Vehicle Emissions Star Rating

The challenge was to create a user-friendly platform that enables easy comparison of vehicle emissions, aligning with the NSW government’s sustainability goals. We aimed to facilitate informed choices in vehicle selection, promote awareness of emission impacts, and support the transition to net-zero transport.

The website allows people to intutively compare data across over 16,000 makes and models or consider their annual costs with a fully customisable calculator. Through close collaboration with the NSW Government’s Net Zero Transport team, Pollen conducted comprehensive research, workshops, and iterative design processes to create a platform meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. Key features include a star-rating vehicle comparison tool, enabling informed decisions based on emissions data, with a focus on clarity and accessibility.

The VESR website project has made a significant impact across commercial, environmental, and societal dimensions. Commercially, it empowers consumers to make informed vehicle purchasing decisions, influencing market demand towards cleaner transport options. Environmentally, the platform promotes awareness of vehicle emissions, encouraging the adoption of electric and low-emission vehicles to mitigate carbon footprints. Societally, the project supports the NSW Government’s net-zero emissions goals, fostering a culture of sustainability and responsible consumption in the automotive sector. The VESR website exemplifies how design can drive positive change, bridging the gap between public awareness, industry adoption, and a greener future.

The VESR website incorporates key design features such as a needs-oriented approach ensuring user-centric experience, meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, ensuring inclusivity for all users, including those with disabilities, and aligns with the NSW Digital framework and VESR guidelines. It offers comprehensive information on emissions, consumption details, and cost comparisons (petrol, electric, hybrid), empowering users to make informed decisions with a minimal, clean design that highlights key data points. Responsive design principles were applied, allowing the website to adapt seamlessly to various devices and screen sizes, further enhancing accessibility and usability which were validated through extensive user testing. The standout feature is the star-rating vehicle comparison tool, providing a visual and straightforward method for evaluating vehicle emissions performance. Collectively, these features contribute to the success of the VESR website in promoting sustainable transport choices and facilitating informed decision-making among diverse users.