UberFlex
Bringing exclusive taxi rides within everyone's reach
A feature that allows users to choose the cheapest time to ride out of a flexible pickup window.
71% of riders find Uber too expensive—this feature helps them save money while keeping Uber profitable.
A dynamic slider adjusts pricing based on real-time demand and traffic, seamlessly integrating into the existing UberX booking flow.
What
is UberFlex?
a new feature within the Uber app designed to make UberX rides more affordable by offering users the option to select flexible pickup windows. By adjusting the timing of their rides, users can save money on their fares, making UberX more accessible to a broader range of riders.
Why
is it needed?
Table Reaserch
8% decrease in taxi usage which indicates a reduction in demand, especially as UberX pricing continues to rise.
X2 The amount of complaints.
71% of users complained about UberX pricing, highlighting a strong need for more affordable options.
(market trends since 2019)
Interviews
I conducted interviews with UberX riders to understand their concerns about the cost of rides. Many riders expressed frustration with high surge prices during peak hours and indicated a willingness to adjust their pickup times for savings.
“taxis just feel like a luxury to me. If they were cheaper, sure, I’d take one. But right now? It just doesn’t make sense cost-wise.”
Personas
Based on these insights, I created personas that represent different types of UberX users
Meet Alma, the price-sensitive commuter who Looks for ways to reduce daily transportation costs
How
does it work, look and fill?
The Algorithm
The algorithm calculates optimal ride pricing by analyzing real-time traffic conditions, demand fluctuations, and historical ride data. It assesses how adjusting the pickup time impacts availability and cost, offering users the most cost-effective option within their chosen flexibility window.
Main Component - Slider
UberFlex is integrated into the existing UberX flow as a slider which allows users to easily select their preferred time in an intuitive way.
Quick Interaction
Enables fast selection without the need to type or scroll through long lists.
Encouraging Savings
Users immediately see how a slight change in timing can reduce the fare, motivating cost-effective choices.​
Familiarity in Ride
Booking Interfaces – Sliders are a well-known and intuitive element in transportation apps, minimizing the learning curve.
early explorations
The final UberFlex slider integrates core design system components, like the bold black time indicator, ensuring consistency. The graph visualization was carefully introduced to enrich decision-making without disrupting the system’s integrity, adding clarity and impact while maintaining design harmony.
Branding and Design
We focused on maintaining Uber’s established design language while introducing fresh elements:
Branding: The character and green color were chosen to evoke positivity and align with Uber’s friendly tone.
Slider Design: We took the basic BIS slider and enhanced it with a graph-based indication, making it visually clear how adjusting the time affects the fare.
Push Notifications: To promote the feature, we introduced push notifications to alert users of savings opportunities.
Integration in the flow
The MVP version of UberFlex is focused on seamlessly integrating into the current booking flow, allowing users to select their pickup time using the slider, with real-time updates to car options and pricing.
