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PROMOTING SOCIAL GOOD AND RESPONSIBILITY THROUGH UX DESIGN
Sydney Safe Homes is a UX case study that addresses rental market challenges in Australia, with a focus on promoting social good by improving housing situations for individuals and families. The project aims to develop a user experience that prioritizes the needs of renters and landlords, creating an efficient and inclusive rental system. The case study demonstrates the potential for social good in design, and we're proud to contribute to making a positive impact on people's lives.
CHALLENGES
Landlords not accurately reporting the condition of their properties.
Overwhelming amount of unnecessary details on rental websites.
Homeless individuals struggling to find comprehensive information about available shelters and support services.
Renters in Australia struggling with insecure, poor quality housing.
UX DESIGN GOALS
Provide space listings only to qualified places that meet safety and suitability standards.
Deliver real, honest feedback about the place and its situation.
Provide valuable information to make the stay happy and meaningful.
Provide homeless guidance and support.
DESIGN FEATURES
Verification processes for listing properties.
Feedback system for renters.
Local resources and information.
Homeless support resources.
EXPECTED IMPACT OF THE WORK
Improved the overall living experience for renters.
Reduced the risk of safety or suitability issues.
Increased transparency and building trust with renters.
Reduced homelessness.
Improved the overall living conditions for those in need.
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
PROJECT OVERVIEWÂ
Industry background - The product - The problem - The goal - My role - Responsibilities
UNDERSTANDING THE USERÂ
User research - Personas - Problem statements - User journey maps - Competitive audit - Ideation
STARTING THE DESIGNÂ
Paper wireframes - Digital wireframes - Low-fidelity prototype - Usability studies
REFINING THE DESIGNÂ
Design System - Mockups - High-fidelity prototype - Accessibility - Usability insights
RESPONSIVE DESIGN
Information architecture - Responsive designs and mockups
GOING FORWARDÂ
Post Launch Analysis - Takeaways - Next steps
PROJECT OVERVIEW
PROJECT OVERVIEW
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
The rental industry in Sydney is highly competitive, with a range of services vying for the attention of renters looking for safe and affordable living spaces. Some of the key players in the market include Sydney Rental Search, Rent, realestate.com.au, and AllHomes, all of which offer a range of services and features to attract renters. Despite the competition, there is still a high demand for rental properties in the city, particularly among young professionals, students, and families.Â
Many renters are willing to pay a premium for well-maintained, conveniently located properties with modern amenities, making it important for rental service providers to focus on delivering high-quality, value-added services to stand out in the market. Additionally, accessibility and inclusivity are becoming increasingly important factors for renters, with many seeking out services that cater to their specific needs and preferences. It is crucial for rental service providers to take these factors into account in order to stay competitive and meet the needs of their target market.
THE PRODUCT
THE PRODUCT
Sydney Safe Homes is a service company dedicated to helping communities find safe living spaces for home renters and homeless people.Â
The company aims to assist millennials, newlyweds and start-up families, expats and retirees, tourists, and those who are undecided in their housing search.Â
Sydney Safe Homes aims to support individuals facing life crises and homelessness in Sydney.Â
By providing these services, the company strives to promote social good and improve the housing situation for individuals and families in the community.
PROJECT DURATION
PROJECT DURATION
July 2022 to November 2022
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
Many rental landlords do not accurately report the condition of their properties, making it difficult for potential renters to make informed decisions.
The overwhelming amount of unnecessary details on rental websites makes it difficult for renters to find a suitable property.
Homeless individuals may struggle to find comprehensive information about available shelters and support services during times of crisis.
Many renters in Australia struggle with insecure, poor quality housing
Rental Statistics Key Points:
Some key points from the Rental Affordability Index (RAI) report for November 2022 include:
Rental affordability has worsened for many households in Australia, particularly for those on low incomes in capital cities and regional areas.
The RAI shows that the majority of capital cities are severely unaffordable for very low-income households, with the exception of Hobart and Adelaide, which are moderately unaffordable.
The rest of state areas are generally more affordable than capital cities, but they also show high levels of unaffordability for very low-income households.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on rental affordability, with many households facing financial stress due to job losses and reduced incomes.
The report recommends that the government implement a range of measures to address the issue of rental affordability, including increasing the supply of social and affordable housing, providing financial assistance to households in need, and reform of the rental market to improve stability for renters.
Rental prices in metropolitan areas in Australia are generally more expensive and less affordable compared to the rest of the state or territory.
Hobart is the least affordable metropolitan area, while Greater Perth is the most affordable.
Very low income households continue to face unaffordable rents in most capital cities.
The private rental market in Australia has seen an increase in the number of households renting, with many experiencing issues with the quality and maintenance of their housing.
Renters in Australia often have shorter lease terms and move more frequently than homeowners, leading to a lack of stability and security.
There are also issues with renters being unable to seek repairs or make complaints without fear of eviction or rent increases.
The rental affordability index in Australia measures the price of housing rental markets in different geographical areas, based on median incomes. According to the index, rental prices in metropolitan areas are generally more expensive and less affordable compared to the rest of the state or territory. As of June 2020, Hobart was the least affordable metropolitan area, while Greater Perth was the most affordable. The index also found that very low income households continue to face unaffordable rents in most capital cities. The private rental market in Australia has also seen an increase in the number of households renting, with many finding their housing to be insecure, of poor quality, and unaffordable.Â
Additionally, renters in Australia often have shorter lease terms and move more frequently than homeowners, leading to a lack of stability and security. The report also highlights issues with the quality and maintenance of rental properties, as well as difficulties faced by renters in seeking repairs or making complaints without fear of eviction or rent increases.
THE GOAL
THE GOAL
To address these challenges, the UX design for the rental service could incorporate the following goals and potential results:
Providing space listings only to qualified places that meet safety and suitability standards: By implementing strict guidelines for listing properties, the service can ensure that only high-quality, safe, and suitable spaces are available for renters to choose from. This can help to improve the overall living experience for renters and reduce the risk of issues with safety or suitability.
Delivering real, honest feedback about the place and its situation: By collecting and displaying authentic feedback from previous renters about the property and its surrounding area, the service can help potential renters to make informed decisions about their living arrangements. This can help to increase transparency and build trust with renters.
Providing valuable information to make the stay happy and meaningful: By offering resources and information about the local area, including attractions, amenities, and community resources, the service can help renters to feel more connected and engaged in their new home. This can lead to a more enjoyable and meaningful living experience.
Providing homeless guidance and support: By offering resources and information about available shelter options and crisis support services, the service can help those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to find safe and suitable places to live. This can help to reduce homelessness and improve the overall living conditions for those in need.
To further address these challenges and meet the UX design goals, the service could consider implementing the following features:
Verification processes for listing properties: To ensure the safety and suitability of listed properties, the service could implement verification processes that involve checking the property and its amenities in person, collecting information about the property owner, and requiring documentation to prove that the property meets certain standards.
Feedback system for renters: To gather real, honest feedback about listed properties, the service could implement a feedback system that allows renters to rate and review their experiences with the property and its surroundings. This feedback could be displayed prominently on the property listing page, allowing potential renters to see what previous renters have experienced.
Local resources and information: To provide valuable information to renters, the service could include a section on the website or app that provides information about the local area, including attractions, amenities, and community resources. This could include information about local events, transportation options, and nearby services such as hospitals and schools.
Homeless support resources: To provide guidance and support to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, the service could include a section on the website or app that provides information about available shelter options and crisis support services in the area. This could include information about temporary housing options, emergency shelters, and services such as hotlines for crisis support.
By implementing these features and focusing on meeting the UX design goals, the rental service can help to address the challenges faced by renters and improve the overall living experience for those using the service.
MY ROLE
MY ROLE
Lead UX Design Practitioner
RESPONSIBILITIES
RESPONSIBILITIES
Concept ideation
Conducting UX research and interviews
Building wireframes and low-fidelity prototypes
Conducting usability study
Synthesizing study resultsÂ
Iterating on high-fidelity designs and prototypes while accounting for accessible design
UNDERSTANDING THE USER
UNDERSTANDING THE USER
USER RESEARCH: SUMMARY
USER RESEARCH: SUMMARY
Through extensive research, including conducting interviews and creating empathy maps, I have gained a deep understanding of the complex motivations and needs of my target user group. This group, consisting of a mix of young professionals, city-dwellers, startup families, and mostly millennials and homeless individuals, has unique challenges and concerns when it comes to finding safe and secure living spaces.
Initially, it may seem that the main obstacle for this user group is the simplicity of the process itself. However, our research has shown that the driving force behind their decision-making is actually a lack of comprehensive information to guide them. This lack of information, combined with other concerns such as time constraints and personal crises, makes the task of finding a suitable living space a challenging and overwhelming endeavor.
In order to effectively support and serve this user group, it is crucial that we provide them with the comprehensive and reliable information they need to make informed decisions. By addressing their key concerns and providing them with the necessary resources, we can help them overcome the challenges they face and find the safe and secure living spaces they need.
USER RESEARCH: GATHER INFO
USER RESEARCH: GATHER INFO
Sources of information that have contributed to the insights gained during the user research:
Interviews with Users:
Direct conversations with individuals like Ryan and Sarah, discussing their experiences, frustrations, and aspirations regarding finding suitable living spaces and navigating rental platforms.
Surveys:
Large-scale surveys targeting a diverse range of users, including young professionals, city-dwellers, startup families, and homeless individuals, aiming to gather quantitative data on their satisfaction levels and pain points in the housing search process.
Focus Groups:
Group discussions involving representatives from the target user groups, where they share collective experiences and opinions regarding the challenges and issues they face while seeking safe and secure living spaces.
Online Platforms and Reviews:
Analysis of reviews and feedback on various online rental platforms, social media, and housing forums to understand common complaints, preferences, and experiences of users in the housing market.
Medical Professional Associations:
Feedback and insights gathered from medical professional associations or communities, focusing on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals like Sarah in finding appropriate living arrangements near their workplaces.
Accessibility Advocacy Groups:
Collaboration with organizations advocating for accessibility and disability rights to understand the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments, informing the design for a more inclusive platform.
Food Industry Communities:
In-depth discussions and interactions within food industry communities or forums to grasp the specific aspirations and challenges faced by culinary arts graduates like Ryan in finding suitable living spaces that complement their careers.
These diverse sources of information provide a rich and comprehensive understanding of the target user groups, allowing for a user-centric approach in designing solutions for Sydney Safe Homes that meet their needs effectively.
USER RESEARCH: INSIGHTS
USER RESEARCH: INSIGHTS
User Research Methods for Sydney Safe Homes:
Interviews:
Purpose: Understand the unique challenges and preferences of potential users seeking housing solutions.
Key Questions:
What challenges have you encountered when looking for a place to stay or rent?
How do you prioritize your preferences when seeking a living space?
Can you describe a frustrating experience you've had while searching for a place to live?
Insights Gained:
Users prioritize safety and accessibility in their living spaces.
Difficulty in finding affordable, suitable living spaces near their workplaces or essential amenities.
Surveys:
Purpose: Capture a broad understanding of user pain points and aspirations in the housing rental domain.
Key Questions:
On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied are you with your current living situation or the process of finding a living space?
What improvements would you like to see in the process of finding a suitable living space?
Insights Gained:
Difficulty in navigating rental websites due to overwhelming information.
Concerns about the accuracy of information provided by landlords.
Focus Groups:
Purpose: Gather insights into collective experiences and opinions regarding the current process of finding living spaces.
Key Questions:
How do you feel about the current process of finding a place to live?
Can you share specific instances where you've faced challenges while seeking a living space?
Insights Gained:
Users are frustrated with the lack of transparency in property listings.
Homeless individuals struggle to find comprehensive information about available shelters and support services.
By using these user research methods tailored to the context of Sydney Safe Homes, we gain valuable insights into the needs, preferences, and pain points of potential users, ultimately guiding the design of a user-centric solution.
USER RESEARCH: EMPATHY MAPS
USER RESEARCH: EMPATHY MAPS
Empathy Map for Ryan:
What does he see?
Affordable living spaces near his workplace.
Overwhelming information on various rental websites.
What does he hear?
Stories of people struggling to find suitable living spaces.
Feedback from colleagues about their living situations.
What does he think and feel?
Wants a home that feels like his own space to experiment with food.
Worries about finding a mentor and progressing in his culinary career.
Frustrated with the limited time due to work and other commitments.
What does he say and do?
Expresses the desire for a space conducive to his culinary creativity.
Actively searches for mentorship opportunities in the food industry.
Pain Points:
Work-related stress affecting personal life.
Difficulty in balancing work hours and personal aspirations.
Empathy Map for Sarah:
What does she see?
Limited time to find a decent place to live near her hospital.
Inaccessibility of certain rental platforms due to visual impairment.
What does she hear?
Colleagues struggling with housing options near the hospital.
Feedback from friends about their living conditions.
What does she think and feel?
Desires a home that supports her in preventing patient suffering.
Anxious about the lack of time and accessibility in the house-hunting process.
Frustrated with the unavailability of efficient mobile apps due to her visual impairment.
What does she say and do?
Expresses the need for an efficient living space that complements her medical profession.
Actively seeks out options for a convenient living situation.
Pain Points:
Struggles with finding suitable housing options near her workplace.
Accessibility challenges due to her visual impairment.
These empathy maps allow us to step into the shoes of Ryan and Sarah, understanding their perspectives, motivations, and pain points. This understanding is crucial for designing a solution that caters to their specific needs and enhances their overall user experience in seeking safe and secure living spaces.
USER RESEARCH: PAIN POINTS
USER RESEARCH: PAIN POINTS
"Finding the perfect location for us was a difficult and tedious process. I had to take into account our budget, availability of the location, the rules and regulations, and the distance to work and public amenities. It was a hassle trying to balance all of these factors and it took a lot of time and effort."
"I use screen reader technologies to navigate the internet, but it's frustrating to find that so few mobile apps are equipped with this feature. It not only makes it difficult for me to use these apps, but it also feels like a waste of my time. I wish there were more efficient and functional mobile apps that took accessibility into consideration. My time is valuable and I don't want to spend it struggling to use technology that isn't fully accessible."
"Finding a property with a good price or added value in a bustling city can feel like a stroke of luck. However, it's important to remember that the market ultimately determines the price of a property. This can be frustrating for those who are looking for a bargain or trying to find a property that offers something extra in a crowded urban environment."
"Securing an affordable and decent flat in a prime location near the hospital proved to be a challenge. I had to negotiate for discounts and alternative payment terms just to make the cost more reasonable. It was a constant battle to find a place that met my needs and budget in such a sought-after location."
PERSONAS
PERSONAS
Ryan
Age 27
Education Bachelor in Culinary Arts
Hometown Bronte, Sydney
Family Lives with partner
Occupation Line cook
"As a culinary arts graduate and passionate foodie, I love creating unique and delicious experiences for guests, and I also enjoy making special meals for my loved ones. Unfortunately, I haven't had many opportunities to do this in the past, but I am excited about the prospect of being able to cook and create in my own home. I am looking forward to doing a lot of cooking and experimenting with new recipes, and having a living space that I can make my own is a big part of that dream. I want a place that feels like home and allows me to express my creativity and passion for food."
GOALSÂ
Find a mentor to grow food knowledge and passion
Take care of mental health
To develop social skills
To self-sacrifice to achieve dreams
To get creative when inspiration kicks in and freedom to act on it
FRUSTRATIONSÂ
“It is bad when you work long hours with no pay increase.”
“I have to deal with hazard of second hand smoking and food industry substance abuse.”
“I have to go through constant stress and literally standing on my feet all night. It’s difficult when the restaurant is under staff and it gets busy.”
“The search for the best place for us wasn’t that easy. I got to consider our budget, the place availability, the rules, and its distance to work and public amenities.”
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Ryan is a culinary arts graduate and has a thirst for creative food knowledge who wants to find a mentor to guide and teach him to grow passion and creativity in food industry because not achieving this goal will make it difficult for him to progress in his career learning path and diminish his motivations and confidence.
Ryan is a line cook who lives in metropolis and mostly works in the evenings. Ryan prepares and makes doughs for bread and makes all sort of food items on the menu. When it gets busy, Ryan usually helps in plate and food preparation like meat marbling, emulsifying butter sauce and mixing condiments. Ryan cleans up the kitchen station, prepares food list for the next day at the end of his shift. All these Ryan delivers while engaging conversation with colleagues. It was all about time and efficiency. During the daytime, Ryan periodically attends a local cycling club since his partner works from home and is in meetings all day. Ryan is trying to save money on food and transportation so a nearby property to his work is of importance. Ryan’s priority is balancing work with quality time spent on his hobbies and with loved ones. Ryan appreciates a quick check of his friends and loved ones through mobile and his work requires him to be always on the move.
Sarah
Age 42
Education Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Hometown Rushcutters Bay, Sydney
Family Single, lives alone with pet
Occupation Physician
"Achieving our goals is incredibly fulfilling, but unfortunately, the culture of medicine often focuses on treating rather than preventing, which can leave doctors feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from their passion. However, by taking a step back and getting a sense of the bigger picture, we can reignite our passion and find fulfillment in our work. And for many of us, the transformation begins at home - it is where we can take the time to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters to us. A supportive and nurturing home environment can be the foundation for achieving our goals and realizing our full potential."
GOALSÂ
Strategize methods to document patient’s record efficiently to avoid waste of time
To have a reach to patient long term care and prevention program
To correct medical misinformation
As a doctor, to prevent, cure disease and to ease patients suffering
FRUSTRATIONSÂ
“I don’t like spending too much time on documenting patient’s record but it is necessary.”
“I cannot do selected medical procedures because of limited and outdated insurance policy.”
“I cannot go to work early when my dog decides not to poop early.”
“It was a challenge to find a decent place with fair price because the location is quite a prime one near the hospital.”
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Sarah is an outpatient doctor who aims to prevent, cure and ease patients suffering so she can feel accomplished and fulfilled. By not doing so, she felt she's not living up to her standards, expectations and way of life.
Sarah is an outpatient doctor with a busy and demanding schedule. She works unpredictable shifts in a mid-size hospital. Sarah counsels her patients and loves to make connection with them. She uses desktop for research, results and medical record analysis. Sarah always thinks about the bigger picture of treating patient’s illness and not just prevention. At the end of the day, Sarah has to do all the notes completed for her patient's medical record or wake up early in the next day to do the notes. Sarah has a visual impairment for which she uses screen reader technologies. This technology makes using apps and websites much more convenient for Sarah, but not all apps and websites are optimized for screen reader usage. Sarah cares a lot about being available to her patients and is often taking appointments at the last minute. She would like to be able to spend as much of her non-work time as possible on her hobbies and personal life taking care of her pet dog, Sebastian. As she would like to spend quality time in her personal life, her home makes a good foundation to make all these happen. Sarah mentions “I wish there’s more efficient and functional mobile apps because I value my time so much.“
USER JOURNEY MAP
USER JOURNEY MAP
COMPETITIVE AUDIT
COMPETITIVE AUDIT
Our competitive audit report provides a thorough analysis of each competitor's strengths and weaknesses. By examining this data, we were able to identify areas where our service could improve and create opportunities to address any gaps. This information is crucial for staying competitive in the market and ensuring that we are providing the best possible service to our customers.
IDEATION
IDEATION
In order to address the identified weaknesses in our competition, I created an ideation sketch to generate ideas for improving our service. One of my main objectives was to ensure that our service is accessible to all individuals, including both home renters and homeless individuals. Additionally, I wanted to provide crucial information to these groups in order to assist them in their housing search and decision-making process. Through this sketching process, I was able to come up with several potential solutions that could help us bridge the gaps in our competitive landscape and better serve our target audience.
Crazy Eights Ideation
STARTING THE DESIGN
STARTING THE DESIGN
PAPER WIREFRAMES
PAPER WIREFRAMES
Element List: Navigation, Profile, Images, Texts, ButtonsÂ
Stars indicate the chosen elements to make up the initial digital wireframes.
Drafting iterations of each screen of the Dedicated Mobile App on paper is a crucial step in the development process. This ensures that the elements such as navigation, feature exploration flow, and browsing are properly implemented and functional in addressing user pain points. The final version is also structured to provide inclusion and accessibility features, in order to enhance the user's experience in finding a living space and optimize the overall mobile app experience.
Dedicated mobile app paper wireframe
SCREEN SIZE VARIATIONS
At Sydney Safe Homes, customers can easily access our home rental services through a variety of platforms including app, mobile, tablet, and desktop. This allows for a seamless user experience no matter what device you are using. Additionally, our tablet and mobile layout has been carefully designed to optimize the flow of processes and ensure that all elements and components are easily accessible. Overall, this ensures that our customers can easily navigate and utilize our services with ease.
Cross-platform layout and design (Desktop, Mobile and Tablet)
DIGITAL WIREFRAMES
DIGITAL WIREFRAMES
Our home rental service aims to provide a seamless and straightforward process for users to find and select potential properties, as well as manage them in order to make informed decisions. The design focuses on guiding users through a task flow that begins with the Find function, allowing them to efficiently explore a wide range of options. We believe that this approach will help users to easily and efficiently navigate the process of finding and managing their ideal home property.
The Find button is a useful feature for renters who are looking to explore properties that meet their specific requirements. It is located both on the menu and within the app, providing easy access for users. By clicking on the Find button, renters can quickly and easily browse through available properties and begin their search for the perfect home or apartment. This feature is a valuable resource for anyone looking to find rental properties that meet their specific needs and preferences.
As a homeless individual, it can be overwhelming and stressful trying to navigate the various resources and services available to you. That's why we've created a dedicated homeless feature and menu icon on our website, specifically designed to help you easily access the information and assistance you need. With just a few clicks, you'll be able to find information on shelters and other forms of support, without having to run around or spend hours searching. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to find the help you need, so you can focus on getting back on your feet.
Easy and smooth navigation were the primary and key user need to address in the design as well as equipping the design structure with accessibility assistive technologies.
SIGN IN PAGE.
Well designed and organized navigation elements allow the user to take control of the app navigation from sign in to mobile booking and getting the latest deals.
ACCESSIBILITY PAGE.
Inclusion and Accessibility features of the design allows the user to take advantage of the app functionality to the fullest.
SCREEN SIZE VARIATIONS
Cross-platform Homepage (Desktop, Mobile and Tablet)
LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
In preparation for usability study, I created an interactive low fidelity prototype to test the design functionality and the challenges of completing a task flow of finding a property to securing a home rental.
USABILITY STUDY: PARAMETERS
USABILITY STUDY: PARAMETERS
Study type:
Unmoderated usability study
Location:
Sydney NSW, remote
Participants:
5 participants
Length:
30-60 minutes
USABILITY STUDY: AFFINITY DIAGRAM
USABILITY STUDY: AFFINITY DIAGRAM
AFFINITY DIAGRAM. Sorting out information to analyze, synthesize and gather actionable insights.
USABILITY STUDY: FINDINGS
USABILITY STUDY: FINDINGS
Conducting a usability study showed the crucial details users need to do to complete a task that will greatly influence their decision making in home rentals.
1. SAVE HOME SELECTIONS
People need a functionality that allows them to save or bookmark a property they selected so they can return to it later.
2. MANAGE HOME SELECTIONS
People need a straightforward and direct way to access their booked property inspections so they can confidently decide which property to choose from.
3. LISTING MANAGEMENT
Landlords and agents need an interface page to allow them to manage property listing so they can add, edit or delete a property.
REFINING THE DESIGN
REFINING THE DESIGN
DESIGN SYSTEM
DESIGN SYSTEM
TYPOGRAPHY
MAIN TYPEFACE: CABIN
Cabin SemiBold 32pt
Cabin Normal 32 pt
Cabin Normal 24pt
Cabin Normal 22pt
Cabin SemiBold 20pt
Cabin Bold 20pt
Cabin Normal 20pt
Cabin Normal 17pt
Cabin Normal 16pt
Cabin Normal 14pt
Cabin Normal 12pt
LOGO & COLORS
ICONOGRAPHY & COMPONENTS
Iconography
Components
MOCKUPS
MOCKUPS
The initial design had no save, bookmark or like icons to put a seal on their selected properties. After the usability testing, a heart icon and back button were added to put a save functionality to the app so users can simply save all the favorites and access them whenever.
BEFORE Usability Study
AFTER Usability Study
The initial design did not have a way to access the list of their booked property for inspections. The AFTER design state provided a straightforward and direct way to access their booked property for inspections so they can confidently decide which property to choose from.
BEFORE Usability Study
AFTER Usability Study
MOCKUPS: ORIGINAL SCREEN SIZE
MOCKUPS: ORIGINAL SCREEN SIZE
Homepage mockup
Rental category mockup
Shelter for Homeless mockup
Accessibility mockup
HIGH-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
HIGH-FIDELITY PROTOTYPE
After the first usability testing, iterations to the design in high fidelity mockups and prototype were included so users can smoothly navigate the app and complete the task of finding living spaces confidently.
ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
Incorporated accessible
colors, fonts and contrast
throughout the app to
make it easier for visually
impaired.
Clear and focused navigational flow of task were taken in considerations so home renters can find living spaces and homeless can view important shelter and help information easily.
Accessibility features available in the app includes control for focus, zoom, text size, display options. Screen readers can read the text embedded on images.
ITERATIVE USABILITY TESTING: INSIGHTS
ITERATIVE USABILITY TESTING: INSIGHTS
Incorporating a diligent iterative approach post-refinement, I orchestrated a vital second round of usability testing at Sydney Safe Homes. The objective was clear: validate design enhancements, glean fresh user insights, and fortify the user experience. Results proved insightful, affirming the intuitiveness of save functions, efficiency of categorized property listings, and the widened usability spectrum with improved accessibility features. These findings steered further design iterations, intricately aligning with user feedback. This meticulous iterative process guaranteed a seamless, user-focused product before transitioning to the development phase, embodying our commitment to excellence.
RESPONSIVE DESIGN
RESPONSIVE DESIGN
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
After designing the app project, I created a sitemap for responsive website. It serves as a guide to make the whole website organized, structured, cohesive and coherent.
Sitemap
RESPONSIVE DESIGNS
RESPONSIVE DESIGNS
The designs for screen size variation were for mobile, tablet and desktop platform. Each design has variations to optimize the overall typography, image size and layout to fit each device and screen size for different user needs.
Cross-platform Homepage (Desktop, Mobile and Tablet)
RESPONSIVE DESIGN MOCKUPS
RESPONSIVE DESIGN MOCKUPS
Homepage mockup in Macbook Pro
GOING FORWARD
GOING FORWARD
POST LAUNCH ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
POST LAUNCH ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Overview
This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the remote user testing conducted on the Sydney Safe Homes app. The feedback and observations were gathered from a diverse user group representing various demographics. The research took place around March 2023.
RESEARCH METHOD
Remote
Unmoderated
Metropolitan areas
27 active participants out of 30
20-40 minutes
Score Label Ratings:
10 - 29%: Very Dissatisfied
30 - 49%: Dissatisfied
50 - 69%: Neutral
70 - 89%: Satisfied
90-100%: Very Satisfied
Percentage Ratings
Ease of Navigation: 71.48% (Satisfactory)
Loading Speed: 72.59% (Satisfactory)
Search Functionality: 71.85% (Satisfactory)
Accuracy of Information: 67.04% (Neutral)
Overall Satisfaction: 74.44% (Satisfactory)
Likelihood of Recommendation: 76.30% (Satisfactory)
Average Rating: 72.28% (Satisfactory)
Remote User Testing Results
User Experience Analysis
1. Ease of Navigation
Users found the navigation of the app to be moderately easy, rating it an average of 71.48%. While the majority of users navigated the app without major issues, some suggested that adding more filter options could enhance the user experience.
2. Loading Speed
The loading speed of the app received a rating of 72.59%, indicating a generally satisfactory experience. However, there were occasional delays reported, suggesting a need for optimization to enhance the overall speed.
3. Search Functionality
The search functionality was rated at 71.85%. Users found it to be generally useful but suggested adding more refined search options for a more efficient search experience.
4. Accuracy of Information
Users rated the accuracy and relevance of the property information at 67.04%. Some users felt that certain details were unclear or not entirely relevant, suggesting a need for improvement in presenting property information.
5. Overall Satisfaction
Overall, users expressed a satisfactory experience with the app, giving it an average rating of 74.44%. Users appreciated the app's potential but recommended minor improvements to optimize functionality and enhance user satisfaction.
6. Likelihood of Recommendation
The likelihood of users recommending the app to others was rated at 76.30%, indicating a high level of satisfaction and a strong potential for user advocacy.
Recommendations
Enhanced Search Functionality:
Improve the search feature by adding more filter options and optimizing the search algorithm for better accuracy and relevance.
Optimize Loading Speed:
Address the occasional delays and slow loading times to improve user satisfaction and ensure a smoother browsing experience.
Clarify Property Details:
Enhance the display of property details to ensure clarity and ease of understanding for users, aiding in informed decision-making.
Simplify User Interface:
Streamline the app's interface to enhance usability, making it more intuitive and user-friendly.
User Education:
Include an informative onboarding process to guide users, particularly new and younger users, through the app's features and functionalities.
Conclusion
The user testing analysis provides valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement of the Sydney Safe Homes app. Implementing the recommended enhancements will undoubtedly elevate the user experience, making the app more appealing and user-centric. The positive overall satisfaction rating indicates the potential for high user adoption and recommendation with the appropriate improvements.
TAKEAWAYS
TAKEAWAYS
IMPACT
"The project participants were thrilled to learn about the innovative app that we have developed to help them make informed decisions about their home rentals, and to provide valuable resources and support to individuals experiencing homelessness. This app is not only user-friendly and easy to navigate, but it also offers a wealth of information and resources that can help those in need find shelter and support to get back on track. Our goal is to empower individuals to take control of their housing situation and make informed decisions, and to provide support and resources to those who are struggling. We believe that this app has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of many, and we are committed to ensuring its success. Join us in this important cause and help us make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most."
WHAT I LEARNED
"Finding a safe and comfortable home is a basic human need, but for too many individuals, it remains out of reach. As someone who has spent a significant amount of time studying and researching the challenges faced by homeless individuals and renters, I am passionate about finding solutions to this critical problem. That's why I'm excited to share with you this innovative project that I have developed. It is not only designed to help those in need find a suitable living space, but it also provides valuable resources and support to homeless individuals. I believe that this project has the potential to change lives for the better, and I am committed to making it a success. I urge you to join me in this important cause and help us make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most."
-DG, Lead UX Designer
PEER FEEDBACK QUOTE
"As a person with disabilities living in Sydney, I understand the unique challenges and barriers that many of us face when it comes to finding a safe and accessible place to call home. That's why I'm so passionate about this service, which not only offers a wide range of rental options for those in need, but also provides valuable information and support for the homeless community. I truly believe that this service has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many, and I encourage you to explore what it has to offer."
-Participant
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS
Refine the App Based on Feedback: Prioritize and implement necessary improvements to the app based on the feedback and insights gathered from the remote user testing. Address the identified issues and enhance the user experience accordingly.
Regularly Update Homeless Shelter Information: Implement a system for regular updates of homeless shelter information. Keeping this data current and up-to-date is essential for assisting potential homeless individuals with accurate details on available resources.
Introduce a Renters' Loyalty Program: To encourage responsible renting behavior, consider implementing a renters' loyalty program. Reward renters with good payment history and other incentives to promote financial responsibility and enhance user satisfaction.
LET'S CONNECT
LET'S CONNECT
Dear Readers,
Thank you so much for taking the time to review my project, Sydney Safe Homes. I am truly grateful for your consideration and support.
Sydney Safe Homes is an innovative project that is dedicated to helping communities find safe and comfortable living spaces. We are committed to providing a wide range of rental options for those in need, as well as valuable resources and support for the homeless community.
I believe that this project has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of many, and I am excited to continue working on it and expanding its reach. If you are interested in collaborating with me on future projects, I would love to hear from you. Let's connect and discuss how we can work together to promote social good and make a positive impact in the lives of those who need it most.
Thank you again for your time and support. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
DG
Lead UX Designer
At Jamora UXDesign, we understand that beautiful design is not enough. Our human-centered approach ensures that every project we undertake delivers real business results, creating meaningful connections with your customers that set you apart in a competitive market. Let us help you achieve your business goals through exceptional user experiences.
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