In-Progress: Landlord Comparison App
A project to empower tenants
Welcome to my design portfolio page showcasing my work on an in-progress personal project—a mobile application aimed at empowering tenants by allowing them to compare landlords and property management companies. This app was inspired by my own struggle with finding housing and the realization that tenants lack an easy way to access information about landlords. Through preliminary market research, user feedback, and a low-fidelity prototype, I have embarked on a journey to address this niche user problem.
Problem Statement
The current housing market favors landlords who have access to tenant background checks and historical information, while tenants lack a similar tool to make informed decisions about prospective landlords. The absence of a platform for tenants to compare and evaluate landlords has led to frustrations within the community. From landlords that rake forever to fulfil maintenance requests to landlords promptly respond to messages, there are very few ways to know what you are going to get until you've already signed a lease. To bridge this gap, I am developing an app that empowers tenants by providing them with comprehensive information and enabling them to make more informed decisions when selecting housing options.
Market and User Research
To gain a deeper understanding of the market and user needs, I conducted preliminary research. Using a Google Form, I gathered insights from individuals who have experienced challenges in the housing search process. In addition to demographic questions, the form asked questions such as; How important is having a good landlord to your living experience? What do you think makes a good landlord? and What do you think makes a bad landlord?
The form responses were very enlightening. 66% of interviewees said that having a good landlord was very important to their living experience, highlighting the need for an easy way to gather information on landlords and to compare them. 83% of interviewees mentioned responsiveness or communication being a key factor of a good landlord, with good maintenance being the second most valued trait. 76% of interviewees mentioned bad communication or dishonesty as a trait of a bad landlord.
Design Approach
With the insights gained from market and user research, I embarked on designing a low-fidelity prototype. The primary objective of the prototype was to create a user-friendly interface that caters to tenants' needs, focusing on ease of use and intuitive navigation. By incorporating key features identified during research, such as landlord profiles, tenant reviews, and landlord ratings, the prototype aimed to provide a comprehensive experience for users.
Prototype Overview
The low-fidelity prototype showcases the core functionalities and user flows of the landlord comparison app. The design prioritizes simplicity, with a clean and modern aesthetic. Here are some key features:
1. User Registration and Profile Creation: Users can create an account and set up their profiles, enabling them to contribute to the community and access personalized recommendations.
2. Search and Filtering: A robust search functionality allows users to find landlords and property management companies based on location, property type, and other relevant filters.
3. Landlord Profiles: Each landlord has a dedicated profile page displaying essential information such as contact details, property portfolio, and tenant reviews.
4. Tenant Reviews: Users can leave reviews and ratings for landlords they have previously rented from, sharing their experiences and providing valuable insights for future tenants.
5. Property Ratings: Users can rate specific properties, considering factors like maintenance, amenities, and overall living experience, providing an additional layer of evaluation.
Lo-Fi Prototype
Next Steps
As the project progresses, I intend to refine the low fidelity prototype with more research before moving forward with user testing. This research will refine the app's features, improve the user experience, and ensure the platform's scalability and security.
Conclusion
Creating an app to compare landlords and property management companies has the potential to empower tenants and address a significant pain point in the housing market. Through preliminary market research, user feedback, and the creation of a low-fidelity prototype, I have laid the foundation for a user-centric platform that will revolutionize the way tenants make housing decisions. I am excited to continue working on this project and bring it closer to fruition, with the aim of providing tenants with the information they need to make informed choices and fostering a more transparent housing