NEIGHBORLY
Moving to a new place can be overwhelming. Finding a safe and comfortable home is essential, but navigating countless listings with unclear photos adds stress.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What are the biggest challenges faced by people relocating to a new place when searching for housing?
PROBLEM
Research uncovered significant housing search challenges for newcomers, particularly those relocating internationally. These included verifying neighborhood safety, avoiding scams and inaccurate listings, and overcoming a lack of local expertise. These findings directly informed solution development.
IMPORTANCE OF SAFE HOUSING
Finding safe accommodation in a new country is a significant challenge with far-reaching effects.
Unsafe housing can detrimentally impact a person's academic or work performance, mental health, and overall experience in a new environment.
This is particularly relevant given that, according to UNESCO, over 6 million students pursue higher education internationally each year, highlighting the critical need to address this issue.
SOLUTION
To address the challenges, several solutions were identified :
Sharing real-time images and videos
Safe choices using reliable crime data
Direct communication with current residents
UNDERSTANDING THE USER
During the research phase, interviews were conducted with a diverse group of users to gain insights into the challenges faced when relocating to a new city.
Needs
Transparency and Trust
Local insights
Connection with residents
Motivations
Academic success
Security
Cultural immersion
Frustrations
Unreliable online listing
Lack of knowledge
Safety concerns
USABILITY TESTING
The crime rate map was a little congested. Besides crime data, more information like transport, and walking scores could be shown.
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The users found clicking around multiple pages to reach their desired page quite tiring and effortful.
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The know your location page doesn’t satisfy the user. It can be improved by adding some other important information.
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The ability to chat with residents directly was the most valued feature as they were able to get necessary information like real time images which highly impacted their decision.
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BEFORE
Explore the neighborhood based on the crime rating
See the list of areas that you should avoid in the neighborhood
Real time crime data update of the selected area
TURNING POINT
Redefining User Experience for Enhanced Clarity: The initial design lacked a strong connection to its core purpose, particularly in terms of visual communication.
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Revamping the Map for User-Centered Insights: Another critical turning point came when users expressed that the map feature, as initially designed, did not provide enough actionable information to support their decision-making process.
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AFTER
Discover the location
Neighborhood at a glance
Stay aware of potential risks nearby
FINAL DESIGN
Clarity and streamlined navigation are vital for users seeking housing in a new city during the process. Ambiguous information adds unnecessary stress, highlighting the need for clear details.
Simplified navigation helps users access crucial information easily, reducing overwhelm.