Vivo App, leveraging reviews to solve the housing rental challenge.
As I navigated the challenges of finding housing while living abroad, I began to see firsthand how the lack of information and understanding of the local housing market can make the process of renting or buying a home a frustrating and overwhelming experience. Instead of viewing my time abroad as an opportunity for growth and learning, the constant struggle to find suitable housing made it feel more like a burden. It was then that I realized that there was a gap in the real estate industry, particularly in terms of providing expats with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about housing.
To develop a renting app with reviews for users, we will use the design thinking method which includes setting the context, illustrating the process, and laying out the solution. We will conduct user research and interviews, use design thinking tools to understand user needs, and iteratively prototype and test solutions for an app that is user-friendly, secure, and reliable.
1. The context
The first problem is, the lack of information
Finding a place to live while living abroad can be a daunting and challenging experience. After conducting a survey of 100 young adults in their 20s and 30s who have lived abroad, it became clear that this is a common issue among expats. Many respondents cited a lack of information and knowledge about the local housing market as a major factor in their struggles to find suitable accommodation.
Many participants mentioned that they were not informed enough about the neighborhoods they were considering, which made it difficult to make good choices. Others highlighted that their previous experiences living in different countries did not necessarily prepare them for the unique challenges of renting in a new country.
Many participants also noted that the available information about prices and locations was not particularly helpful in making housing decisions. They felt that more in-depth insights and data about the local housing market would have been beneficial in guiding their choices.
Overall, it seems that a lack of information and a lack of understanding about the local housing market can make it difficult for expats to find suitable accommodation. Having access to more detailed and in-depth information about neighborhoods and the housing market as a whole could be beneficial in helping ex-pats make better housing choices.
Secondly, lack of accuracy
One of the key issues that emerged from the survey of young adults living abroad was the lack of accurate information about properties available for rent or purchase. Many participants reported that the specifics of the properties listed on housing rental apps, such as square footage, amenities, and location of objects within the house, were often inaccurate or misleading. This made it difficult for them to make informed decisions about which properties to view or rent.
The problem is exacerbated by the fact that there is no way to verify the accuracy of the information provided on these apps until after visiting the property or even living in it for a few weeks. This can lead to disappointment and frustration for renters, who may find that the property does not match the description provided. It can also create difficulties for landlords, who may find that their properties are not being rented due to inaccurate information about them.
In conclusion, it seems that a lack of accurate and reliable information about properties available for rent or purchase is a significant challenge for ex-pats looking for housing.
Improving the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on housing rental apps and other platforms could help to mitigate this issue and make the process of finding housing while living abroad a more positive experience.
Successful renting
The key to successfully renting a property abroad is access to reliable and relevant information. This is particularly true when it comes to real estate, as the industry is large and complex, and it can be difficult to navigate without the help of someone who has experience and knowledge of the local market. According to a survey, the majority of people who have successfully rented places abroad have done so by knowing someone in their destination who could provide them with valuable information and advice.
This highlights the importance of word-of-mouth recommendations, as people tend to trust the opinions and experiences of their friends and acquaintances more than they trust advertisements or other forms of marketing. However, in a large and competitive market such as the real estate industry, word of mouth is not always sufficient to find the right property.
2. The process
Let's get started with desk research and netnography.
In order to tackle the problem of accessing reliable information for the rental process, the initial step taken was to conduct a thorough comparative analysis of various rental applications prevalent in Europe and the United States. Through this research, several key features have been identified as essential for the development of an effective rental app. These include:
- Verification of properties by actual individuals, ensuring authenticity and credibility of the information provided.
- Detailed demographic information specific to neighborhoods, to help users understand the area they are considering.
- An interactive community platform for renters to share their experiences, both positive and negative, about the properties they reside in. This enables potential renters to make informed decisions based on real-life experiences.
By integrating these features, the rental app aims to provide users with accurate and relevant information, making it easier for them to navigate the real estate market and make confident decisions about where to rent. The goal is to improve the overall rental experience for both landlords and renters.
After the benchmark
Upon conducting a comprehensive benchmark analysis of various rental applications, several essential features have been identified as crucial for the development of a successful renting app. These include:
- Verification of properties by actual individuals, ensuring authenticity and accuracy of information
- Demographic data specific to neighborhoods, providing a clear understanding of the area
- An interactive community platform for renters to share their experiences, both positive and negative, about the properties they reside in. This enables potential renters to make informed decisions based on real-life experiences.
These features aim to provide users with reliable and relevant information, making it easier for them to navigate the real estate market and make informed decisions about where to rent. With the integration of these features, the renting app aims to improve the rental process for both landlords and renters.
To sum up, it is evident that most current rental applications lack a crucial component — the personal experiences and opinions of renters. This information, including their experiences with the properties, the people they shared them with, and the neighborhoods and cities they lived in, is invaluable for individuals considering a move to a new location. However, there is currently no platform in Europe that effectively combines the rental of medium and long-term accommodations with the reviews and experiences of past renters. Vivo aims to fill this gap by providing a platform that offers both the convenience of online rental services and the valuable insights of personal experiences, to empower renters to make informed and confident decisions about their housing.
The user
The app should be user-friendly and accessible to a wide range of users, with a particular focus on young digital nomads who are comfortable using technology to handle their housing arrangements. These individuals prefer the convenience and flexibility of using online platforms to find and book housing, rather than traditional methods such as contacting landlords or real estate agents in person. They value the ability to easily search and compare different housing options and appreciate the transparency, security, and reliability offered by digital rental platforms. These independent and self-sufficient users will have the tools they need to take charge of their housing arrangements with confidence.
3. The idea
As a result of extensive research and analysis, the concept of Vivo was developed, an app that facilitates the search for mid-term to long-term accommodation, based on the personal experiences and feedback of past renters. This includes information about the property, the neighborhood, the landlord, and even the housemates, providing users with a comprehensive and reliable source of information to make informed decisions about where to rent.
Vivo’s most important features
Vivo offers a unique and comprehensive solution for mid-to-long-term housing searches. The app features a user-friendly interface with advanced filtering options such as location, budget, amenities, and room size. But what sets Vivo apart is its focus on community and providing comprehensive information for renters. The app offers:
- City news and events
- Statistics and insights to help renters understand their potential new home
- Information about the city’s laws, regulations, and organizations
- Verified reviews from previous renters for valuable insight into properties, landlords, and housemates
- Empowers renters to make informed decisions with confidence.
High Fidelity wireframes
Sketches and wireframes correspond to the differential part of the application, leaving aside the profile and operations mentioned in the sitemap because they would not have added value to the explanation of the idea.
Let's take a look at some of the app’s flows
Vivo has a user-friendly flow for different features.
- My city provides a comprehensive guide about the city, including its various neighborhoods, points of interest, essential living requirements, budget considerations, and unique characteristics of specific areas. This guide consists of informative articles, providing in-depth descriptions and useful information to aid individuals in their research and planning before embarking on their trip, or as a resource during their stay.
- The search feature integrates a map and a comprehensive list of available options, like other popular applications. The added bonus of this search feature includes user ratings and reviews, giving you valuable insights into the location and the property owner. You can easily personalize your search by filtering results based on your specific preferences and interests. The photos included in the search results are real and taken by previous tenants, providing a more authentic and accurate representation of the property.
- The community section offers a comprehensive overview of the city, including news articles, statistics, and a calendar that details key events and happenings. In addition to this, it provides practical information on demographic data and mobility patterns in different neighborhoods. The news articles cover a range of topics, from politics to any unexpected incidents that may impact city life.
- Reviews can be found on the profile of each accommodation, landlord, or tenant, where we can see the ratings of each, along with photos of either the person or the property, and comments from users, roommates, or landlords towards tenants, giving us a real-life perspective on both the properties and potential roommates, or the type of landlord for each place.
4. The UI design
Typography
The font Outfit, with its simple and clean geometric sans serif design and playful touches like ligatures, represents the truthfulness of the app it is being used for. In the same way, the app places a strong emphasis on the transparency of its user reviews. By ensuring that all reviews are verified and accurate, the app provides a trustworthy platform for renters to make informed decisions about their housing. Outfit is the perfect font choice for projects that require a clean and professional look, while still retaining a sense of fun and personality. The unique combination of straightforward typography and playful accents make Outfit a versatile font that can be used in a variety of projects, from corporate branding to digital marketing and advertising.
Color palette
The color palette for Vivo’s UI consists of black, white, and vibrant green. The use of these colors conveys a sense of sophistication, clarity, and energy. Black represents reliability and stability, making it ideal for highlighting important elements such as menu items and headings. White provides a clean, neutral background that helps to focus attention on the app’s content and makes the text and images stand out. Vibrant green adds a pop of color and energy to the design, representing growth, renewal, and optimism. The choice of this color is inspired by the app’s focus on connecting renters with the best rental options based on real reviews and feedback from people.
Iconography
The iconography used for the app’s UI is designed to be simple, rounded, and easy to understand. The icons have a consistent style, ensuring that the user can easily navigate the app. The rounded edges of the icons provide a soft, friendly feel, while their simplicity makes it easy for users to quickly identify the various features and functions of the app. The consistent style of the icons helps to create a cohesive look and feel, reinforcing the overall user experience of the app and making it more enjoyable to use.
Naming
The name ‘Vivo’ was chosen for the rental app to reflect the personal and emotional connection that renters have with their homes. In Spanish, “Vivo” means “I live”, emphasizing the importance of finding a place to call home and the joy and comfort that comes with it. The app was designed with the personal experiences and feedback of past renters in mind, taking into account their needs and desires when it comes to finding a place to live. The name ‘Vivo’ symbolizes the app’s commitment to helping renters find their ideal home and fostering a sense of community and connection with their new surroundings.
VIVO App
Conclusions
In conclusion, Vivo provides a comprehensive and innovative solution for those seeking mid-to-long-term housing. The app sets itself apart from others by offering a user-friendly interface that is not only equipped with advanced filtering options such as location, budget, amenities, and room size, but also a strong emphasis on community and comprehensive information for renters.
With a focus on creating a well-rounded experience, Vivo provides renters with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions about their housing.
Ultimately, Vivo simplifies the housing search process and helps renters make informed decisions with confidence.
