The Home Explorer app
Overview
I was contracted to design an iOS app to help real estate agents manage clients more effectively and maximize their earnings.
Design opportunity
Real estate agents face significant hurdles in efficiently managing a large client base. Timely communication is crucial for gaining clients' trust.
My Contribution & Impact
Led the research and design strategy for the Home Explorer app. Although the app was never launched due to shifting business priorities and market conditions, I gained valuable insights into the challenges of product development.
Who are the Agents?
A total of 5 real estate agents were interviewed to learn about their motivation, needs, and pain points:
Who are the Home Buyers?
In 2018, foreign buyers were a notable segment of the Vancouver housing market. Buyers, both local and foreign, were interested in the quality of neighborhoods, top-rated schools, proximity to jobs, and the potential for property value appreciation.
Information Architecture
A well-structured IA ensures that mobile users can easily navigate the app, find the information they need, and complete their tasks efficiently.
From Concept to Sketch
Low fidelity sketches can capture the essence of an idea without getting bogged down in details.
Solving Design Problems
At Robbox, designing the user interface for the smart drill had some challenges:
- Problem Finding: Identifying what user pain points in traditional drills are worth solving.
- Problem Framing: Defining these issues clearly to align team efforts.
- Solution Shaping: Developing features like digital leveling and laser measuring to address identified problems with traditional drills.
- Solution Pitching: Present designs to for stakeholders and users for feedback.
Key Challenges
- Shifting business priorities: Small businesses often face changing goals and needs, which can delay or halt app development.
- Team dynamic changes: The departure of key team members without replacement can disrupt project continuity.
- Increased market competition: The presence of numerous similar real estate apps makes it difficult to differentiate and capture market share.
