Navigate Home Renovation Challenges with Expert Guidance
Buildapp
UXR/UX/UI
In addressing home renovation challenges, I developed an app linking users to renovation experts with a focus on affordability and sustainability. Employing market analysis, user research, and design iterations, Buildapp offers an intuitive interface, advanced search filters, and personalized recommendations. Users can effortlessly post job requests and connect with experts through diverse appointment packages and streamlining the renovation journey.
Figma
Adobe Creative Suite
Trello
Lyssna
07
Final Prototype
Onboarding
Dashboard
Sign up with Email
Search & Filters
Posting a Job Request
Matches Page & Experts Profile Desktop Dashboard
Downloads
Onboarding
Discover brief & main features in few clicks.
Dashboard
It is the starting point of the app’s features. Namely “posting a job request” and “searching for an expert”.
Sign-up with Email
Search & Filters
Discover brief & main features in few clicks.
Posting a Job Request
Matches Page & Experts Profile
Desktop Dashboard
03
Understand
User Personas
User Journey
Task Analysis & User Flows
User Personas
After conducting in-depth generative user research, I meticulously crafted user personas to encapsulate the characteristics and needs of my target audience.
User Journey
To gain deeper insights into the challenges surfers encounter across various scenarios, I developed Mental Models and User Journey Maps tailored to the needs and objectives of my personas.
Crafting Mental Models and User Journey Maps proved invaluable in fostering empathy towards prospective users, offering a comprehensive understanding of their pain points and expectations for product support.
Task Analysis & User Flows
Creating Mental Models and User Journey Maps helped to understand what types of actions my users would like to take and why they would take these actions. After selecting the most important tasks, I created User Flows for the personas.
04
Prototyping
I structured the app with simple hierarchies to facilitate easy navigation and access to overlapping information. Through site mapping and card sorting, I organized content based on user preferences. Starting with hand-drawn wireframes, I progressed to mid-fidelity prototypes using Figma for a high-fidelity, interactive representation of the app's functionality.
05
Iterate & Refine
Usability Testing
Usability Testing Results
Usability Testing
The Goals:
This usability testing aimed to assess how easily new users can navigate and understand the mobile application during their first interaction. We focused on gauging users' comprehension of the app's purpose, its value proposition, and their ability to perform key tasks such as logging in, posting requests, searching for experts, setting filters, and booking appointments.
Test Objectives:
Evaluate participants' understanding of the app's purpose and value proposition.
Measure participants' proficiency in searching, setting filters, and booking appointments.
Observe users' navigation patterns and assess the intuitiveness of browsing and booking consultations.
Methodology:
Conducted remotely via Google Meet or Zoom, the study involved 6 moderated usability tests. Each participant completed 3 tasks and provided feedback on their experience. Additionally, a brief follow-up survey with multiple-choice questions was administered to gather further insights.
Findings & Insights:
Post-data collection, I utilized an Affinity Map to consolidate findings and extract actionable insights."
Usability Testing Results
First Issue - The Dashboard
I've encountered several design issues with the dashboard. Participants found the term 'talent' unclear in representing the product's purpose. Additionally, 'top talent' category failed to capture interest. Despite being a secondary feature, 'materials' category was suggested to have a prominent presence. Some users felt that categories should be task-oriented rather than profession-based. To address these concerns, I redesigned the dashboard for clarity and simplicity. A third variation was developed and tested using Usability Hub for A/B & Preference Testing.
Second Issue - The Expert’s Profile
Several participants pointed out that the expert’s profile should have had some information stand out in a bigger text font, namely the rating, availability, and location. As a result, the expert’s profile was redesigned to reflect those notes. The two designs were later tested on 'Usability Hub' as part of A/B & Preference Testing in the following stage.
Third Issue - The Pricing Model
Though not a usability concern, the original pricing model's screens worked well, but the module itself wasn't approved. Participants felt pre-committing to a pricing/appointment package was unnecessary. Also, varying costs based on space area and timeframe posed a challenge. Users are now asked to estimate their budget in two modes when sending a request. The app provides statistical cost data, and users can opt for "I don't know; I want the expert to make me an offer." The first appointment package no longer requires payment and is presented as a multiple-choice page for user preferences.
Fourth Issue - The Workflow of “Post a Request” Task
The majority of participants pointed out that writing a message should have been the beginning of the process. Additionally, most users didn't understand the tag "need inspiration" when writing the post. The majority preferred to have an editable summary at the end. There was also confusion regarding which information was required and which was optional. Consequently, the workflow of the process was redesigned, with writing a message as the first action. An editable summary page was added at the end, and all required information was marked with a star.
06
Finalize & Handoff
Refining the Design System
Colour palette Pallet
Typography
Downloads
Refining the Design System
I fine-tuned the prototype's design system for a polished user experience, addressing bugs, refining visuals, and ensuring consistency. This included optimizing typography, colors, icons, and UI components. Detailed documentation was prepared for design and development teams, with organized assets for easy implementation. Participants completed tasks and gave feedback, supplemented by a follow-up survey for additional insights.
Colour palette
Primary
Neutral
ED9943
484857
A19E9E
Typography
Heading 1
Montserrat Black - 32 px
Heading 2
Montserrat - Bold - 24 px
Heading 3
Montserrat - ExtraBold - 20 px
Heading 4
Montserrat - Bold - 18 px
Heading 4
Montserrat - Bold - 18 px
Body 2
Montserrat -Medium - 16 px
Body 2
Montserrat - SemiBold - 14 px
Body 2
Montserrat - Medium - 14 px
Body 1
Montserrat - Bold - 14 px
Situation
Home renovation poses intricate challenges, particularly in sourcing skilled professionals and eco-friendly materials.
Task
My task was to develop an app that not only connected users with renovation experts but also provided affordable and sustainable solutions for their projects.
Results
Buildapp is a visually appealing mobile app with an intuitive user interface.
It implemented a sophisticated search filter equipped with algorithms and intelligent matching mechanisms, allowing users to identify experts across various categories such as architecture, landscape, and interior design.
Additionally, it integrated a recommendation system to personalize user experiences based on past interactions.
Users can effortlessly post job requests and notify potential experts who align with their needs.
Also, it facilitated user-expert connections through various appointment packages, including voice calls, video calls, and face-to-face meetings.
Action
Research: Conducted thorough market analysis and crafted a robust business plan using UX and SWOT analyses of potential competitors. Delved into users' motivations and needs through interviews, affinity mapping, and the creation of detailed user personas.
Design: Created mental models and user journey maps to ensure a seamless user experience. Conducted task analysis and designed user flows, followed by creating a comprehensive sitemap. Developed prototypes to visualize the app's interface and functionality.
Test: Refined the app features and screens through six rounds of moderated remote usability tests and a subsequent survey.
01
Intro
A UXR/UX/UI journey in navigating home renovation challenges with expert guidance.
Illustration credit
Dreamstime.com
02
Research
UX Competitive Analysis
Users Interviews
Affinity Mapping
UX Competitive Analysis
I chose two potential competitors and built their marketing profile, SWOT profile and conducted a UX analysis of their products. The goal was to identify what type of problems users face with competitors’ products, as well as understand what the users might expect from my product.
Weaknesses
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Membership fees may deter some users
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Faces competition from free alternatives
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Limited international presence
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Reliance on user-generated content
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User experience may be outdated
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Quality control challenges with user-generated content
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Difficulty in vetting service providers
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Competition from various sources
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Potential deterrents in fee structure
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Vulnerability to local market fluctuations
Opportunities
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Expand services beyond home services
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Improve mobile app experience
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Form partnerships in home improvement industry
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Explore international markets
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Increase marketing efforts
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Expand services beyond home improvement
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International growth opportunities
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Partnerships and integrations with related industries
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Investment in technology upgrades
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Vertical integration into complementary sectors
Strengths
Angie's List
Established brand in home services industry
Large database of service providers with reviews
Trust-building review system
Revenue generation through membership model
Wide range of home services offered
HomeAdvisor
Extensive network of service providers
User-friendly interface
Trust-building review system
Efficient matching algorithm
Strong mobile app presence
Threats
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Competition from free alternatives
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Economic downturn impacting demand
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Technological disruption
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Negative publicity affecting reputation
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Regulatory changes impacting operations
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Regulatory changes impacting operations
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Economic downturn affecting demand
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Technological disruption in the industry
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Negative publicity damaging reputation
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Competition from new entrants offering innovative solutions
Users Interviews
I conducted user interviews with three potential users to understand their needs and preferences regarding an expert app designed to connect users with experts during renovation processes.
The objectives of the interview process were:
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To understand potential users' motivations for home design.
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To determine desired features for the expert app.
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To identify preferred privacy measures for uploading data about their homes or offices (e.g., photos, area, location, heating system).
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To learn about users' experiences with similar apps or features, including what they liked and disliked
“I would say that the first step is deciding on the materials and colours and then I have fun with what I can do with them.”
M, 31 years old
Urban planner
Germany
“I know that wood could be an environmentally friendly material but I also know that imported wood does have a high
carbon foot print, I would want an app that tells me which is which.“
S, 35 years old
UX designer
Germany
“I would not want an app that provides a wide range of tachnical help during the renovation process.”
L, 38 years old
Researcher
The Netherlands
Affinity Mapping
Knowledge based decision about
materials and
products
Help in the design process and Design systems
Expert help in the
Construction process
After gathering information, I utilized an Affinity Map to gain a clearer overview, facilitating the identification of valuable insights. While users express a desire to be informed about sustainable design, their level of interest and application of this information varies. Users' interests in engaging with experts can be segmented into three categories:
When designing a space I first choose materials and colours I amgoing to use and then have fun withthem.
In order to be convinced thatchanges in my home design lower my carbon footprint I need to beconvinced with data.
it would be great to not only have
experts who give instructions, but
also experts who would do on-site
hands on repairs and constructions
it would be nice to know what
building materials are more friendly
to the environment,
I want my dream home to be
smart and with a zero carbon foot
print
There are small stuff that I always
need help with on site like installing
a new dish washer, or repainting a
room
- I keep my self informed about environment-friendly products.- I would like to have product information such as what furniture is environmentally friendly
I always ask for expert help whenI do renovations.
On numerous occasions, I find myself in need of help tackling various tasks that arise on-site. Having support with these endeavors greatly aids in ensuring their successful completion
Insights
Users exhibit varying degrees of interest and application when it comes to sustainable design. Their interests in engaging with experts can be categorized into three main areas:
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Interested in expert knowledge about products, such as sustainable materials for interior design or landscape design.
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Seeking expert guidance in the sustainable design process and sustainable energy systems.
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Interested in expert assistance during the construction process.
Furthermore:
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Users express interest in customizing their experience by accessing user-curated articles and inspirations.
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They prefer a clear app design that avoids overwhelming them with information.
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Users prioritize being informed about the app's security measures before sharing personal information.