WIREFRAME SKETCHES
BACKGROUND
MISSION STATEMENT
Whether you're a student at the University of Michigan or studying elsewhere, you likely understand the challenges of navigating the campus housing market. I, as a current junior at U of M, would know. From the struggle of subleasing your apartment while abroad to the difficulty of finding suitable accommodation for your friend group, it can be a real hassle. That's where M-Lease steps in – offering an effective and friendly solution to these common issues.
THE PROBLEM
The difficulties and frustrations associated with navigating the housing market for University of Michigan students, including challenges with subleasing, finding suitable accommodation, and connecting with trustworthy housemates.
SOLUTION & GOALS
The goal is to reduce stress associated with subleasing, streamline the search for suitable accommodation and housemates, and enhance the overall experience of navigating the campus housing market.
How Might We (HMWs)
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How might we incentivize students to use M-Lease for their housing needs?
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How might we ensure that M-Lease is user-friendly and intuitive for both experienced and first-time users?
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How might we encourage students to provide accurate information and maintain transparency in their housing listings?
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How might we tailor M-Lease's features to address the specific needs and preferences of different student demographics?
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How might we leverage technology to enhance the security and authentication measures of M-Lease, ensuring a safe and reliable user experience?
Design Process
Define, research, plan, iterate, gather feedback, and conduct user testing.
USER RESEARCH
In order to understand the problem and the users needs, I conducted primary and secondary research methods including survey and online discovery.
MARKET RESEARCH
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Demographics: Understand the demographics of University of Michigan students, including their age, year of study, residency status (on-campus or off-campus), and preferences regarding housing options
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Housing Trends: Analyze current trends in the University of Michigan housing market, such as the demand for different types of accommodation (apartments, houses, shared rooms), average rental prices, popular neighborhoods, and amenities preferred by students
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Competitor Analysis: Evaluate existing housing platforms or services targeting University of Michigan students to identify their strengths, weaknesses, pricing models, user experience, and market penetration
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User Needs and Pain Points: Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups with University of Michigan students to gather insights into their housing needs, preferences, challenges, and frustrations when searching for accommodation or finding housemates
USER RESEARCH
For the survey aspect of my research process, I created a google forms with questions that would provide data as to whether this app was worthy of exploring. Users were notified that their response would be anonymous to unsure the utmost of honesty; in total, I received 37 responses.
Written: If you found it difficult, what was the reason?
The sites I went on were not organized and very vague. I get frustrated and quit looking.
Every house had too many or not enough rooms; it isn't easy to find another person to house with us.
Can't find enough housing options close to campus.
Difficult to verify who is a U-M student or scammer
Hard to know what houses/apartments are available and nobody answers emails
Studying Abroad
Junior/Senior Housing
16.7%
27.8%
55.5%
What was your reason for buying/selling?
Where have you searched/sold housing?
From Friends
21.4%
50%
21.4%
7.14%
KEY TAKEAWAY
Out of a group of 43 students, 96.5% have searched for housing, and all found the process challenging for various reasons.
Have you ever looked to buy or sell a lease in Ann Arbor?
Answered "Yes"
96.5%
96.5%
Answered "Yes"
If yes, have you found it difficult?
USER PERSONA & JOURNEY
WIREFRAME SKETCHES
"Crazy Eight" wireframe sketches - quick, concise drawings of some of M-Lease's main frames.
THE PRODUCT
SIGN IN / SIGN UP & PROFILE
MLease requires users to log in, prompting new users to create a personal profile. For security, access to the application is restricted to those with a University of Michigan email and UMID.
SEARCH ENGINE
These key frames highlight M-Lease's main feature: filtering and searching properties in the Ann Arbor market. Zoom into a town, apply filters for location, price, and type, and browse the options. Click on a property for details and to message current tenants with any questions you may have directly through the direct messaging feature.
ROOMMATE SEARCH
The second key feature of M-Lease is the roommate search. Above your direct messages, you'll find recommended roommates based on your previously entered preferences. You can also browse postings from students seeking roommates, view potential houses, and directly message the tenants from these postings.
TAKEAWAYS
USER EXPERIENCE
Simplifies the process of finding suitable accommodations and connecting with reliable roommates through user preferences and advanced search filters.
ADDRESSING KEY CHALLENGES
Tackles the main difficulties faced by students in the housing market, such as subleasing challenges, the complexity of finding group accommodations, and verifying the authenticity of listings and fellow students. By requiring University of Michigan email and UMID for signup, the app enhances security and ensures a reliable user experience.
MARKET ADAPTION AND USER INSIGHT
Comprehensive user and market research, including surveys and demographic studies of University of Michigan students. This research helps tailor the app's features to meet specific needs and preferences, such as proximity to campus and desired amenities, and addresses common pain points like disorganized listings and communication barriers.