User Research
1. User Survey
In order to gain an understanding of the general user experience on real estate websites/apps and identify the pain points for individuals using them for living purposes, rather than as an investment, I segmented the survey participants as those who have rented or bought a condo for living purposes in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The survey had 23 respondents.
Findings
44.4%
69.5%
65.2%
70.6%
2. Affinity Diagram
Affinity diagram was created based on answers from open-ended questions in the user survey.
Findings
- Many users reported experiencing discomfort or dissatisfaction with internal factors of a condo building.
- Assessing information on building performance(how well a building meets the needs and expectations of its occupants) and neighborhood requires spending significant time living in an area.
3. Online Research
Online research was conducted on platforms such as Google, Reddit, Quora, and through App Store reviews and social media channels to determine the shortcomings of current market platforms and inform the feature set for Condo Wise.
Findings
- App users value relevant data and statistics.
- Filtered searches are popular among app users.
- Saved search function is valued by app users.
- Speed and usability are primary concerns for app users.
4. User Interview
I refined the segmentation from earlier survey insights and interviewed three employed individuals aged 25-40 in the GTA who have experience with renting, aiming to understand their frustrations with the real estate search process.
Findings
- In the fiercely competitive and expensive rental market of Toronto, finding a potential home often feels like a rushed and stressful endeavor.
- Users typically use apps to search for rental listings first.
- Mobile apps are popular for on-the-go real estate searching, but some users prefer desktop websites for more information and listings.
- Responsiveness and speed are the most important factors.
- Users are frustrated with changing realtors mid-process because of dissatisfaction.
- Users find it difficult to find a good realtor without a personal connection or a recommendation from someone they trust, or without having worked with good realtors in the past.
Research Insights & Opportunities
01
Streamlined Home Search
Residents in Toronto believe that speed is crucial in securing a good house in a competitive market. As one interviewee stated, "All the good units are taken within a day. If realtors are not fast enough to schedule viewings, you'll have fewer opportunities as your moving date approaches."
By streamlining the rental process from searching to quickly connecting with realtors and arranging viewings, users can maximize their valuable time during the home search.
02
Informed Decision-Making
Users frequently experience information overload while searching for a home, yet they are unable to access crucial information, leading to regret over their choice of a new place.
By offering users valuable insights that are typically difficult to acquire without firsthand experience, Condo Wise aims to empower them to make well-informed decisions about both the building and the neighborhood they are considering.
03
Financial Awareness
Renters in Toronto often have limited income and minimal assets, either for saving up to buy their first house or for other purposes. This financial constraint makes them feel more frustrated and limited in a competitive market.
Providing this valuable information not only enriches the user's understanding but also has financial benefits. It minimizes the risk of potential financial losses during the searching process and eliminates the costly and inconvenient need to relocate to another unit later on.
Target Users
The target users for this product are busy working individuals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are searching for an ideal home but lack the time to extensively research real estate listings and market conditions. Since they value a good quality of life, they seek comprehensive information that will assist them in making a well-informed decision about their housing choice and ensure satisfaction with their new home.
How Might We Questions
01
How might we make the home searching process more efficient and less stressful for users?
02
How might we ensure that users are satisfied with their home choice?
Information Architecture
Wireframes
High-fidelity Prototype
Design System
User Testing
Moderated user testing, conducted with six participants both in-person and remotely, highlighted areas for improvement in the platform’s interface design, functionality, features, and information presentation.
Interface and Design
- Enhance icon clarity by changing them to more intuitive alternatives.
- Enhance the color contrast to improve accessibility in accordance with WCAG standards.
- Improve feature naming conventions.
- Refine interactive components.
Functionality and Features
- Optimize feature functionality.
- Introduce advanced customization options.
- Enhance the review feature by adding search capabilities and numerical ratings.
Information Presentation
- Streamline organization and presentation of information.
- Clarify date labeling.
Interface and Design
- Enhance icon clarity by changing them to more intuitive alternatives.
- Enhance the color contrast to improve accessibility in accordance with WCAG standards.
- Improve feature naming conventions.
- Refine interactive components.
Iterations
Iterations were carried out based on findings from user testing and four UX designers in the field. Broadly, the final iteration ensured that the colors complied with WCAG standards, enhanced clarity, eliminated less essential elements and information (prioritizing as needed), and made the information more digestible to achieve a clean look.
Condo Wise's Impact
Condo Wise ensures transparency, fairness, and improved lifestyles for all Torontonians.
For Renters
- Speed up the search for an ideal home.
- Easily search for proficient realtors.
- Make informed decisions.
- Enjoy quality living conditions.
For Home Investors
- Make informed purchase decisions by having access to insightful building and neighborhood information.
- Consider investing in popular, highly-rated buildings that appeal to renters.
- Consider the impact that board members have on hiring quality management, which is essential to retaining renters.
For Developers
- Recognize that buyers prioritize quality, which means using better materials and avoiding construction flaws.
- Hire management offices based on real resident reviews, rather than solely for their own benefits.
For Management Offices
- Ensure quality maintenance by being responsive and responsible.
Takeaways
What I learned
- Gained a better understanding of the research process and incorporating findings into design through my first case study.
- Developed skills in building brand identity and design systems for digital products.
- Learned effective organization of extensive information in a concise format.
- Discovered significant value in examining diverse app categories such as real estate, book reviews, hotels, and furniture across multiple countries.
- Emphasized accessibility, delving into WCAG standards and applying them for a more inclusive design.
Areas for Improvement or Future Considerations
- Enhance research depth by incorporating qualitative insights from a broader range of target users.
- Plan and conduct multiple user testing sessions to gather extensive feedback on app effectiveness.
- Enhance the review feature to provide more comprehensive insights to users.
