Goal: Create an app to help users stay informed about their purchase and track stages of the building progress.
Research Phase
18% of millennials surveyed said
they never expect to own a home
The U.S. is currently facing a seemingly-unsolvable housing crisis.
Less and less people each year believe they will ever be able to own a home.
User Insights
"housing market is impossible for first time home buyers."
"Even starter homes are way out of most peoples price range."
"Buying a house is crazy right now."
Users thoughts on Modular homes:
Users don't know what modular houses are...
"sounds weird"
"how do they get it there?"
"Is it all built in the factory?
Would it blow away in a bad wind storm? does it have good insulation?"
Would it blow away in a bad wind storm? does it have good insulation?"
Even if they know what modular homes are they don't trust them...
"I question the longevity of modular homes"
"My main concerns are quality of construction, timeline for construction and option for customization"
"Manufactured homes don’t hold value as well."
The original plan was to develop an app that tracks what stage of the process the home is in while it was being built.
But after our user research we realized the bigger problem is that people don't know about or trust Module Housing.
With this knowledge, we shifted focus to creating an app that will inform users on what module is and how it can potentially benefit them.
Problem Statement
Users need a better way to confidently purchase a module home. The current process lacks transparency about all the costs, the quality of construction, the materials used, and the look of the end product.
Solution
A user-friendly mobile app that informs and reassures the user throughout the onboarding experience. The app will be concise and visual with photos of the Module process, a clear breakdown of total costs, and thoughtful progress updates and tracking notifications for buyers. Ultimately, the app will empower users to trust Module and understand its benefits.
C&C Analysis
We used Stack Homes and Mods PDX in our C&C because they are competitors to Module and do a much better job at informing users about modular homes.
Wireframe
The first part of the app will be an about section informing and assuring users of the quality of module homes.
Next, a carousel helps users understand the steps of installing a modular house.
A browsing section is also available for users to look at the houses module offers.
Usability Test Feedback
"I would like to see pictures of the finished product"
"More human language."
"Icons aren't helpful."
Final Iteration
- Simplified the language for more more clarity to users.
- Removed icons and added pictures of real projects.
- Cleaned up the UI and added clickable features like customization of the houses.
Next Steps:
More usability testing.
Change global nav bar.
Create the tracking feature.
Integrate virtual tour function.