Room n Dorm App

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A Location-based (Responsive) Rental App

UX / UI Case Study

UX PHASE

Problem Statement

Finding a space to stay in is challenging enough then to add to that, finding a roommate/ apartment-mate or dorm-mate is even harder. Rental apps are readily available but what is lacking in most rental apps in the Philippines is the connectivity aspect.

Goal / Solution

Through the app, users can find a space, connect with other users in need of housing, build friendships while sharing a space and feel secure through the app’s security features. The app provides easy access to better housing, convenience and accessibility to amenities within close proximity, and promotes adaptability through community building which is the added value to the rental apps that are currently available.

Role & Responsibilities

For this project I was responsible for:

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UX PHASE

Stepping out of our comfort zone is never easy. Feeling lost is daunting.

For this project, I designed a location based rental app where users can find a home shared by like-minded people that can make their living experience budget friendly, comfortable, fun and secure.

In relation to the practicality of the app’s features and through research done early into the project, I was also able to understand the problem, identify and define an intrinsic value shared by many Filipinos which helped in clarifying what to prioritize while building the app.

PROBLEM SPACE

With many rental apps out there, was there a problem to be solved?

By conducting user research as well as reviewing apps of competitors, sending out a survey and talking to the target market, I was able to understand the users’ perspectives as well as their needs, intentions and wants to be able to deliver a product that solves not just their external problem which is the search for a space to live but also the internal which is community, connection, safety and security.

Research also shows that a large percentage of Filipinos value connection and community which isn’t factored in in most existing rental apps in the Philippines was . Finding a home shared by like-minded people can make their living experience budget friendly, comfortable, fun and secure.

Want to get to the solution? Jump to UI Phase

USER RESEARCH

Who are the people in the target market?

Students, college graduates, workforce (ages 24-32) who are looking for a space
to rent with these considerations budget, proximity, connection and community

SCROLL DOWN TO MEET THEM

USER PERSONAS

KEY INSIGHTS

Here are the findings synthesized from doing User Research

PATTERNS

Excitement over moving out and being independent
Trust and security are important for bedspacers and room shares
Proximity to school and work are a priority when looking for a place to stay
Proximity to transportation is a factor
Budget is also and important factor
Apps are a useful tool because it saves time in the search process

FRUSTRATIONS

Lack of information about the place or vicinity
Safety and security and the feeling of ease when having a roommate
Difference of pictures vs the real look of a place
Easier to trust relatives and connections vs landlords who might be a fraud
Time consuming to search

SURPRISES

The most surprising would be the budget range. I was surprised to learn that the expected rental rates for bed-spacers are very low
Traffic and inefficient or non-existent public transportation results in a commute of 2-3 hours for some people

KEY QUOTES

The need for shelter, safety, security and human connection are universal.

SOME KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM APP USERS ACROSS THE BOARD

“Having a roommate means you have someone that you can talk to when you get lonely, you also have someone to do activities with. Having constant companionship can be really helpful to your mental health.”

“[Apps] are a big help to the users because it is less time consuming, they don’t need to travel far and the app gives all the information needed when looking for a place to stay.”

“It is important to know the person I am living with, especially the behavior and character. We need to secure our safety.”

UX PHASE

Competitive Analysis

Do other existing apps offer a solution to the problem at hand?

After doing research on the student housing and rental market in the Philippines, it’s clear that there is a need for this to be more accessible to students. Compared to other countries who offer students housing or dorm-living within their campuses, Universities in the Philippines have limited space and offerings to their own students, thus they are left to figure out and find housing on their own.

I did a competitive analysis and zeroed in on on two existing apps, Rental Bee and DormyPh which are focused primarily or dorm-living and providing student housing as compared to other related apps. With thorough research, I learned that:

All other apps provide basic functionalities of providing a range of property listings close to Universities
The available apps have navigational features similar to popular apps such as Airbnb or Spare Room which makes using the app familiar to users but improvements can be made in terms of UX.
DormyPh would be the closest in terms of fulfilling this problem’s goal which is connectivity. However, the steps and user-flow could be simplified.

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS

Rental Bee

KEY FEATURES & OBSERVATIONS

Rental Bee offers a wide variety of quality properties in various locations around Metro Manila
Finding a place is convenient and easy through their website
Shows images and a lot of information about the space, less personal inquiry is needed

STRENGTHS

Quality property listings that are presented with good quality photos
Informative about accommodations and presents it in an organized way
Well designed website, clean, easy to use, consistent with branding

WEAKNESSES

Limited to University belts
Only limited to Metro Manila, not other provinces
No reviews or testimonials

USABILITY

Rental Bee’s website is easy to navigate
The information presented is comprehensive, displayed in an organized way visually.
It follows similar structure of other established websites such as Airbnb or Spare Room therefore users are familiar already with the set up.

DIFFERENTIATION

Rental Bee’s target market is higher than competitors
Their website looks and feels more upscale
More research may be needed about the target market

Dormy Ph

KEY FEATURES & OBSERVATIONS

Dormy offers rentable spaces and is connected to several universities around the Philippines
Finding a place is convenient and easy through their website
Apart from finding a space, Dormy also connects people and assists them to make finding a room-mate a better and easier experience

STRENGTHS

A social network and rental app in one
Website is easy to navigate and gives information and guidance for students
Shares blog posts related to student life and real estate on their website which can help educate the viewers
Consistent branding
Has a lot of listings and is partnered with many Universities within Metro Manila
Connects their users to amenities and offers services such as laundry assist and food deliveries

WEAKNESSES

Limited to University belts in Metro Manila
Only limited to Metro Manila, not other parts of the Philippines
No reviews about listings on their website and Instagram

USABILITY

Dormy’s navigational tools are straightforward and well designed. Colors are also consistent with overall look and feel of the website

DIFFERENTIATION

Dormy offers more than just properties for rent as compared to other rental apps.
They also offer a social aspect which as they put “is like Bumble” and is integrated into their rental app.

HYPOTHESIS

So what am I designing?

Providing users with a platform that offers a broad selection of rental listings with considerations such as budget and proximity and one that also centers on relationship and community building through connecting people, will result in giving the users a more harmonious and fun living environment while also making the search process easy, accessible and convenient.

What can the MVP deliver?

The objective of the app is to gain users and familiarize them with the branding of the app. It will also allow the users to get a feel of how the app works and it’s benefits in both the search for a space and a roommate.

“The app will empower users to network, connect and create meaningful relationships in a convenient, easy and trusted way to build a life in their home away from home.”

INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE - USER FLOW

JTBD 1: When I visit a rental app, I want to be able to view a range of rental spaces close in proximity to school or work.

Success Criteria: Display a variety of listings

JTBD 2: To be able to view roommate’s account and/or contact roommate

Success Criteria: View info of roommate or contact roommate

JTBD 3: When I click on a preferred property, I want to be able to view a carousel of quality photos.

Success Criteria: View many images

UX PHASE

Low-Fidelity Wireframing

IDEATION

After organizing JTBD and user-flows, I got the iPad and drafted some initial ideas I had for the app. This allowed me to think quickly and conceptualize better my ideas and what I had visualized in my mind.

UX PHASE

Mid-Fidelity Wireframing

IDEATION & MORE ITERATIONS

From the initial iterations to solidifying the concept further, I was able to assess how the onboarding flow should be, how the app would be navigated by the user answering the question, “Should a user log in or create an account at entry point or at what point is signing up required?” “Easy accessibility vs security (added steps during onboarding)?”

UI PHASE

Design Solutions

JTBD BASED ON THE DEFINED PROBLEMS

"Home is anywhere you make it out to be."

JTBD 1: How might users view a range of rental spaces that are conveniently located?

Clearly defining the search by location bar. Based on research, the format is similar and standard in most location-based rental apps. Being consistent in design and layout provides familiarity and ease when using the product.

"Connect in ways that feel rewarding"

JTBD 2: How might users connect with other users?

Clear CTA button at the entry page indicates the app is not just for rental but can also connect users
Have an option to view a roommates profile when viewing a listing.
For security reasons, the users are required to create an account and sign in vs. easily accessing the listed properties without the need to create an account.

"The more the merrier"

JTBD 3: Whetting the users appetite by showing a carousel of quality photos

Quality of photos presented in tile view for bigger screens and carousel layout for smaller screens
Ensure quality photos of space are uploaded to meet the expectations of the user, resulting in consistency.