Group Project
Module: Streamlining Homeowner-Builder Communication
Group Project
Module: Streamlining Homeowner-Builder Communication
Group Project
Module: Streamlining Homeowner-Builder Communication
Role
UX/UI Designer
Timeline
3-wk sprint, March - April 2024
Tools
Figma
FigJam
Optimal Workshop
Adobe Contrast Checker
Adobe Color Blind Safe
Stark Accessibility Tools
Methods
User Interviews
Heuristic Evaluation
Affinity Mapping
Persona
Journey Mapping
Problem Statement
Solution Statement
Task Flow
Card Sorting
C&C Analysis
Feature Prioritization
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing
Role
UX/UI Designer
Timeline
3-wk sprint, March - April 2024
Tools
Figma
FigJam
Optimal Workshop
Adobe Contrast Checker
Adobe Color Blind Safe
Stark Accessibility Tools
Role
UX/UI Designer
Timeline
3-wk sprint, March - April 2024
Tools
Figma
FigJam
Optimal Workshop
Adobe Contrast Checker
Adobe Color Blind Safe
Stark Accessibility Tools
Methods
User Interviews
Heuristic Evaluation
Affinity Mapping
Persona
Site Mapping
Problem Statement
Solution Statement
Task Flow
Card Sorting
C&C Analysis
Feature Prioritization
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing
Methods
User Interviews
Heuristic Evaluation
Affinity Mapping
Persona
Site Mapping
Problem Statement
Solution Statement
Task Flow
Card Sorting
C&C Analysis
Feature Prioritization
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing
Methods
User Interviews
Heuristic Evaluation
Affinity Mapping
Persona
Site Mapping
Problem Statement
Solution Statement
Task Flow
Card Sorting
C&C Analysis
Feature Prioritization
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing
Methods
User Interviews
Heuristic Evaluation
Affinity Mapping
Persona
Site Mapping
Problem Statement
Solution Statement
Task Flow
Card Sorting
C&C Analysis
Feature Prioritization
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing
A Dream Team from the Start
As we developed our working agreement, my partners, Amira and Shayna, and I identified that we already aligned in our working preferences, personalities, availability, and gentrification concerns.
The latter of which was crucial to create a socially-conscious app for Module — a company that seeks to provide affordable, stylish pre-fabricated housing.
A Dream Team from the Start
As we developed our working agreement, my partners, Amira and Shayna, and I identified that we already aligned in our working preferences, personalities, availability, and gentrification concerns.
The latter of which was crucial to create a socially-conscious app for Module — a company that seeks to provide affordable, stylish pre-fabricated housing.
A Dream Team from the Start
As we developed our working agreement, my partners, Amira and Shayna, and I identified that we already aligned in our working preferences, personalities, availability, and gentrification concerns.
The latter of which was crucial to create a socially-conscious app for Module — a company that seeks to provide affordable, stylish pre-fabricated housing.
Building the Foundation
I facilitated our first Zoom meeting, because both Amira and Shayna were (at first) more shy than me. I initiated a conversation about the areas we wanted to grow in, with my characteristic vulnerability, and together, we identified which stages of the design process we each felt least confident in. I encouraged each of us to take the lead on those stages to make them feel less intimidating.
As our first day progressed, I learned to verbalize what I was thinking and doing to keep us on the same page and frequently utilized screen-sharing.
However, I wanted to encourage them to also take up space, so on our second day, I led our first group stand-up and suggested that we take turns in leading the class debrief. Shay volunteered to lead the first class debrief, which I celebrated to continue setting a joyous tone for our collaboration.
Pivoting Together
My first major learning moment came when Amira determined that the research questions that I had taken the lead in creating were not helpful for her first interview. More closely assessing Module's purpose, she and Shay worked on them while I met with our project manager, and Shay had excellent suggestions on how to bolster them.
When I returned, they presented the revised questions to me, and I put aside my insecurity to celebrate them and their thoughtful work.
From then on, I loved watching both Amira and Shay rapidly grow in confidence in voicing their concerns and opinions. For instance, Amira took charge and volunteered to do our second stand-up.
We had quickly established that three soft-spoken Asian femmes didn’t need permission to exhibit leadership qualities and initiate close collaboration.
Balancing Solo and Collaborative Tasks
Our collaboration built a quick but solid foundation of trust, leading to us making steady progress faster than the rest of the teams in our class.
In my solo work, I held my first joint interview of a couple, and I loved hearing them call each other out and course-correct together in their recollections and suggestions about how to make a Module iOS app that they would feel worthy to keep after the house construction progress had completed.
With pride, I presented some of our major milestones so far in a group stand-up in front of our class. In our first week together, we had completed 5 interviews with realtors and homeowners of different generations.
We had also celebrated Amira for her excellent C&C review (SWOT, feature analysis), because it had been an area that she had been unsure about previously, but performed with exemplary care.
Strengths
Innovative Concept: Module offers a modern and innovative approach to housing solutions through modular construction, while also appealing to consumers seeking efficiency and sustainability.
Quality Assurance: The modular construction process enables better quality control and consistency in construction.
Sustainability: Modular Housing emphasizes eco-friendly construction practices and materials, aligning with growing demand for sustainable housing options and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Cost Efficiency: Pre-fab components and their assembly process can lead to cost-saving construction, making them more affordable compared to conventional homes.
Opportunities
Affordable Housing Solutions: Module Housing has the potential to address affordable housing challenges by providing cost-effective and scalable housing solutions in high-demand urban areas.
Growing Market Demand: Increasing interest in sustainable and efficient construction practices presents opportunities for an expanded customer base.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Forming strategic partnerships with developers, architects, and other stakeholders in the construction industry can facilitate market expansion and increase project opportunities.
Threats
Public Perception: Negative perceptions about modular construction methods could hinder consumer acceptance, limiting market growth potential.
Competitive Landscape: Competition from traditional homebuilders and other modular housing companies may limit Module's growth.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Shortages of materials could impact production timelines and project delivery, resulting in delays and potentially, increased costs.
Weaknesses
Perception Challenges: Some consumers may perceive modular homes as lower quality or less durable than traditionally-built homes, leading to skepticism.
Limited Market Awareness: Module Housing may face challenges in reaching potential customers due to limited awareness or understanding of modular construction methods.
Balancing Solo and Collaborative Tasks
Our collaboration built a quick but solid foundation of trust, leading to us making steady progress faster than the rest of the teams in our class.
In my solo work, I held my first joint interview of a couple, and I loved hearing them call each other out and course-correct together in their recollections and suggestions about how to make a Module iOS app that they would feel worthy to keep after the house construction progress had completed.
With pride, I presented some of our major milestones so far in a group stand-up in front of our class. In our first week together, we had completed 5 interviews with realtors and homeowners of different generations.
We had also celebrated Amira for her excellent C&C review (SWOT, feature analysis), because it had been an area that she had been unsure about previously, but performed with exemplary care.
Strengths
Innovative Concept: Module offers a modern and innovative approach to housing solutions through modular construction, while also appealing to consumers seeking efficiency and sustainability.
Quality Assurance: The modular construction process enables better quality control and consistency in construction.
Sustainability: Modular Housing emphasizes eco-friendly construction practices and materials, aligning with growing demand for sustainable housing options and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Cost Efficiency: Pre-fab components and their assembly process can lead to cost-saving construction, making them more affordable compared to conventional homes.
Opportunities
Affordable Housing Solutions: Module Housing has the potential to address affordable housing challenges by providing cost-effective and scalable housing solutions in high-demand urban areas.
Growing Market Demand: Increasing interest in sustainable and efficient construction practices presents opportunities for an expanded customer base.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Forming strategic partnerships with developers, architects, and other stakeholders in the construction industry can facilitate market expansion and increase project opportunities.
Threats
Public Perception: Negative perceptions about modular construction methods could hinder consumer acceptance, limiting market growth potential.
Competitive Landscape: Competition from traditional homebuilders and other modular housing companies may limit Module's growth.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Shortages of materials could impact production timelines and project delivery, resulting in delays and potentially, increased costs.
Weaknesses
Perception Challenges: Some consumers may perceive modular homes as lower quality or less durable than traditionally-built homes, leading to skepticism.
Limited Market Awareness: Module Housing may face challenges in reaching potential customers due to limited awareness or understanding of modular construction methods.
Balancing Solo and Collaborative Tasks
Our collaboration built a quick but solid foundation of trust, leading to us making steady progress faster than the rest of the teams in our class.
In my solo work, I held my first joint interview of a couple, and I loved hearing them call each other out and course-correct together in their recollections and suggestions about how to make a Module iOS app that they would feel worthy to keep after the house construction progress had completed.
With pride, I presented some of our major milestones so far in a group stand-up in front of our class. In our first week together, we had completed 5 interviews with realtors and homeowners of different generations.
We had also celebrated Amira for her excellent C&C review (SWOT, feature analysis), because it had been an area that she had been unsure about previously, but performed with exemplary care.
Strengths
Innovative Concept: Module offers a modern and innovative approach to housing solutions through modular construction, while also appealing to consumers seeking efficiency and sustainability.
Quality Assurance: The modular construction process enables better quality control and consistency in construction.
Sustainability: Modular Housing emphasizes eco-friendly construction practices and materials, aligning with growing demand for sustainable housing options and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Cost Efficiency: Pre-fab components and their assembly process can lead to cost-saving construction, making them more affordable compared to conventional homes.
Opportunities
Affordable Housing Solutions: Module Housing has the potential to address affordable housing challenges by providing cost-effective and scalable housing solutions in high-demand urban areas.
Growing Market Demand: Increasing interest in sustainable and efficient construction practices presents opportunities for an expanded customer base.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Forming strategic partnerships with developers, architects, and other stakeholders in the construction industry can facilitate market expansion and increase project opportunities.
Threats
Public Perception: Negative perceptions about modular construction methods could hinder consumer acceptance, limiting market growth potential.
Competitive Landscape: Competition from traditional homebuilders and other modular housing companies may limit Module's growth.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Shortages of materials could impact production timelines and project delivery, resulting in delays and potentially, increased costs.
Weaknesses
Perception Challenges: Some consumers may perceive modular homes as lower quality or less durable than traditionally-built homes, leading to skepticism.
Limited Market Awareness: Module Housing may face challenges in reaching potential customers due to limited awareness or understanding of modular construction methods.
Balancing Solo and Collaborative Tasks
Our collaboration built a quick but solid foundation of trust, leading to us making steady progress faster than the rest of the teams in our class.
In my solo work, I held my first joint interview of a couple, and I loved hearing them call each other out and course-correct together in their recollections and suggestions about how to make a Module iOS app that they would feel worthy to keep after the house construction progress had completed.
With pride, I presented some of our major milestones so far in a group stand-up in front of our class. In our first week together, we had completed 5 interviews with realtors and homeowners of different generations.
We had also celebrated Amira for her excellent C&C review (SWOT, feature analysis), because it had been an area that she had been unsure about previously, but performed with exemplary care.
Strengths
Innovative Concept: Module offers a modern and innovative approach to housing solutions through modular construction, while also appealing to consumers seeking efficiency and sustainability.
Quality Assurance: The modular construction process enables better quality control and consistency in construction.
Sustainability: Modular Housing emphasizes eco-friendly construction practices and materials, aligning with growing demand for sustainable housing options and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Cost Efficiency: Pre-fab components and their assembly process can lead to cost-saving construction, making them more affordable compared to conventional homes.
Opportunities
Affordable Housing Solutions: Module Housing has the potential to address affordable housing challenges by providing cost-effective and scalable housing solutions in high-demand urban areas.
Growing Market Demand: Increasing interest in sustainable and efficient construction practices presents opportunities for an expanded customer base.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Forming strategic partnerships with developers, architects, and other stakeholders in the construction industry can facilitate market expansion and increase project opportunities.
Threats
Public Perception: Negative perceptions about modular construction methods could hinder consumer acceptance, limiting market growth potential.
Competitive Landscape: Competition from traditional homebuilders and other modular housing companies may limit Module's growth.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Shortages of materials could impact production timelines and project delivery, resulting in delays and potentially, increased costs.
Weaknesses
Perception Challenges: Some consumers may perceive modular homes as lower quality or less durable than traditionally-built homes, leading to skepticism.
Limited Market Awareness: Module Housing may face challenges in reaching potential customers due to limited awareness or understanding of modular construction methods.
Balancing Solo and Collaborative Tasks
Our collaboration built a quick but solid foundation of trust, leading to us making steady progress faster than the rest of the teams in our class.
In my solo work, I held my first joint interview of a couple, and I loved hearing them call each other out and course-correct together in their recollections and suggestions about how to make a Module iOS app that they would feel worthy to keep after the house construction progress had completed.
With pride, I presented some of our major milestones so far in a group stand-up in front of our class. In our first week together, we had completed 5 interviews with realtors and homeowners of different generations.
We had also celebrated Amira for her excellent C&C review (SWOT, feature analysis), because it had been an area that she had been unsure about previously, but performed with exemplary care.
Strengths
Innovative Concept: Module offers a modern and innovative approach to housing solutions through modular construction, while also appealing to consumers seeking efficiency and sustainability.
Quality Assurance: The modular construction process enables better quality control and consistency in construction.
Sustainability: Modular Housing emphasizes eco-friendly construction practices and materials, aligning with growing demand for sustainable housing options and appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Cost Efficiency: Pre-fab components and their assembly process can lead to cost-saving construction, making them more affordable compared to conventional homes.
Opportunities
Affordable Housing Solutions: Module Housing has the potential to address affordable housing challenges by providing cost-effective and scalable housing solutions in high-demand urban areas.
Growing Market Demand: Increasing interest in sustainable and efficient construction practices presents opportunities for an expanded customer base.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Forming strategic partnerships with developers, architects, and other stakeholders in the construction industry can facilitate market expansion and increase project opportunities.
Threats
Public Perception: Negative perceptions about modular construction methods could hinder consumer acceptance, limiting market growth potential.
Competitive Landscape: Competition from traditional homebuilders and other modular housing companies may limit Module's growth.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Shortages of materials could impact production timelines and project delivery, resulting in delays and potentially, increased costs.
Weaknesses
Perception Challenges: Some consumers may perceive modular homes as lower quality or less durable than traditionally-built homes, leading to skepticism.
Limited Market Awareness: Module Housing may face challenges in reaching potential customers due to limited awareness or understanding of modular construction methods.
Rapid Synthesis
I rapidly consolidated all of our interviews’ post-it notes in FigJam over screen-share with my team. After analyzing the final groups, Shay suggested that order them based on the phases outlined in the Module website, which illuminated how we could next approach our task flow.
The Persona and Problem Statement were my solo assignments, and I knocked them out quickly, since my mind had already absorbed all of the Affinity Map patterns to synthesize into those next pieces. I double-checked with Amira and Shay for feedback, and then led by example how to finish our three HMW’s.
Rapid Synthesis
I rapidly consolidated all of our interviews’ post-it notes in FigJam over screen-share with my team. After analyzing the final groups, Shay suggested that order them based on the phases outlined in the Module website, which illuminated how we could next approach our task flow.
The Persona and Problem Statement were my solo assignments, and I knocked them out quickly, since my mind had already absorbed all of the Affinity Map patterns to synthesize into those next pieces. I double-checked with Amira and Shay for feedback, and then led by example how to finish our three HMW’s.
Affinity Map Insight 1: Prospective Module users seek durable, eco-friendly homes customized to their layout needs.
7 of 7 prospective users want technological advancements that are eco-friendly and cost-saving.
7 of 7 prospective users want homes that will last long.
6 of 7 prospective users have specific home layout preferences.
Opportunity 1: Our app demonstrates how Module housing is already equipped to fulfill their needs, in order to build their trust in and understanding of pre-fabricated homes.
Affinity Map Insight 1: Prospective Module users seek durable, eco-friendly homes customized to their layout needs.
7 of 7 prospective users want technological advancements that are eco-friendly and cost-saving.
7 of 7 prospective users want homes that will last long.
6 of 7 prospective users have specific home layout preferences.
Opportunity 1: Our app demonstrates how Module housing is already equipped to fulfill their needs, in order to build their trust in and understanding of pre-fabricated homes.
Affinity Map Insight 1: Prospective Module users seek durable, eco-friendly homes customized to their layout needs.
7 of 7 prospective users want technological advancements that are eco-friendly and cost-saving.
7 of 7 prospective users want homes that will last long.
6 of 7 prospective users have specific home layout preferences.
Opportunity 1: Our app demonstrates how Module housing is already equipped to fulfill their needs, in order to build their trust in and understanding of pre-fabricated homes.
Affinity Map Insight 2: Prospective users desire more transparent communication with builders, having been unsatisfied with their experiences in the traditional housing market.
7 of 7 prospective users want prompt, open builder-homeowner communication.
6 of 7 prospective users want full transparency with builders.
6 of 7 prospective users would like to see both the details and big-picture of building progress.
4 of 7 prospective users want to be able to message builders.
Opportunity 2: We designed an instant messaging feature for homebuyers to communicate with the project manager, to make updates more accessible and tranparent, while also respecting professional boundaries for the building team.
Affinity Map Insight 2: Prospective users desire more transparent communication with builders, having been unsatisfied with their experiences in the traditional housing market.
7 of 7 prospective users want prompt, open builder-homeowner communication.
6 of 7 prospective users want full transparency with builders.
6 of 7 prospective users would like to see both the details and big-picture of building progress.
4 of 7 prospective users want to be able to message builders.
Opportunity 2: We designed an instant messaging feature for homebuyers to communicate with the project manager, to make updates more accessible and tranparent, while also respecting professional boundaries for the building team.
Affinity Map Insight 2: Prospective users desire more transparent communication with builders, having been unsatisfied with their experiences in the traditional housing market.
7 of 7 prospective users want prompt, open builder-homeowner communication.
6 of 7 prospective users want full transparency with builders.
6 of 7 prospective users would like to see both the details and big-picture of building progress.
4 of 7 prospective users want to be able to message builders.
Opportunity 2: We designed an instant messaging feature for homebuyers to communicate with the project manager, to make updates more accessible and tranparent, while also respecting professional boundaries for the building team.
Affinity Map Insight 3: Prospective users would value a mobile Module app long-term if it allowed them to care for their home and invest in future homes with a building team that they trust.
5 of 7 prospective users would keep a mobile app if it helped them maintain their home.
4 of 7 prospective users would keep a mobile app if they develop a good working relationship with the builders.
Opportunity 3: We designed features that will allow users to view work order history, securely access files shared with the Module team, and request maintenance, fostering a long-lasting working relationship between homeowners and Module.
Affinity Map Insight 3: Prospective users would value a mobile Module app long-term if it allowed them to care for their home and invest in future homes with a building team that they trust.
5 of 7 prospective users would keep a mobile app if it helped them maintain their home.
4 of 7 prospective users would keep a mobile app if they develop a good working relationship with the builders.
Opportunity 3: We designed features that will allow users to view work order history, securely access files shared with the Module team, and request maintenance, fostering a long-lasting working relationship between homeowners and Module.
Affinity Map Insight 3: Prospective users would value a mobile Module app long-term if it allowed them to care for their home and invest in future homes with a building team that they trust.
5 of 7 prospective users would keep a mobile app if it helped them maintain their home.
4 of 7 prospective users would keep a mobile app if they develop a good working relationship with the builders.
Opportunity 3: We designed features that will allow users to view work order history, securely access files shared with the Module team, and request maintenance, fostering a long-lasting working relationship between homeowners and Module.
From Homebuyer to Homeowner
Shay led our User Flow, and then we pivoted together to organize info architecture, before determining that our User Flow would best be demonstrated as three versions of our user’s journey, to ensure we were covering our users' needs as they built and then moved into their modular homes. I collaborated with her further to build our Site Map based on the completed User Flow.
Phase 1: Heather
Hillary reviews the Module Process, floor plan gallery, their advantages, and testimonials to see if it is a good fit for her.
Phase 2: Amira
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
Phase 3: Shayna
Now living in her finished home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
From Homebuyer to Homeowner
Shay led our User Flow, and then we pivoted together to organize info architecture, before determining that our User Flow would best be demonstrated as three versions of our user’s journey, to ensure we were covering our users' needs as they built and then moved into their modular homes. I collaborated with her further to build our Site Map based on the completed User Flow.
Phase 1: Heather
Hillary reviews the Module Process, floor plan gallery, their advantages, and testimonials to see if it is a good fit for her.
Phase 2: Amira
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
Phase 3: Shayna
Now living in her finished home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
Meet Hillary Brown
Hillary wants to own her first house because she’s tired of renting. However, she does not enjoy the high-pressure, competitive sellers’ market, because she’s been out-bid five times on homes that meet her needs. It’s a non-negotiable for Hillary to live in a neighborhood invested in children’s safety and with low flood and fire risk.
Frankly, she’s overwhelmed by the traditional home-buying process and considering other options. She’s attracted to modular homes’ affordable pricing. However, she doesn’t know which builders to trust to make a move-in ready, durable home with good resale quality, safe neighborhood, and a layout that will continue to be accessible, as she ages.
If she chooses a modular home, Hillary wants to develop a long-term relationship with good builders through transparent, prompt communication, so that she can maintain her home and purchase future housing with people she trusts.
Problem Statement
Hillary needs a reliable and convenient way to develop long-term relationships with good builders through transparent, prompt communication, because she wants to ensure her home’s quality but is overwhelmed by the traditional housing market and feels that modular housing may not be durable, customizable, or trustworthy.
Problem Statement
Hillary needs a reliable and convenient way to develop long-term relationships with good builders through transparent, prompt communication, because she wants to ensure her home’s quality but is overwhelmed by the traditional housing market and feels that modular housing may not be durable, customizable, or trustworthy.
Problem Statement
Hillary needs a reliable and convenient way to develop long-term relationships with good builders through transparent, prompt communication, because she wants to ensure her home’s quality but is overwhelmed by the traditional housing market and feels that modular housing may not be durable, customizable, or trustworthy.
Battle Royale
Amira, Shay, and I had an absolute blast hosting a Battle Royale of Sketches – in which I framed our sketches as different exciting competitors, and then we reviewed and annotated what we loved about each others’ sketched ideas, before crowning winners together.
Some notable patterns in our sketches were a priority for succinct design and using a pie/donut chart to depict big-picture building progress.
Since we had made the ambitious goal of creating a User Flow with three phases, we followed Shay's excellent suggestion and split them amongst each other. I chose the first phase, in which our persona Hillary is a potential homebuyer and considering whether to build with Module.
Battle Royale
Amira, Shay, and I had an absolute blast hosting a Battle Royale of Sketches – in which I framed our sketches as different exciting competitors, and then we reviewed and annotated what we loved about each others’ sketched ideas, before crowning winners together.
Some notable patterns in our sketches were a priority for succinct design and using a pie/donut chart to depict big-picture building progress.
Since we had made the ambitious goal of creating a User Flow with three phases, we followed Shay's excellent suggestion and split them amongst each other. I chose the first phase, in which our persona Hillary is a potential homebuyer and considering whether to build with Module.
Intertwined Collaboration on Wireframes
I found it more difficult than expected to fit all of the Module information present on the website to entice homebuyers. However, I resolved my own blocker by double-checking with our Persona to curate the information that would entice her.
However, our project manager expressed concerns about the amount of information necessary, although he acknowledged that it was displayed beautifully in my frames. Shay and I re-envisioned the first phase to instead begin after Hillary had visited the Module website and submitted a house application, which would then prompt her to download the app.
We redesigned my frames to both focus upon informing Hillary on her application progress and create a sense of comfort and joy in the web app copy and design. In between this, I guided Amira to create consistent spacing in her designs and led the charge on establishing our text and color styles.
Revised Phase 1: Heather
Hillary reviews the model she applied for and sees her application progress with updates, benefits, and expected phases.
Phase 2: Amira
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
Phase 3: Shayna
Now living in her finished home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
Intertwined Collaboration on Wireframes
I found it more difficult than expected to fit all of the Module information present on the website to entice homebuyers. However, I resolved my own blocker by double-checking with our Persona to curate the information that would entice her.
However, our project manager expressed concerns about the amount of information necessary, although he acknowledged that it was displayed beautifully in my frames. Shay and I re-envisioned the first phase to instead begin after Hillary had visited the Module website and submitted a house application, which would then prompt her to download the app.
We redesigned my frames to both focus upon informing Hillary on her application progress and create a sense of comfort and joy in the web app copy and design. In between this, I guided Amira to create consistent spacing in her designs and led the charge on establishing our text and color styles.
Revised Phase 1: Heather
Hillary reviews the model she applied for and sees her application progress with updates, benefits, and expected phases.
Phase 2: Amira
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
Phase 3: Shayna
Now living in her finished home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
Malleability in Usability Testing
We each conducted a couple usability tests, and my first one was rough because I hadn’t fully nailed down how to communicate the fact that our prototype was three different stages of a user’s journey.
However, I immediately addressed this issue for my second usability study and framed the situation clearly at the beginning, before then joyously celebrating my user every time he finished a task, for a clear delineation before the next part. This was by far my favorite way to conduct a usability test, and I intend to pursue this strategy in the future.
Malleability in Usability Testing
We each conducted a couple usability tests, and my first one was rough because I hadn’t fully nailed down how to communicate the fact that our prototype was three different stages of a user’s journey.
However, I immediately addressed this issue for my second usability study and framed the situation clearly at the beginning, before then joyously celebrating my user every time he finished a task, for a clear delineation before the next part. This was by far my favorite way to conduct a usability test, and I intend to pursue this strategy in the future.
Malleability in Usability Testing
We each conducted a couple usability tests, and my first one was rough because I hadn’t fully nailed down how to communicate the fact that our prototype was three different stages of a user’s journey.
However, I immediately addressed this issue for my second usability study and framed the situation clearly at the beginning, before then joyously celebrating my user every time he finished a task, for a clear delineation before the next part. This was by far my favorite way to conduct a usability test, and I intend to pursue this strategy in the future.
Malleability in Usability Testing
We each conducted a couple usability tests, and my first one was rough because I hadn’t fully nailed down how to communicate the fact that our prototype was three different stages of a user’s journey.
However, I immediately addressed this issue for my second usability study and framed the situation clearly at the beginning, before then joyously celebrating my user every time he finished a task, for a clear delineation before the next part. This was by far my favorite way to conduct a usability test, and I intend to pursue this strategy in the future.
Malleability in Usability Testing
We each conducted a couple usability tests, and my first one was rough because I hadn’t fully nailed down how to communicate the fact that our prototype was three different stages of a user’s journey.
However, I immediately addressed this issue for my second usability study and framed the situation clearly at the beginning, before then joyously celebrating my user every time he finished a task, for a clear delineation before the next part. This was by far my favorite way to conduct a usability test, and I intend to pursue this strategy in the future.
Solution Statement
Our Module iOS app provides a clear, reliable way for prospective and current homeowners to learn about the advantages of Module and communicate with the Module team long-term. The app accomplishes this by allowing homeowners to track progress updates with visuals and maintenance request submissions through instant messaging.
Post-Usability Phase 2 Adjustments
I analyzed our usability testing data to determine the most impactful solutions to our users' pain points when navigating our Phase 1 prototype. After organizing these trends on an Impact Map, we concluded upon which solutions we could implement for Phase 2 before the end of our sprint. We included more improvements than we expected because of how time-efficient our collaboration had been.
Make the Pie Chart more clearly clickable (5/5 users affected).
Make an indicator for the newest message (2/5 users affected).
Fix the prototype wire on Progress tab (2/5 users affected).
Remove the Search and Footer in the Login Page (1/5 users affected, but also deemed unnecessary by team).
Rename Building Progress tabs to be more consistent/applicable (1/5 users affected).
Change Building Updates to have different dates (1/5 users affected).
Add top tab navigation in Phase 2 (1/5 users affected).
Post-Usability Phase 2 Adjustments
I analyzed our usability testing data to determine the most impactful solutions to our users' pain points when navigating our Phase 1 prototype. After organizing these trends on an Impact Map, we concluded upon which solutions we could implement for Phase 2 before the end of our sprint. We included more improvements than we expected because of how time-efficient our collaboration had been.
Make the Pie Chart more clearly clickable (5/5 users affected).
Make an indicator for the newest message (2/5 users affected).
Fix the prototype wire on Progress tab (2/5 users affected).
Remove the Search and Footer in the Login Page (1/5 users affected, but also deemed unnecessary by team).
Rename Building Progress tabs to be more consistent/applicable (1/5 users affected).
Change Building Updates to have different dates (1/5 users affected).
Add top tab navigation in Phase 2 (1/5 users affected).
Phase 3 Goals
We reserved one of our salient post-usability solutions for Phase 3, where we could have more time to reevaluate our information architecture, as well as make the prototype fully-functional.
Conduct survey/card sort to determine which icons users attribute to each category (4/5 users affected).
Link up the footer for easier usability to empty pages (2/5 users affected).
Create empty page for Calls tab in Messaging Pages (1/5 users affected).
Phase 3 Goals
We reserved one of our salient post-usability solutions for Phase 3, where we could have more time to reevaluate our information architecture, as well as make the prototype fully-functional.
Conduct survey/card sort to determine which icons users attribute to each category (4/5 users affected).
Create empty page for Calls tab in Messaging Pages (1/5 users affected).
Fix the prototype wire on Progress tab (2/5 users affected).
Complete User Journey
Visual Considerations
I led the charge in utilizing Adobe Color Contrast Checker and the Stark Plug-In to determine that our font color had enough contrast with the background color and that our images and layout was engaging and clear in all of the views that our users would have if they had different types of color blindness.
Visual Considerations
I led the charge in utilizing Adobe Color Contrast Checker and the Stark Plug-In to determine that our font color had enough contrast with the background color and that our images and layout was engaging and clear in all of the views that our users would have if they had different types of color blindness.
Visual Considerations
I led the charge in utilizing Adobe Color Contrast Checker and the Stark Plug-In to determine that our font color had enough contrast with the background color and that our images and layout was engaging and clear in all of the views that our users would have if they had different types of color blindness.
Visual Considerations
I led the charge in utilizing Adobe Color Contrast Checker and the Stark Plug-In to determine that our font color had enough contrast with the background color and that our images and layout was engaging and clear in all of the views that our users would have if they had different types of color blindness.
Overall Learnings
We determined that we have a good balance as a team of trusting each other to lead on different parts, with a strong eager willingness to support each other and incorporate/give feedback through discussion
Helpful tools that facilitated our collaboration: We often shared our screens, with one pilot and two navigators, and talked through what we each saw, to ensure we were on the same page.
Amira led by example on how to both be an incredibly hard worker and advocate for taking breaks to take care of herself, and both Shay and I deeply admired her for this and expressed our admiration often.
Our team often openly praised each other, responding to praise with praise, and it created a really fun, lovely environment, as we finished tasks and showed off what we had completed.
In the end, I’m really proud of what we created together and learned alongside each other. I emerged from this project with two incredible new friends, and I’m so excited to see what we create in our future teams.
Case Studies
