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Methods
Project Management
Interviews
Competitor Anslysis
Web Design
Mobil App Design
Interior Design
Tools and Software
Figma
Autodesk Revit
Duration
15 weeks: February 18, 2023 - May 7, 2023
My Role
Project manager and Design Mentor managing webflow & content (UI/UX) (5 people) and interior design (3 people) workstreams within the project group from conception to delivery.
My Responsibilities
Mentoring team members for website, interior and UX design processes and tools, managing communications between the team and client.
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Overview
This project was completed extracurricularly within Cornell’s Medium Design Collective brand consulting subteam, Praxis Brand Consulting. Over the course of one semester, I worked with a team of 8 total other members and the Adaptive Rentals team to create a set of design guidelines such that we effectively communicated and merged Adaptive Rentals’ student-centric values within their website and interior living experiences.
Client Context
Adaptive Rentals enables college students to reach their goals and live comfortably by providing secure and luxurious rental apartments with services and resources that support student achievement. The company operates on the mission to understand the desires that students have and design its homes to meet those desires.
Part I: User Research
(4 weeks)
Our user research spanned a duration of four weeks, during which we employed a combination of user interviews and competitor analysis.
We conducted in-depth interviews with Cornell students to gather insights into their rental experiences with Ithaca landlords, aiming to understand their challenges and preferences.
Additionally, we performed a competitor analysis to examine local rental companies, focusing on identifying their primary target audience and evaluating their service styles. This dual approach provided a comprehensive understanding of both user needs and the competitive landscape, guiding us in developing user-centered solutions for the rental market in Ithaca.
Website UI/UX Desgin
The first part of the project involved designing the Website UI/UX to meet the client's requirements for a new website mockup. This mockup will incorporate a comprehensive content hierarchy, ensuring that all necessary pages are included for both browser and mobile versions.
Content Planning & Hierarchy
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Objective:
Propose a website hierarchy and content list for an Adaptive Rentals website to be developed in upcoming semesters. Design UI/UX mockups for each webpage for feasible implementation.
Interview Question:
What structure and content do Cornell students value when interacting with the site of an Ithaca landlord?
Interview Summary:
Data sample
-
Mostly sophomores and some juniors and freshman
Emotion
-
Stressed out, confusion
Causes
-
Websites: ambiguous, little guidance & information, outdated
-
Many users are first-time renters
Potential solutions
-
Clear information layout (especially communication-wise, contact info, tours, emails, etc.)
-
Updated versions of the websites, guidance towards the rental process (more step-by-step features)
-
User-friendly, and application of filters (especially filters on the amenities)
Competitors Analysis Objective:
What structures, content, and features do top competing Ithaca landlords present on their websites?
Competitor Analysis Summary:
-
Ithaca Renting Company: Long-standing and well-known company among students & professionals.
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Travis Hyde Properties: Manages residential and commercial properties across Ithaca & Binghamton.
-
CSP Management: Full-service property management firm known for maintenance, renovation, & repair.
-
Ithaca Apartment Company: Properties located downtown, the target audience of graduate students.
-
PJ Apartments: This smaller company specializes in customer relations through personalized service.
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PPM Homes: Real estate & property management company for apartments & permanent homes.
-
Auden Ithaca: Centralized community near Cornell campus with amenities catered for student residents.
Quantitative takeaways
-
7/7: listing galleries and descriptions, contact information & forms, company and listing addresses, available listings, utilities and amenities
-
4/7: floor plans, video tours, testimonials, company information, core values, & a mission statement
-
2/7: separate resources, hiring, services, & landing pages
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1/7: dedicated forms, FAQ, apartment features, apartment amenities, & directions pages.
Part II: Implementation
(4 weeks)
The user research, which included interviews with Cornell students about their rental experiences with Ithaca landlords and competitor analysis of local rental companies, informed our understanding of user needs and preferences. This, combined with a well-structured content hierarchy, allowed us to create a clear and user-centered design strategy. With these foundational elements in place, we proceeded with the 4-week implementation phase, focusing on developing features and functionalities that address the identified needs and improve the overall user experience.
Interview Question:
What structure and content do Cornell students value when interacting with the site of an Ithaca landlord?
Interview Summary:
Data sample
-
Mostly sophomores and some juniors and freshman
Emotion
-
Stressed out, confusion
Causes
-
Websites: ambiguous, little guidance & information, outdated
-
Many users are first-time renters
Potential solutions
-
Clear information layout (especially communication-wise, contact info, tours, emails, etc.)
-
Updated versions of the websites, guidance towards the rental process (more step-by-step features)
-
User-friendly, and application of filters (especially filters on the amenities)
Competitors Analysis objective:
What structures, content, and features do top competing Ithaca landlords present on their websites?
Competitor Analysis Summary:
-
Ithaca Renting Company: Long-standing and well-known company among students & professionals.
-
Travis Hyde Properties: Manages residential and commercial properties across Ithaca & Binghamton.
-
CSP Management: Full-service property management firm known for maintenance, renovation, & repair.
-
Ithaca Apartment Company: Properties located downtown, the target audience of graduate students.
-
PJ Apartments: This smaller company specializes in customer relations through personalized service.
-
PPM Homes: Real estate & property management company for apartments & permanent homes.
-
Auden Ithaca: Centralized community near Cornell campus with amenities catered for student residents.
Quantitative takeaways
-
7/7: listing galleries and descriptions, contact information & forms, company and listing addresses, available listings, utilities and amenities
-
4/7: floor plans, video tours, testimonials, company information, core values, & a mission statement
-
2/7: separate resources, hiring, services, & landing pages
-
1/7: dedicated forms, FAQ, apartment features, apartment amenities, & directions pages.
Home Page
-
Appeals to the attention and intrigue of new and returning users.
-
Visually compelling elements & compact, action-prompting text drive user exploration & retainment.
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Listing Page
-
Easily searchable for users who know what they want or are still searching for their ideal apartment.
-
Cards provide uncluttered organization, optimizing scanning and retainment of important details.
-
A collapsible filter allows users to easily sort for the apartment that most suits their needs.
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Resource Page
-
Miscellaneous information a user needs to support their apartment search and supplement a listing’s information.
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Company Page
-
Minimal but visually compelling.
-
A layout that focuses on storytelling.
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Clearly organized text & vibrant visuals.
-
Elements draw the user in & succinctly capture AR’s background & value propositions.
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Contact Page
-
Minimal images, with contact points as the focus.
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Providing info on all contact points & direct messaging to accommodate for contact preferences.
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Interior Design
The second part of the project focuses on interior design, The aim is to create visually appealing and practical living spaces that enhance tenant satisfaction and reflect Adaptive Rental's brand values. The interior design process ensures that each unit is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, style, and functionality, ultimately contributing to a positive rental experience.
Objective:
Assist in the development of home design & furnishing palettes of Adaptive Rental’s student rental homes.
Interview Findings:
Unit type
-
5/10 prefer studios;
-
5/10 prefer a suite with a common space
Housing style
-
9/10 like modern and simplistic housing styles
Other preferences
-
entrance to kitchen space, isolated space for outdoor accessories before entering main area
Priorities
-
6/10 report cleanliness and maintenance as top priorities in their housing search
Furnishings
-
6/8 prefer the place to be fully furnished
-
rooms with designated activities
-
privacy between units, but opportunities to socialize within same unit
Adaptive Rental's Position:
The interior design reflects recency
-
up-to-date furnishings & amenities
Student-centered design
-
a space you want to live in & show
-
functionally versatile furniture
-
privacy & comfort
Proposal for customization
-
Each unit is partially furnished with essential amenities
-
AR provides additional furniture and appliances to a certain number from a storage bank
Part I: Market Research
(2 weeks) +
Part II: 3d Rendering Tool Selection
(4 weeks)
For the Market Research phase, we conducted comprehensive interviews with Adaptive Rentals(AR) business owners and Cornell students. The objective was to gain a deep understanding of AR's unit types, students' housing styles, preferences, and priorities. We explored their opinions on various furnishing options to identify what they consider most appealing and practical for their tenants. These interviews provided valuable insights into the specific needs and expectations of Adaptive Rentals, allowing us to tailor our design and development efforts to align with their vision.
Interview Findings:
Unit type
-
5/10 prefer studios;
-
5/10 prefer a suite with a common space
Housing style
-
9/10 like modern and simplistic housing styles
Other preferences
-
entrance to kitchen space, isolated space for outdoor accessories before entering the main area
Priorities
-
6/10 report cleanliness and maintenance as top priorities in their housing search
Furnishings
-
6/8 prefer the place to be fully furnished
-
rooms with designated activities
-
privacy between units, but opportunities to socialize within the same unit
Adaptive Rental's Position:
The interior design reflects recency
-
up-to-date furnishings & amenities
Student-centered design
-
a space you want to live in & show
-
functionally versatile furniture
-
privacy & comfort
Proposal for customization
-
Each unit is partially furnished with essential amenities
-
AR provides additional furniture and appliances to a certain number from a storage bank
Part III: Floor Plan Design
(2 weeks) +
Part IV: 3D Rendering
(4 weeks)
The Market Research involves analyzing tenant preferences, studying current housing trends, and reviewing Adaptive Rental's existing properties to identify key features and design elements that appeal to their target audience. Based on these insights, we proceeded to create detailed floor plans for the units using professional interior design software - Revit. These floor plans will incorporate optimal space utilization, modern design aesthetics, and functional layouts that cater to diverse tenant needs.
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Final Delivery
-
5 website page mockups made in Figma
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1 interior design floor plan and 3D models
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An executive summary for website design guidelines
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An executive summary for interior design guidelines
Takeaways + Reflection
This was my first project in which I formally took on a leadership role as project manager. This was a hugely rewarding experience, and I am thrilled to have been able to really develop my communication and organization skills through managing and delegating tasks with the team in a way that worked with all of our busy schedules, as well as to have strengthened my design understanding through mentoring more junior members. I am excited about the prospect of advancing my leadership skills in the future as well.
Theme
Color Style
#000000
#ffffff
#bf9000
Black & white: formal colors representing luxury & sophistication. Aligns with the goal for customers to associate AR’s brand with professional service & clean, high-quality student apartments
Gold: warm color balances a message of hospitality and friendliness toward customers while contrasting to the black & white when accenting UI features
Font Style
a balance between style and function
Aa
Fenix
A formal font face, maintaining AR’s visual aesthetic in section headers.
Aa
DM Sans
Modern font face, readable and adaptable to mobile formats.
Shape Style
Soft edges are welcoming & represent interactive elements. hard edges assert professionalism & highlight images & divisions
Image Style
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Panoramic-like images give viewers a sense of the living space size, decoration potential, & cleanliness
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Living spaces should be fully furnished & cleaned to give the best representation possible to customers
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Bold, warm colors in images demonstrate hospitality, & stand out against black-and-white backgrounds to users