Homegenius Real Estate

Real estate tool for automating the home purchasing process, viewing active listings & home owner value estimates.

Role

Director of User Experience

Industry

Real Estate

Duration

3 Years

Due to NDA I am only displaying the public facing UI screens. For more detailed case studies on features or more in depth information please email me.

Stage 1. Discovery

The project was Initiated by Radian to create a disruptive web application. I met with the stakeholders to formulate the initial vision for the product. Strategized through competitive research and analysis, along with interviewing many real estate agents, brokers and industry related business professionals. There were a lot of presentations and white-boarding conceptualizing sessions.

Stage 2. Define

I was able to define some key features and functions. Formulated a strategy that prioritized data visualization for home valuations, and new features that would help automate the home purchasing process for real estate agents. Developed a detailed design roadmap, categorizing the features. Started the initial low-fi mock ups to guide the design efforts effectively. Each feature defined as a goal to be tested.

Stage 3. Prototype Development

Wireframing: Undertook the design of core app screens and user flows, addressing the key features first. Nailing down onboarding and account creation, then moved into some of the other features. Tested designs early and often, utilizing feedback to make quick iterative updates. Created multiple solutions for the UI and started to solidify the initial MVP feature set.
Prototyping: Constructed detailed prototypes that brought the new design to life. These prototypes were meant to showcase the app's functionality and interactivity. Again went through testing and iteration. Utilized the in-house teams to bounce ideas and tests from. Discovered different biases between certain designs that caused some contention between teams. Ultimately the CEO had the final say and we set the features for the MVP.
User Interface Design: I worked with a third party design agency that was able to help solidify the brands identity. I then implemented the brand styles and created the working UI design system. Carefully selected typography and iconography that resonated with the app's target demographic, ensuring the interface is not only beautiful but also functional. Business wanted to move fast and there were times of contention between "feeling ready for dev" to wanting to test and refine.

Stage 4. User Feedback & Refinement

Facilitated user testing with a diverse group of app users, gathering insightful feedback on the design. This phase was crucial in identifying unforeseen usability issues and validating the effectiveness of the design elements. Iterative refinements were made based on this feedback, fine-tuning the app's interface to maximize user satisfaction and engagement. There were times of disconnect between the design and development.

Stage 5. Implementation & Launch Support

Collaborated closely with the development team to ensure a smooth transition from design to implementation. Provided ongoing support and guidance during the development phase, addressing any design-related challenges that arose. I soon learned that we would have to implement some visual quality control. Also found more refinement was necessary within the micro interactions in the components for the UI. Then I took user feedback and engagement post-launch to inform future updates.

Outcomes

The project was a significant learning opportunity, enhancing my understanding of user-centric design principles and the impact of design on user behavior and app retention. The overall magnitude of this project is something that taught me quickly about adhering to definitions. Finding user data and research to offer the best design recommendations, and following the design process was crucial.

Other projects

Homegenius Real Estate Re-Brand

The product had undergone a business pivot and would showcase the AI capabilities, homeowner tools, and ability to co-brand.

Design Systems

Focused approach for corporate UI design systems. How to leverage Figma to best make updates that also include different themes.

JD Hawkins