Context
We started with a detailed examination of competitors, followed by engaging in user interviews. Moreover, we conducted usability tests to validate the effectiveness of our solutions for each formulated hypothesis.
Competitor analysis
We decided to analyze two competitors – Bird and Google Maps – to see what features we could integrate into our product. Bird offers a map with various rental options, catering to users looking for rental services. On the other hand, Google Maps primarily serves as a navigation tool for users to explore and navigate through maps, enabling them to explore and access reviews of different facilities. Our exploration uncovered some possibilities from both competitors, but we needed to validate them with user interviews to ensure they truly resonated with our audience.
User interview
We conducted user interviews and gained insights into how users select residential areas. They invest considerable time in map research and reading reviews. Additionally, we learned that price is a primary criterion, with most users filtering options based on affordability. Moreover, users rely on diverse infrastructure considerations, especially in Ukraine where critical infrastructure objects hold particular importance due to the ongoing war.
Hypothesis 1
Quick, objectively, impressively find the answer: "How's living there?"
Problem: Users spend a lot of time searching for a place to live, independently exploring Google Maps and transportation nodes.
Solution: Therefore, we will introduce an onboarding feature with questions to understand what’s important for the user and showcase the most suitable neighborhood...
Result: ...this way we will save the user time and effort on independent searches.
Welcome Screen and Onboarding: Users can select a city, explore all districts within the city, or request assistance in finding one. The initial question during onboarding helps us gain insights into users' needs.
Problem: For the majority of users, one of the key requirements when choosing an apartment/house/neighborhood is the price.
Solution: If we add a slider with a price range...
Results: ...then we can better cater to the user’s needs (showing them the best options within their preferred price range.
Onboarding: We ask about your preferred price range and ideal location for living. These are key factors that will assist us in sorting through a multitude of options.
Onboarding: questions about transportation, educational institutions and infrastructure. By using these questions, we can find out which infrastructure facilities and educational institutions our users would like to have near their residence.
Result Screen: We reveal the 'perfect' match for our users, spotlighting key matches while providing the opportunity to view apartment options or explore the map further.
Usability testing
Users described the onboarding process as simple and engaging;
Users appreciated the number of questions in the onboarding flow;
Users quickly and effortlessly responded to the questions and are satisfied with the results.
Hypothesis 2
Easily select essential criteria for the place of residence
Problem: From the interview, we know that users have diverse criteria when choosing a place to live.
Solution: Therefore, we will add a map filter to select important criteria and infrastructure features...
Result: ...then user’s choice will be more informed and objective.
Map: Users can view the entire district with various types of facilities. Additionally, they can navigate through the map to discover important locations or institutions tailored to their needs.
Filters: Users have the flexibility to adjust their preferences using filters.
Results
We've created a service to help find the right place to live. Our survey considers what's important in choosing a home, letting users pick what they want nearby. After usability testing, we found that the amount of time spent selecting a neighborhood decreased. Users reported that the interface streamlined their decision-making process, allowing them to efficiently evaluate their options. The map helps users explore cities and neighborhoods better, considering things that are hard to ask about in surveys. Our service also works together with other LUN products, making the whole system better.