✍️ Interview: Yue Shen Internship at Habidatum
During the summer, Habidatum collaborates with interns from diverse backgrounds and locations to delve into compelling topics in data analytics and business. In 2023, the internship program focused on UX and marketing research. We are now sharing the insights of our interns. Today, we highlight Yue Shen, a UX Researcher & Designer, MSI Student at University of Michigan.
According to research by Forrester, every dollar invested in UX design can result in a return on investment (ROI) between $2 and $100. Improving the user experience of a website or app can lead to higher conversion rates, increased sales, and greater customer satisfaction.
UX design and the real estate business share similarities, as both involve the strategic placement of elements, whether it’s a button on a website or a building in a physical space. “Location, Location, Location” isn’t just a mantra for real estate agents; it’s also a fundamental principle of UX design.
Just as the right location can make or break a property’s value, the placement of elements on a webpage or app can greatly impact user satisfaction and engagement. Therefore, at Habidatum, UX design extends beyond mere digital interfaces.
- Why I Joined
I’m a master’s student studying UX research and design. I am interested in making technology more user-friendly and accessible, and I would like to sharpen my skills in a real-world setting. Habidatum provided me with an invaluable opportunity to explore how to integrate user experience research into the development of a new feature. I am excited to understand the target user group, extract their needs, and generate actionable solutions that can help shape the future of data science in real estate.
2. My Day-to-Day Adventures
I’m excited at the beginning of my internship. My colleagues at Habidatum were exceptionally supportive and friendly. As a UX researcher intern, my daily tasks included analyzing competitors and developing user study plans. I did research about potential target users and developed interview protocols for them. These protocols played a crucial role in defining our research direction. Additionally, I crafted an alternative survey designed to collect vital user data. This survey aimed to complement our qualitative findings from interviews. I also collaborated with other interns on the user study design and deployment. We spearheaded an outreach effort, engaging with over 2000 potential users, and inviting them to participate in user studies. I reported and updated my progress weekly to my mentors to receive their feedback.
3. New Discoveries
While I had only one month for my internship, through my research, I discovered a diversity of perspectives within the real estate industry. Real estate brokers could have different opinions regarding the pain points they have when using technology to serve their clients, which prompted us to consider further user segmentation to target potential users. Another striking discovery was that small business owners might also be potential target users, but further research is needed for validation. This discovery highlighted the importance of user-centered research and clear communication in product development.
4. Surprising Insights
One of the most notable insights was the strategies for outreach to participants for user studies. It can be difficult to reach out to potential users, so we employed various approaches to engage them effectively. This included leveraging email campaigns and social media outreach. I also designed questionnaires in addition to interview invitations. This experience taught me the importance of diversifying resources and being persistent in our efforts to connect with users, ultimately it will result in valuable feedback.
5. Future Aspirations
My journey at Habidatum has been a transformative experience. It has deepened my passion for user experience research and technology. I’m excited to pursue a career in UX research and contribute to making technology more user-friendly and effective. The knowledge and skills I gained during this internship will undoubtedly be invaluable in my future endeavors. I look forward to continuing to understand users and advocate for their needs as I navigate the exciting field of UX research.
6. Advice for Fellow Interns
Embrace every task and responsibility, regardless of its size. Each experience contributes to your growth, from competitor analysis to user studies. Be flexible and keep an open mind because you can encounter challenges at any point during a user study, and your ability to adapt and come up with alternative plans is crucial for success. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek help from your colleagues — they are valuable resources. In the ever-evolving world of UX research and technology, collaboration and learning from your peers are essential for personal and professional development. Your internship is a stepping stone to a promising career, so make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
