Apartments.com
Pick a city. We’ll take care of the rest.
My Role
Searching for a home is a tedious process. It can take weeks to months to find the perfect home with the right conditions, price, and neighborhood. Relying on the descriptions of landlords or property managers is a big risk. This has led to an increase in apps out there that have made the search for housing easier. Apartments is a good example of an app that provide users with listings of available rental properties.
Team
SunAh J Lee, Jasmin Yang, Jennifer T. Chong
Timeframe
1 Month
Platform
iOS Mobile Application
Tools
Google Sheets, Post-it's, Abstract, Sketch App, Invision App
The Challenge
Improving Apartments to provide better user flow. Changing it’s weaknesses and providing a better service for users searching for a home.
The Approach
Perfecting key features that have high presence within Apartments. Adding useful tools to enhance usability. Improving Apartments by comparing with other competitors in the market. Carefully reassessing qualities that can be improved by performing comprehensive tests.
Current App
My Commute
PROS: Feature that allows the user to calculate and find properties near their work.
CONS: There is much room for improvement, inluding the need for ‘travel mode’ to be equipped with more detailed options for public transportation.
Pen Tool
PROS: Another feature that can assist when searching is the ‘pen’ tool. User can draw on the map and locate specific areas to search properties.
CONS: It takes too many steps to find rental prices. Can improve on pin display.
3D View
PROS: Most images of listings have ‘3D’ view options which is a very helpful tool for those who are not able to schedule a viewing in person.
CONS: Most of the properties do not have the ‘3D view’ option. As an alternative, all rentals should have 10+ images of each property.
Listing
PROS: Property listing provides # of beds, bath, monthly rent, and availability.
CONS: Apartments does not have a feed of new listings. Instead, user must click and filter through to find new listings. ‘Renter tools’ can be improved to reduce repetitive activities.
Description
PROS: Apartments provide a good detail of property information.
CONS: Limited neighborhood information such as, restaurants, shops, and crime rate. Cannot view street or map view of property without exiting app and searching on Google Maps.
Filter
PROS: An option to filter user’s wants and needs in a future home.
CONS: This section could use more categories to improve user search.
Reframing the Problem
Strengths
‘My commute’ feature: calculate commute near potential rental. Provide 3D views of property.
Weaknesses
Does not provide new listings on a daily basis, cannot visually see cost of homes/neighborhoods until specific home is selected.
Opportunities
Adding detailed information of the landlord and the history of rental property. Providing Real-time trustworthy listings for renters and more information about the neighborhood. Additional helpful tools for users who have an account with apartments.
Threats
There are many competitive apps available that are serving the same purpose. Apartments must stand out as a better choice in searching for new homes with helpful tools and a smoother transition.
Comparative & Competitive Analysis
User Interviews & Findings
Goals
Find a safe neighborhood
Find reasonable drive to work
Find a home in the right budget
Find a home with all desired amenities (central air, hardwood floors, etc.)
More info and history of property & property manager/landlord
Option to explore neighborhood such as schools, restaurants, stores, etc.
Motivation
Moving to a better neighborhood
Close vicinity to public transportation
Rent controlled properties
Pet friendly
Having personal space
Problem
Not enough description and listed amenities
Poor image qualities of properties
Lack of information on landlord/management
Needs more reviews from previous tenants
Cannot view neighborhood via app
Inaccurate descriptions and filters
“It takes too much time to go and see a property. Instead, a minimum of 10 good quality pictures of the property should be a requirement for property managers and landlords.”
— Andrew
“More information of the neighborhood such as, google map view/street view, crime, shops and restaurants are my key points when I look for a rental.”
— Nanna
Used Platforms
Through our user interviews it was important to define the platforms used to search for new homes.
Apps & Web usage were the most prominent tools to search new homes.
Searching for a home via real estate agent was also touched upon when one of the interviewees were looking to purchase a home.
Word of mouth/recommendation is helpful when it comes from a reliable source or a friend/family.
User Persona
Site Map
Sketches & Wireframe
Improved Apartments Key Features
Improved Filter
From number of bedrooms to amenities and more. Searching for the perfect home with wanted features have improved with visual icons. Users now have the ability to specify property types, building amenities, square footage, and more.
Refined Search
Improved Apartments display monthly rental price on the map. Using Google Maps to familiarize users with restaurants, schools, public transit, etc. the search is more relatable than current Apartments map. Features like filter, sort, price, and explore are also within easy reach for users to update search.
Daily New Listings
Users that have an account with Apartments have easier access to new listings on a daily basis. Providing new listings in areas the user have searched previously. Current Apartments does not have this feature. This will allow users to save time searching for daily new listings.
Explore Neighborhood
Provides user with an overview of the neighborhood they selected. From map and street views, users can visually imagine what it would be like to live in the selected neighborhood. Additional information such as crime rate, schools, commute to work, restaurants and more. are provided to clarify user’s decision to make the move.
Property Listing
Detailed information about property, neighborhood, crime, schools, and more are listed in each property listing. This includes user’s selected filters, 3D view of property, minimum of 10 or more images, street/map view, and more. Reviews from previous and/or current tenants can also be found. Information about the property manager is also listed with open house schedules to make quick appointments.
Renter Tools
Help users utilize Apartments App by organizing schedules and notes. By adding calendar, appointments, and open house features, users can easily track open house appointments and more.
Profile
Designed to save user’s information for quick and easy application submission. This portion is designed to help user reduce repetitive activity and to save time.
Calendar
Organizes all upcoming appointments. Users can also track their previous appointments.
Appointment Details
Provide detailed information about the listing such as the manager information. Also allows easy access to call, edit, and cancel the appointment.
Favorites
Has all the properties user have favorited. With a simple tap to email, call, or view calendar, user can easily contact property for more information.
Favorites Off Market
Properties that go off market are notified and moved to the ‘off market’ section of favorites.
Notes
Adding detailed notes, checklist, and photos of each property will help user decide on which property suit them best. This tool is designed to help users reference their notes and compare other properties they have viewed.
Explore Apartments
Pick a city. We’ll take care of the rest.
Next Steps
Improving Apartments.com website to coordinate with the app. Providing the same experience via web & app.