Module
Streamlining Homeowner-Builder Communication
Module
Streamlining Homeowner-Builder Communication
Module
Streamlining Homeowner-Builder Communication
Role
Role
Role
UX Researcher
UX/UI Designer
Team Lead
UX Researcher
UX/UI Designer
Team Lead
UX Researcher
UX/UI Designer
Team Lead
Timeline
Timeline
Timeline
3-wk sprint, March - April 2024
3-wk sprint, March - April 2024
3-wk sprint, March - April 2024
Tools
Tools
Tools
Figma
FigJam
Optimal Workshop
Adobe Contrast Checker
Adobe Color Blind Safe
Stark Accessibility Tools
Figma
FigJam
Optimal Workshop
Adobe Contrast Checker
Adobe Color Blind Safe
Stark Accessibility Tools
Figma
FigJam
Optimal Workshop
Adobe Contrast Checker
Adobe Color Blind Safe
Stark Accessibility Tools
Methods
Methods
Methods
User Interviews
Heuristic Evaluation
Affinity Mapping
Persona
Problem Statement
Solution Statement
User Interviews
Heuristic Evaluation
Affinity Mapping
Persona
Problem Statement
Solution Statement
Task Flow
Card Sorting
C&C Analysis
Feature Prioritization
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing
User Interviews
Heuristic Evaluation
Affinity Mapping
Persona
Problem Statement
Solution Statement
Task Flow
Card Sorting
C&C Analysis
Feature Prioritization
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing
Task Flow
Card Sorting
C&C Analysis
Feature Prioritization
Wireframing
Prototyping
Usability Testing
A Dream Team from the Start
A Dream Team from the Start
A Dream Team from the Start
My teammates, Amira and Shayna, and I aligned in working preferences, personalities, and gentrification concerns — crucial for creating a socially-conscious app for Module, which provides affordable, stylish pre-fabricated housing.
My teammates, Amira and Shayna, and I aligned in working preferences, personalities, and gentrification concerns — crucial for creating a socially-conscious app for Module, which provides affordable, stylish pre-fabricated housing.
My teammates, Amira and Shayna, and I aligned in working preferences, personalities, and gentrification concerns — crucial for creating a socially-conscious app for Module, which provides affordable, stylish pre-fabricated housing.
Balancing Solo and Collaborative Tasks
Balancing Solo and Collaborative Tasks
Balancing Solo and Collaborative Tasks
We built a quick but solid foundation of trust, progressing faster than the rest of our class.
I held my first joint interview of a couple and loved hearing them course-correct together in their recollections and suggestions about how to make a Module iOS app they would keep after the house construction progress had completed.
We completed 5 interviews with realtors and homeowners of different generations. Then we analyzed where Module met their needs vs. where the company fell short.
We built a quick but solid foundation of trust, progressing faster than the rest of our class.
I held my first joint interview of a couple and loved hearing them course-correct together in their recollections and suggestions about how to make a Module iOS app they would keep after the house construction progress had completed.
We completed 5 interviews with realtors and homeowners of different generations. Then we analyzed where Module met their needs vs. where the company fell short.
We built a quick but solid foundation of trust, progressing faster than the rest of our class.
I held my first joint interview of a couple and loved hearing them course-correct together in their recollections and suggestions about how to make a Module iOS app they would keep after the house construction progress had completed.
We completed 5 interviews with realtors and homeowners of different generations. Then we analyzed where Module met their needs vs. where the company fell short.
Modular > Traditional Housing
Modular > Traditional Housing
Modular > Traditional Housing
Module offers efficient and eco-friendly home construction and assembly with better quality assurance, consistency, and affordability than traditional housing.
Module offers efficient and eco-friendly home construction and assembly with better quality assurance, consistency, and affordability than traditional housing.
Module offers efficient and eco-friendly home construction and assembly with better quality assurance, consistency, and affordability than traditional housing.
However…
However…
However…
Consumers assume modular homes are less durable. This low understanding of modular construction limits our audience.
Consumers assume modular homes are less durable. This low understanding of modular construction limits our audience.
Consumers assume modular homes are less durable. This low understanding of modular construction limits our audience.
With greater awareness and access…
With greater awareness and access…
With greater awareness and access…
Module could address affordable housing challenges by providing cost-effective and scalable housing solutions in high-demand urban areas.
Leveraging interest in sustainable and efficient construction can expand customer base.
Forming strategic partnerships with developers, architects, and other stakeholders can facilitate market expansion and increase project opportunities.
Module could address affordable housing challenges by providing cost-effective and scalable housing solutions in high-demand urban areas.
Leveraging interest in sustainable and efficient construction can expand customer base.
Forming strategic partnerships with developers, architects, and other stakeholders can facilitate market expansion and increase project opportunities.
Module could address affordable housing challenges by providing cost-effective and scalable housing solutions in high-demand urban areas.
Leveraging interest in sustainable and efficient construction can expand customer base.
Forming strategic partnerships with developers, architects, and other stakeholders can facilitate market expansion and increase project opportunities.
But keep in mind…
But keep in mind…
But keep in mind…
Negative perceptions about modular construction methods could hinder consumer acceptance, limiting market growth potential.
Competition from traditional homebuilders and other modular housing companies challenge Module's growth.
Supply chain disruptions could delay production timelines and increase costs.
Negative perceptions about modular construction methods could hinder consumer acceptance, limiting market growth potential.
Competition from traditional homebuilders and other modular housing companies challenge Module's growth.
Supply chain disruptions could delay production timelines and increase costs.
Negative perceptions about modular construction methods could hinder consumer acceptance, limiting market growth potential.
Competition from traditional homebuilders and other modular housing companies challenge Module's growth.
Supply chain disruptions could delay production timelines and increase costs.
Rapid Synthesis
Rapid Synthesis
Rapid Synthesis
We mapped out our most salient interview findings, along the phases of Module construction to assess their needs across their relationship with the company.
We mapped out our most salient interview findings, along the phases of Module construction to assess their needs across their relationship with the company.
We mapped out our most salient interview findings, along the phases of Module construction to assess their needs across their relationship with the company.
Prospective users seek durable, eco-friendly homes customized to their layout needs.
7 of 7 prospective users want eco-friendly and cost-saving tech advancements.
7 of 7 prospective users want long-lasting homes.
6 of 7 prospective users have layout preferences.
Demonstrate how Module is equipped to fulfill their needs, building trust in pre-fabricated homes.
Prospective users desire communication with builders, so far unsatisfied with the traditional housing market.
7 of 7 prospective users want prompt builder-homeowner communication.
6 of 7 prospective users want full transparency with builders.
6 of 7 prospective users want to see the details and big-picture of building progress.
4 of 7 prospective users want to message builders.
Connect homebuyers with the project manager for updates, establishing a professional boundary for the building team.
Prospective users want an app fostering long-lasting relationships with their home and good builders.
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.
Allow users to view work order history, access files shared with Module, and request maintenance.
We distilled our interviewees' wants, needs, and behaviors into…
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
Problem Statement
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.
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.
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.
From Homebuyer to Homeowner
From Homebuyer to Homeowner
From Homebuyer to Homeowner
After determining our Information Architecture, we divided our User Flow into three stages of Hillary's journey, to ensure we were covering her needs as she built and moved into her modular home.
After determining our Information Architecture, we divided our User Flow into three stages of Hillary's journey, to ensure we were covering her needs as she built and moved into her modular home.
After determining our Information Architecture, we divided our User Flow into three stages of Hillary's journey, to ensure we were covering her needs as she built and moved into her modular home.
Phase 1
Hillary reviews Module's process, floor plan gallery, advantages, and testimonials to see if it is a good fit for her.
Hillary reviews Module's process, floor plan gallery, advantages, and testimonials to see if it is a good fit for her.
Hillary reviews Module's process, floor plan gallery, advantages, and testimonials to see if it is a good fit for her.
Phase 2
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
Phase 3
Now living in her home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
Now living in her home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
Now living in her home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
Battle Royale
Battle Royale
Battle Royale
Amira, Shay, and I presented our sketches as exciting competitors and annotated what we loved about each others’ ideas, before crowning winners together.
Patterns identified in our sketches:
a priority for succinct design
a pie/donut chart to depict big-picture building progress
Amira, Shay, and I presented our sketches as exciting competitors and annotated what we loved about each others’ ideas, before crowning winners together.
Patterns identified in our sketches:
a priority for succinct design
a pie/donut chart to depict big-picture building progress
Amira, Shay, and I presented our sketches as exciting competitors and annotated what we loved about each others’ ideas, before crowning winners together.
Patterns identified in our sketches:
a priority for succinct design
a pie/donut chart to depict big-picture building progress
Intertwined Collaboration on Wireframes
Intertwined Collaboration on Wireframes
Intertwined Collaboration on Wireframes
Module's comprehensive homebuyer process complicated the first frames of our app, so Shay and I re-envisioned the first phase to instead begin after Hillary submits a house application, which would then prompt her to download the app.
We redesigned those Phase 1 wireframes to inform 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.
Module's comprehensive homebuyer process complicated the first frames of our app, so Shay and I re-envisioned the first phase to instead begin after Hillary submits a house application, which would then prompt her to download the app.
We redesigned those Phase 1 wireframes to inform 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.
Module's comprehensive homebuyer process complicated the first frames of our app, so Shay and I re-envisioned the first phase to instead begin after Hillary submits a house application, which would then prompt her to download the app.
We redesigned those Phase 1 wireframes to inform 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
Hillary reviews the model she applied for and sees her application progress with updates, benefits, and expected phases.
Hillary reviews the model she applied for and sees her application progress with updates, benefits, and expected phases.
Hillary reviews the model she applied for and sees her application progress with updates, benefits, and expected phases.
Phase 2
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
After approval, Hillary tracks her building process as a new resident.
Phase 3
Now living in her finished home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
Now living in her finished home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
Now living in her finished home, Hillary messages her Module team for maintenance advice.
Malleability in Usability Testing
Malleability in Usability Testing
Malleability in Usability Testing
We each conducted two usability tests, and my first one was rough because I hadn’t nailed down how to communicate that our prototype was three different stages of a user’s journey.
However, I addressed this issue for my second usability study by framing the situation at the beginning, and celebrating my user after each task, for a clear delineation before each part. Seeing the positive impact on my usability data collection and user's experience, I intend to pursue this strategy in the future.
We each conducted two usability tests, and my first one was rough because I hadn’t nailed down how to communicate that our prototype was three different stages of a user’s journey.
However, I addressed this issue for my second usability study by framing the situation at the beginning, and celebrating my user after each task, for a clear delineation before each part. Seeing the positive impact on my usability data collection and user's experience, I intend to pursue this strategy in the future.
We each conducted two usability tests, and my first one was rough because I hadn’t nailed down how to communicate that our prototype was three different stages of a user’s journey.
However, I addressed this issue for my second usability study by framing the situation at the beginning, and celebrating my user after each task, for a clear delineation before each part. Seeing the positive impact on my usability data collection and user's experience, I intend to pursue this strategy in the future.
Solution Statement
Solution Statement
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.
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.
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
Post-Usability Phase 2 Adjustments
Post-Usability Phase 2 Adjustments
I analyzed our usability testing data to determine the most impactful solutions to our users' pain points.
In our Phase 2 prototype, we implemented more improvements than expected because of our time-efficient collaboration.
Phase 2 improvements:
I analyzed our usability testing data to determine the most impactful solutions to our users' pain points.
In our Phase 2 prototype, we implemented more improvements than expected because of our time-efficient collaboration.
Phase 2 improvements:
I analyzed our usability testing data to determine the most impactful solutions to our users' pain points.
In our Phase 2 prototype, we implemented more improvements than expected because of our time-efficient collaboration.
Phase 2 improvements:
Make the Pie Chart more clearly clickable (5/5 users affected).
Make the Pie Chart more clearly clickable (5/5 users affected).
Make the Pie Chart more clearly clickable (5/5 users affected).
Make an indicator for the newest message (2/5 users affected).
Make an indicator for the newest message (2/5 users affected).
Make an indicator for the newest message (2/5 users affected).
Fix the prototype wire on Progress tab (2/5 users affected).
Fix the prototype wire on Progress tab (2/5 users affected).
Fix the prototype wire on Progress tab (2/5 users affected).
Rename Building Progress tabs to be more consistent/applicable
(1/5 users affected).
Rename Building Progress tabs to be more consistent/applicable
(1/5 users affected).
Rename Building Progress tabs to be more consistent/applicable
(1/5 users affected).
Change Building Updates to have different dates
(1/5 users affected).
Change Building Updates to have different dates
(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).
Add top tab navigation in Phase 2 (1/5 users affected).
Add top tab navigation in Phase 2 (1/5 users affected).
Phase 3 Goals
Phase 3 Goals
Phase 3 Goals
We plan to reevaluate our information architecture and make the prototype fully-functional.
We plan to reevaluate our information architecture and make the prototype fully-functional.
We plan to reevaluate our information architecture and make the prototype fully-functional.
Conduct card sort to determine which icons users match 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).
Complete User Journey
Complete User Journey
Complete User Journey
Visual Considerations
Visual Considerations
Visual Considerations
I led the charge in utilizing Adobe Color Contrast Checker and the Stark Plug-In to determine that our font, images, and layout were visually engaging and had enough color contrast for our users with different types of color blindness.
I led the charge in utilizing Adobe Color Contrast Checker and the Stark Plug-In to determine that our font, images, and layout were visually engaging and had enough color contrast for our users with different types of color blindness.
I led the charge in utilizing Adobe Color Contrast Checker and the Stark Plug-In to determine that our font, images, and layout were visually engaging and had enough color contrast for our users with different types of color blindness.
Overall Learnings
Overall Learnings
Overall Learnings
Our team's success was rooted in trusting each other to lead different areas, while eagerly supporting each other with discussion-based feedback. We knew our individual contributions would be fairly considered, even if they didn't make it to the final team product.
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 a hard worker and advocate for taking breaks, and both Shay and I often expressed our genuine admiration.
Our team openly responded to praise with praise, and it created a fun, lovely environment, as we finished tasks and showed off what we had completed.
I’m 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.
Our team's success was rooted in trusting each other to lead different areas, while eagerly supporting each other with discussion-based feedback. We knew our individual contributions would be fairly considered, even if they didn't make it to the final team product.
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 a hard worker and advocate for taking breaks, and both Shay and I often expressed our genuine admiration.
Our team openly responded to praise with praise, and it created a fun, lovely environment, as we finished tasks and showed off what we had completed.
I’m 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.
Our team's success was rooted in trusting each other to lead different areas, while eagerly supporting each other with discussion-based feedback. We knew our individual contributions would be fairly considered, even if they didn't make it to the final team product.
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 a hard worker and advocate for taking breaks, and both Shay and I often expressed our genuine admiration.
Our team openly responded to praise with praise, and it created a fun, lovely environment, as we finished tasks and showed off what we had completed.
I’m 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
