Home Ingenuity
Following a networking event, a software developer based in Minneapolis hired me for six months to work on the user experience, interface, and branding for his innovative rental home-finding platform, driven by dissatisfaction with existing solutions.
Platform
iOS
Team
UX Designer (Myself)
1x Product Owner & iOS Developer
Figma
Protopie
Adobe Illustrator
Tools
Skills
Prototyping
User Journey Maps
Market Research
User Research
Usability Testing
Visual Design
The Problem
Renting is both stressful and inconsistent for both property owner and tenant. A lot of the times it feels as if it's up to luck.
The Solution
An all-in-one platform that streamlines and digitizes the renting process for both property owner and renter, seamlessly connects property owners with tenants, while showcasing local interests for a smooth transition to their new home.
Property Management
Schedule Showings
Digitalize Agreements
Handle Payments
Messenger
Connect People & Homes
Property Listings
Review System
Refer / Share
Tenant Finder
Showcase Local Interests
Community Forums
Discover Local
Home Networking
Review Businesses
User Research: Interview Questions
Can you briefly describe the steps you took in finding a rental home?
What issues have you had in renting homes in the past?
What are the most frustrating aspects of managing properties?
How do you feel about digital property management software?
What are the most frustrating aspects in renting a home?
What qualities matter to you most in choosing your next home?
How do you find tenants for your properties?
Is there anything else you would like to share about renting homes?
Do existing home listing apps and websites do everything you’d expect in finding a home?
What existing solutions do you use to manage properties?
What matters to you most in choosing the right tenant?
Qualitative & quantitative data was deciphered from interviews.
100% of renters used online digital platforms to search for a new home.
100% of renters used online digital platforms to search for a new home.
"Organizing and managing contracts and paperworks is a hassle."
"Organizing and managing contracts and paperworks is a hassle."
"Many times tenants make "improvements" to the place without consulting me first and then claim that the work they did increased the value of the home somehow."
"Many times tenants make "improvements" to the place without consulting me first and then claim that the work they did increased the value of the home somehow."
50% of landlords use digital property management software. 75% would consider it if it was beneficial.
50% of landlords use digital property management software. 75% would consider it if it was beneficial.
"My landlord went back on his word. When it came time to get my security deposit back, it wasn't what he promised. I wish I had what he said recorded."
"My landlord went back on his word. When it came time to get my security deposit back, it wasn't what he promised. I wish I had what he said recorded."
"A renter that has recommendations from other landlords makes the trust go way up."
"A renter that has recommendations from other landlords makes the trust go way up."
Existing solutions and features were examined for opportunity.
Finding the right community is key when home hunting, but often overlooked.
A user journey map helped through developing feature and information hierarchy.
Wireframes sketched out ideas for interactions and page layouts.
Usability Testing
Landlord in Minneapolis area, HVAC background
Cary Arneson
Likes
Easy access to all properties
Search bar finds anything
Find tenant feature is amazing
Suggestions
Make this an indispensable tool
Certain pages need back buttons
Make community feature more useful
Changes
Clearer navigation page to page
Less dependence on gestures
More buttons for actions
Renter in Brooklyn area, Design background
Brian Ornduff
Likes
Self explanatory purpose in app
Simple but powerful features
Relevant local interests
Suggestions
Images universally too large
Icons are too small, ineligible
Too much branding
Changes
Tone down red branded elements
Resized icons, fonts, images
Confirmed feature hierarchy
