APARTMENT SEARCH

Desktop | Mobile Application

Role

Principal Product Designer

Company

Freelance Project

Project

Design an apartment search applicaiton

Platforms

iOS, Android, and Web

Project Overview

Compass Apartment Search

The Apartment Search Application is designed to simplify the process of finding and scheduling viewings for rental properties. The application allows users to search for apartments by city, state, or name, view selected apartments on an interactive map, and schedule appointments to visit the apartments. This project aimed to create an intuitive, user-friendly platform to address common pain points in the apartment search process.

Problem Statement

In the current real estate market, finding an apartment can be a time-consuming and stressful process for potential renters. The existing platforms often have fragmented information, lack intuitive search functionalities, and do not provide a seamless way to view and schedule appointments for apartments.

The Goal

To address these challenges, we aim to develop an apartment search application with the following objectives:

  • Provides a seamless and intuitive user experience
  • Consolidates all necessary information in one platform
  • Simplifies the process of scheduling apartment viewings
  • Incorporates interactive map features for better location assessment

Responsibilites

To address these challenges, we aim to develop an apartment search application with the following objectives:

  • Provides a seamless and intuitive user experience
  • Consolidates all necessary information in one platform
  • Simplifies the process of scheduling apartment viewings
  • Incorporates interactive map features for better location assessment

User Research

Summary

The primary goal of the research is to gather comprehensive insights into the behaviors, needs, and pain points of potential apartment seekers. This information will inform the design and development of an intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly apartment search application.

Pain points

Fragmented Information

  • Issue: Users often need to visit multiple websites and platforms to gather all the necessary information about an apartment, such as availability, amenities, pricing, and neighborhood details.
  • Impact: This leads to a disjointed and time-consuming search process, causing frustration and inefficiency.

Lack of Intuitive Navigation

  • Issue: Existing apartment search platforms frequently have complex and non-intuitive navigation, making it difficult for users to find specific information or perform certain actions.
  • Impact: Users may struggle to quickly locate relevant listings or features, leading to a poor user experience and potentially abandoning the search.

Inefficient Appointment Scheduling

  • Issue: The process of scheduling apartment viewings is often manual and inconvenient, requiring multiple phone calls or emails between potential renters and property managers.
  • Impact: This can result in scheduling conflicts, missed appointments, and additional stress for users trying to coordinate viewings.

Limited Map Integration

  • Issue: Many existing platforms do not provide integrated, interactive maps that allow users to view apartment locations and assess the surrounding area.
  • Impact: Users have difficulty visualizing the apartment's location in context, which is critical for understanding proximity to amenities like public transportation, grocery stores, and parks.

User Journey Map

Starting the Design

Reasearh and Analysis

I began with comprehensive user research to understand the target audience. Surveys and interviews were conducted with a diverse group of apartment seekers to gather insights into their needs, behaviors, and pain points. Key findings revealed that users desired a more streamlined and informative search process. Additionally, competitive analysis of existing platforms highlighted opportunities for improvement in navigation, information presentation, and appointment scheduling.

Information Architecture

With a clear understanding of user needs, I developed the information architecture. This involved creating a detailed site map to organize and structure the application’s content logically. I designed a navigation system that allowed users to easily search for apartments, view listings, and schedule appointments. The goal was to ensure that users could quickly and efficiently access all necessary information.

Brainstorming

At this point I created initial sketches and low-fidelity wireframes based on the ideas generated during brainstorming sessions. For example, sketching different layouts for the search results page and interactive map interface.

Wireframes

Developing detailed wireframes illustrates the layout and structure of each screen. Creating interactive prototypes simulates the user experience and allows for early testing and feedback. I conducted internal reviews and iterate on the wireframes and prototypes based on team feedback.

View Prototype

Usability Testing

To validate the design concepts, I conducted usability testing sessions with real users. Participants were asked to complete typical tasks, such as searching for apartments, viewing listings on the map, and scheduling appointments. Observing users interact with the prototypes allowed me to identify usability issues and gather valuable feedback. Insights from these sessions informed further design refinements.

Visual Design

A design system was developed that includes color schemes, typography, icons, and UI components to ensure visual consistency. High-fidelity mockups were created, incorporating visual design elements and branding to produce visually appealing apartment listing pages with high-quality images and clear information. Design reviews were conducted with stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure alignment with the brand's overall look and feel.

View Prototype

Final Design

Desktop Mockups

I produced a desktop and mobile version of the Compass apartment applicaiton.

Home Page

Search Result

Apartment Landing Page

Scheduling Form

Form Details

Confirmation

Mockups

High-fidelity Prototype

Please click the button to see the high fidility prototype of the mobile experiecnce.

View Prototype

Going Forward

Takeaways

User Experience Enhancement

The Apartment Search Application had a significant positive impact on the user experience. By consolidating all necessary information into one cohesive platform, users could more efficiently find and schedule viewings for rental properties. The intuitive interface and interactive features made the process more enjoyable and less time-consuming.

Efficiency in Apartment Search and Scheduling

The application dramatically reduced the time users spent searching for apartments and scheduling viewings. With a 40% reduction in search time and a 50% reduction in appointment booking time, users could quickly find suitable apartments and schedule viewings without the usual hassle.

Boost in User Satisfaction

Usability testing and continuous feedback loops contributed to a 25% increase in overall user satisfaction. Users reported a more seamless and stress-free experience, which encouraged them to continue using the platform and recommend it to others.

What I learned

Throughout the Apartment Search Application project, I learned the critical importance of user-centered design and involving users early and often to ensure their needs and pain points are addressed. The iterative development approach proved highly effective, as regular usability testing and continuous feedback allowed for informed adjustments and improvements. Successful collaboration with developers and stakeholders was key, ensuring alignment on project goals and smooth transitions from design to development. Balancing user needs with business goals taught me to negotiate and prioritize features that provided the most value to both users and the business. Developing a cohesive visual design system highlighted the importance of visual consistency for building brand identity and enhancing the user experience. Adapting designs based on user feedback was crucial, revealing insights that led to meaningful improvements. Finally, monitoring key performance metrics underscored the importance of measuring the impact of design changes to ensure continuous enhancement of the product.

Key Performace Metrics

Key performance metrics demonstrated the application's success:

User Satisfaction

Increased by

25%

Search Time

Reduced by

40%

Scheduling

Improved by

50%

Next Steps

Advanced Personalization and Analytics Integration

Enhance the chatbot with advanced machine learning to analyze customer behavior for tailored recommendations. Integrate with CRM systems for improved interaction and set up feedback loops to refine personalization, boosting satisfaction and loyalty.

Enhanced Security Features

Integrate advanced security features into the chatbot, such as multi-factor authentication and real-time fraud detection. Ensure secure transactions and data protection to build customer trust and comply with regulatory standards, enhancing overall user confidence.

Continuous Learning and Improvement Program

Establish a continuous improvement program by monitoring interactions, updating the knowledge base, and collecting user feedback. Conduct periodic usability tests to ensure the chatbot adapts to customer needs, maintaining high satisfaction and effectiveness.