • Urban gardening updates for rooftop activities.
  • Notifications on EV charging completion.
  • Secure digital payment and detailed billing history.

The Result: A Unified, Future-Ready Solution The Cuboid Parking mobile app delivers more than convenience; it embodies a fully digitized parking process. By seamlessly aligning the digital and physical worlds, it transforms parking from a mundane chore into a smooth, almost invisible part of urban life. This harmonious integration of technology and infrastructure redefines how cities can reclaim space for their people.

Reflection and learnings

Creating an app for a physical product requires a holistic approach to the entire customer experience. The app must reflect and enhance the physical process, ensuring all components work seamlessly together. Additionally, speed and latency are paramount; users prioritize fast, responsive interactions over complex functionality, particularly when physical systems are involved. Real-time testing is essential for success. Using the app personally and extensively testing it in real-world conditions uncovers critical insights and helps resolve potential issues before they impact the customer.

Working on this project was a transformative experience. It reshaped how I approach the connection between physical and digital products, deepening my understanding of creating seamless, integrated solutions.