HomeNest
Overview
HomeNest is more than just a property search tool; it's a comprehensive platform that empowers users to explore, compare, and connect with properties that meet their unique needs and preferences
Role
In the HomeNest project, my role as a UX/UI Designer was focused on UI design with a mobile-first strategy, aiming for user-friendly experiences across various screen sizes. Working closely with my mentor, I iteratively improved the design by prioritizing functionality while maintaining a clean and visually appealing aesthetic, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience
Problem Statement
Efficiently navigate property search platforms for informed decision-making
Rashida struggles to efficiently navigate property search platforms that lack user-friendly interfaces and fail to provide comprehensive information aligned with her preferences. This results in time-consuming searches, difficulty in inputting relevant criteria, challenges in revisiting listings of interest, and a lack of detailed property information, hindering her decision-making process
Possible Solution
Intuitive app platform streamlining Rashida’s property search
HomeNest addresses Rashida's challenges by offering a user-centric platform with intuitive navigation, efficient input options for criteria selection, easy access to favorite listings, and detailed property information. Through a streamlined interface and data-driven insights, HomeNest empowers Rashida to make informed property decisions quickly and confidently, enhancing her overall real estate experience and achieving her financial security goals
Design Thinking Process
01. Empathize
UX Design & Research
The main focus of this project was on UI aspects, with CareerFoundry providing the necessary information for the research phase to empathize with users like Rashida. By leveraging the provided user persona and user stories, I gained a deep understanding of the users' needs, motivations, and pain points. This understanding was crucial in designing a user-centric interface for HomeNest that addresses functional requirements and enhances the overall user experience
02. Define
User Persona
While CareerFoundry provided the user persona and user stories, I took ownership of the rest of the project. This helped me to expand my knowledge and also enabled me to craft a well-informed and effective design solution
03. Ideate
User Flows
Utilizing the insights from the user persona and stories, I developed tailored user flows based the needs of our users. Additionally, I focused on creating a smooth navigation experience for users like Rashida within the HomeNest app
04. Design
Wireframes
As part of the design process, I adopted a mobile-first approach to ensure that the design is accessible to all users. To establish the initial structure and layout of the design, I created low-fidelity and mid-fidelity wireframes that highlighted key features and functionalities
Responsive Breakpoints
Responsive breakpoints in the HomeNest app are carefully designed to ensure a seamless user experience for Rashida, allowing her to access and use the app effortlessly across various devices
Moodboard
The design aesthetic of HomeNest is inspired by warm earthy tones, minimalist elements, and a touch of modern elegance, creating a visually inviting and harmonious environment. The color palette, consisting of greens, warm browns, and sunflower yellows, reflects a sense of comfort, coziness, and natural beauty, resonating with users like Rashida who seek a nurturing and welcoming digital experience
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Visual Style Guide
You can see the full Style Guide here
Final Mockups
Animation
You can see the animation file here
Conclusions
After completing my graduation in UX Design, embarking on the HomeNest project was an enriching experience that allowed me to expand my knowledge into visual and UI principles, areas in which I had much to learn. Designing the UI for HomeNest from scratch was not only a learning opportunity but also a creatively fulfilling journey.Choosing this project with a UX mindset was a strategic decision that seamlessly merged my passion for architecture with the dynamic realm of real estate technology.Drawing on my architectural background, I quickly grasped the significance of design principles, functionality, and user experience in crafting a platform that not only offers comprehensive property information but also embodies aesthetic appeal and intuitive design. My goal was to develop a product that not only meets user needs in terms of functionality and usability but also pays attention to aesthetics and interactions
Next Steps
- Conduct user interviews and competitive analysis to better frame the problem and analyze existing solutions
- Develop and test interactive design elements and user engagement strategies
- Iterate based on user feedback and A/B testing outcomes to refine the platform continuously
- Expand new features to cater to different breakpoints and ensure a seamless experience across various devices
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The Prototype
