RentUp
Streamlined app for fast & easy apartment searching.
RentUp
Streamlined app for fast & easy apartment searching.
RentUp
Streamlined app for fast & easy apartment searching.
Project type
Conceptual
Team
Solo designers
Duration
1 Month
Platform
Mobile
Screens
30+
Software used
Project type
Conceptual
Team
Solo designers
Duration
1 Month
Platform
Mobile
Screens
30+
Software used
Project type
Conceptual
Team
Solo designer
Duration
1 months
Platform
Mobile
Screens
30+
Software used
Overview
Overview
RentUp is a mobile app whose goal is to ease and enhance the apartment search process as we know it. RentUp allows users to narrow down their search with advanced filters, saving time by showing only relevant apartments. It showcases all necessary details and imagery, and also allows users to schedule a visit easily or view apartments from the comfort of their homes through a virtual tour.
RentUp is a mobile app whose goal is to ease and enhance the apartment search process as we know it. RentUp allows users to narrow down their search with advanced filters, saving time by showing only relevant apartments. It showcases all necessary details and imagery, and also allows users to schedule a visit easily or view apartments from the comfort of their homes through a virtual tour.
My role
My role
Led the end-to-end product design process, conducted thorough research, ideated user-centric concepts, and translated them into high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes to create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface.
Led the end-to-end product design process, conducted thorough research, ideated user-centric concepts, and translated them into high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes to create a visually appealing and user-friendly interface.
Scope & Constraints
Scope & Constraints
This project served as my final assignment for the advanced UX/UI design course at Studio 6B. Throughout its duration, I faced numerous challenges, each presenting a unique learning opportunity.
This project served as my final assignment for the advanced UX/UI design course at Studio 6B. Throughout its duration, I faced numerous challenges, each presenting a unique learning opportunity.
Solo Design Journey
Solo Design Journey
I handled everything from research to the final design on my own, navigating each phase independently.
I handled everything from research to the final design on my own, navigating each phase independently.
One-Month Challenge
One-Month Challenge
I was tasked with completing this project within a tight one-month deadline, pushing me to efficiently manage my time.
I was tasked with completing this project within a tight one-month deadline, pushing me to efficiently manage my time.
My First Design Sprint
My First Design Sprint
I embarked on my first design sprint, learning and applying each step from beginning to end.
I embarked on my first design sprint, learning and applying each step from beginning to end.
Learning Advanced Prototyping
Learning Advanced Prototyping
I had to quickly master new tools for advanced prototyping to bring my design vision to life.
I had to quickly master new tools for advanced prototyping to bring my design vision to life.
Problem statement
This project was created to address the longstanding issue of apartment searching. In Israel, there are multiple ways to manage your apartment search—starting with the most common, Facebook and Yad2, and continuing with more tailored experiences such as Madlan, Komo, Chatlist, and Nester. However, none of these options completely meet the users' needs. Even when using all these different apps, the search process will still, in most cases, be a long, overwhelming, and discouraging journey, encountering multiple obstacles along the way.
This project was created to address the longstanding issue of apartment searching. In Israel, there are multiple ways to manage your apartment search—starting with the most common, Facebook and Yad2, and continuing with more tailored experiences such as Madlan, Komo, Chatlist, and Nester. However, none of these options completely meet the users' needs. Even when using all these different apps, the search process will still, in most cases, be a long, overwhelming, and discouraging journey, encountering multiple obstacles along the way.
Yad2
Madlan
Nester
Yad2
Madlan
Nester
Yad2
Madlan
Nester
Research
Research
To research this issue I conducted a survey using the “Ask” method, publicized it amongst multiple facebook groups, and received 138 responses.
To research this issue I conducted a survey using the “Ask” method, publicized it amongst multiple facebook groups, and received 138 responses.
“כל דירה שעולה למאגרים השונים (פייסבוק, יד 2) תוך רגע נחשפת למלא מלא מתעניינים וצריך להגיע ראשונים לראות אותה, אחרת הסיכוי לסגור בה יורד בצורה משמעותית :( חייבים להיות על זה כל הזמן, ממש עבודה במשרה מלאה..”
״אני מחפשת בפייסבוק וביד 2. אני מרגישה שכל המידע מאד מבולגן, אנשים מפרסמים בקבוצה שנקראת 'דירות ברחביה בלבד' על דירה בגבעה הצרפתית, אני רואה את אותו הפוסט כמה פעמים.״
“הרבה פעמים הדירה מפורסמת עם פרטים לא נכונים או חסרים נתונים חשובים במודעה”
“חיפוש דירה לוקח המון זמן. וחייבים להיות עם היד על הדופק. כל דירה ששווה משהו תיחטף מהר מאוד. אז מצד אחד חייבים לעבור על כל מקור מידע אפשרי כל הזמן. מצד שני ללכת לראות דירה זה המון השקעה (זמן, דמי נסיעה, שעות מחוץ לעבודה/לימודים). לכן דירות שלא עונות על הדרישות חבל לבזבז עליהן את הזמן.”
“לא תמיד יש את כל הפרטים הרלוונטיים (גודל, מחיר, איזור (!), תמונות), ואז אני מבזבזת את הזמן בדירות שמסתבר שלא רלוונטיות בכלל”
״יש המון אתרים שצריך לבקר בכולם כדי לא לפספס, כולל קבוצות פייסבוק. בנוסף אין כלי סינון יעילים בפייסבוק בעיקר אבל גם באתרים נוספים, כגון חיפוש לפי מפה, לפי מספר חדרים, מחיר, אזור, רחובות וכו'.״
״בכל דירה שהגענו לראות היו המוני פונים. הסיבה היחידה שהצלחנו בסוף למצוא היא שחיפשנו גם באתרים שונים במקביל לפייסבוק, שם כמות הפונים הייתה קצת נמוכה יותר. לבסוף חתמנו על חוזה נורא מהר כדי לא לפספס דירה ואז גילינו את כל הבעיות האדירות שלה.״
״עשרות ולפעמים מאות אנשים מגיבים על כל פוסט, ולכן צריך גם לקבל החלטה הכי מהר שיש כדי שלא יתפסו את הדירה״
״אני מחפשת בפייסבוק וביד 2. אני מרגישה שכל המידע מאד מבולגן, אנשים מפרסמים בקבוצה שנקראת 'דירות ברחביה בלבד' על דירה בגבעה הצרפתית, אני רואה את אותו הפוסט כמה פעמים.״
״יש המון אתרים שצריך לבקר בכולם כדי לא לפספס, כולל קבוצות פייסבוק. בנוסף אין כלי סינון יעילים בפייסבוק בעיקר אבל גם באתרים נוספים, כגון חיפוש לפי מפה, לפי מספר חדרים, מחיר, אזור, רחובות וכו'.״
״עשרות ולפעמים מאות אנשים מגיבים על כל פוסט, ולכן צריך גם לקבל החלטה הכי מהר שיש כדי שלא יתפסו את הדירה״
״בכל דירה שהגענו לראות היו המוני פונים. הסיבה היחידה שהצלחנו בסוף למצוא היא שחיפשנו גם באתרים שונים במקביל לפייסבוק, שם כמות הפונים הייתה קצת נמוכה יותר. לבסוף חתמנו על חוזה נורא מהר כדי לא לפספס דירה ואז גילינו את כל הבעיות האדירות שלה.״
“כל דירה שעולה למאגרים השונים (פייסבוק, יד 2) תוך רגע נחשפת למלא מלא מתעניינים וצריך להגיע ראשונים לראות אותה, אחרת הסיכוי לסגור בה יורד בצורה משמעותית :( חייבים להיות על זה כל הזמן, ממש עבודה במשרה מלאה..”
“לא תמיד יש את כל הפרטים הרלוונטיים (גודל, מחיר, איזור (!), תמונות), ואז אני מבזבזת את הזמן בדירות שמסתבר שלא רלוונטיות בכלל”
“חיפוש דירה לוקח המון זמן. וחייבים להיות עם היד על הדופק. כל דירה ששווה משהו תיחטף מהר מאוד. אז מצד אחד חייבים לעבור על כל מקור מידע אפשרי כל הזמן. מצד שני ללכת לראות דירה זה המון השקעה (זמן, דמי נסיעה, שעות מחוץ לעבודה/לימודים). לכן דירות שלא עונות על הדרישות חבל לבזבז עליהן את הזמן.”
“הרבה פעמים הדירה מפורסמת עם פרטים לא נכונים או חסרים נתונים חשובים במודעה”
“כל דירה שעולה למאגרים השונים (פייסבוק, יד 2) תוך רגע נחשפת למלא מלא מתעניינים וצריך להגיע ראשונים לראות אותה, אחרת הסיכוי לסגור בה יורד בצורה משמעותית :( חייבים להיות על זה כל הזמן, ממש עבודה במשרה מלאה..”
״עשרות ולפעמים מאות אנשים מגיבים על כל פוסט, ולכן צריך גם לקבל החלטה הכי מהר שיש כדי שלא יתפסו את הדירה״
“לא תמיד יש את כל הפרטים הרלוונטיים (גודל, מחיר, איזור, תמונות), ואז אני מבזבזת את הזמן בדירות שמסתבר שלא רלוונטיות בכלל”
“חיפוש דירה לוקח המון זמן. וחייבים להיות עם היד על הדופק. כל דירה ששווה משהו תיחטף מהר מאוד. אז מצד אחד חייבים לעבור על כל מקור מידע אפשרי כל הזמן. מצד שני ללכת לראות דירה זה המון השקעה (זמן, דמי נסיעה, שעות מחוץ לעבודה/לימודים). לכן דירות שלא עונות על הדרישות חבל לבזבז עליהן את הזמן.”
“הרבה פעמים הדירה מפורסמת עם פרטים לא נכונים או חסרים נתונים חשובים במודעה”
״בכל דירה שהגענו לראות היו המוני פונים. הסיבה היחידה שהצלחנו בסוף למצוא היא שחיפשנו גם באתרים שונים במקביל לפייסבוק, שם כמות הפונים הייתה קצת נמוכה יותר. לבסוף חתמנו על חוזה נורא מהר כדי לא לפספס דירה ואז גילינו את כל הבעיות האדירות שלה.״
״אני מחפשת בפייסבוק וביד 2. אני מרגישה שכל המידע מאד מבולגן, אנשים מפרסמים בקבוצה שנקראת 'דירות ברחביה בלבד' על דירה בגבעה הצרפתית, אני רואה את אותו הפוסט כמה פעמים.״
״יש המון אתרים שצריך לבקר בכולם כדי לא לפספס, כולל קבוצות פייסבוק. בנוסף אין כלי סינון יעילים בפייסבוק בעיקר אבל גם באתרים נוספים, כגון חיפוש לפי מפה, לפי מספר חדרים, מחיר, אזור, רחובות וכו'.״
The data from the survey showed that:
The data from the survey showed that:
95%
Use Facebook groups and posts as their main search method
90%
Spend over 2 hours daily on their apartment search
96%
experience difficulty or stress during the search process
46%
Are unhappy with or compromised on the apartment they found
95%
Use Facebook groups and posts as their main search method
90%
Spend over 2 hours daily on their apartment search
96%
experience difficulty or stress during the search process
46%
Are unhappy with or compromised on the apartment they found
The survey also revealed many pain points that apartment seekers experience using the current platforms:
The survey also revealed many pain points that apartment seekers experience using the current platforms:
Communication
Contacting homeowners for information or scheduling a visit is inefficient and leads to holdups in the search process
Inadequate filters
Limited filtering options do not allow for a maximized search experience, causing each post to be overexposed
Lack of information
Posts often omit important details, and misleading information can result in unnecessary visits
Irrelevant listings
Listings are not consistently updated or organized, causing users to view apartments that may no longer be available
Insufficient visuals
Frequently, pictures do not accurately depict the property, rooms may lack photos, and images can be enhanced
Unadapted UI
The platforms are not designed for apartment searching, displaying outdated and unappealing user interfaces
Communication
Contacting homeowners for information or scheduling a visit is inefficient and leads to holdups in the search process
Inadequate filters
Limited filtering options do not allow for a maximized search experience, causing each post to be overexposed
Lack of information
Posts often omit important details, and misleading information can result in unnecessary visits
Irrelevant listings
Listings are not consistently updated or organized, causing users to view apartments that may no longer be available
Insufficient visuals
Frequently, pictures do not accurately depict the property, rooms may lack photos, and images can be enhanced
Unadapted UI
The platforms are not designed for apartment searching, displaying outdated and unappealing user interfaces
Exploring opportunities
Exploring opportunities
In order to provide a better user experience, I chose to approach these pain points using the "How might we.." method, which allowed me to reframe the challenges into innovative solutions. I divided the challenges into categories and prioritized them.
In order to provide a better user experience, I chose to approach these pain points using the "How might we.." method, which allowed me to reframe the challenges into innovative solutions. I divided the challenges into categories and prioritized them.
Trust & confidence
Time & energy
Search & filter
Personalization & relevance
Roommate search
Information & transparency
User experience
Trust & confidence
Time & energy
Search & filter
Personalization & relevance
Roommate search
Information & transparency
User experience
Trust & confidence
Time & energy
Search & filter
Personalization & relevance
Roommate search
Information & transparency
User experience
ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
I used the "7 Whys" technique to uncover the root cause of the main issue, promoting critical thinking and preventing superficial solutions. This approach helps create user-centric designs by addressing hidden causes effectively.
I used the "7 Whys" technique to uncover the root cause of the main issue, promoting critical thinking and preventing superficial solutions. This approach helps create user-centric designs by addressing hidden causes effectively.
Home search
I want to find roommates who are my age, in the same stage of life, and with whom I would get along.
Because it's important for me to live with people that are in same headspace as me so we can hopefully become friends
Because I am a friendly person, I like hanging out and enjoy other peoples company, and I want my roommates to want that as well
Because I want to surround myself with people who are like me
Because I want to feel accepted and loved
Because it will increase my social value
Roommate search
I want to find an apartment that fits all my desires and needs (price, location & value)
Because I work hard and I need a nice place to relax and live in
Because I deserve to have a place that feels good to come back to everyday and that feels like home
Because I want to feel secure and comfortable in my environment
Because I want to feel stable and independent
Users & Audience
Users & Audience
There are multiple parties involved in an apartment search: homeowners, current tenants, real estate agents, and apartment seekers. I chose to initially focus on the perspective of the apartment seekers since they are the ones who face the true challenges during the search process. By addressing their needs, I will then be guided to design the other sides in a more compassionate manner.
There are multiple parties involved in an apartment search: homeowners, current tenants, real estate agents, and apartment seekers. I chose to initially focus on the perspective of the apartment seekers since they are the ones who face the true challenges during the search process. By addressing their needs, I will then be guided to design the other sides in a more compassionate manner.
Omer Kleiman
Working student
Background
Currently living at his parents, Omer spends most of his time in Zoom classes, doing homework, working, and searching apartments in Jerusalem. His down time at the end of the day is spent watching soccer games and hanging out with friends
Age:
25
Status:
In a relationship
Education:
B.A student for PPE studies
Profession:
Data Analyst at Consul Ltd.
Location:
Kfar Saba, Israel
Independant, friendly, smart, detail oriented, likes being in control
“I can’t afford to waste hours searching and driving back and forth to look at apartments every day.”
Goals & Motivations
Find a shared apartment without compramizing on location, price, or quality
Spend the least amount of time and energy on the search proccess
Stay calm and relaxed throughout the proccess
Challenges
Spending too much time on non efficient apps trying to find an apartment
Finding an apartment that fits all his criteria
Getting all the information early on so there are no surprises
Behaviors
Spends 1-2 hours a day apartment searching
Constantly checks Facebook groups in order to stay updated
Drives to Jerusalem a few times a week to view apartments
Omer Kleiman
Working student
Background
Currently living at his parents, Omer spends most of his time in Zoom classes, doing homework, working, and searching apartments in Jerusalem. His down time at the end of the day is spent watching soccer games and hanging out with friends
Age:
25
Status:
In a relationship
Education:
B.A student for PPE studies
Profession:
Data Analyst at Consul Ltd.
Location:
Kfar Saba, Israel
Independant, friendly, smart, detail oriented, likes being in control
“I can’t afford to waste hours searching and driving back and forth to look at apartments every day.”
Goals & Motivations
Find a shared apartment without compramizing on location, price, or quality
Spend the least amount of time and energy on the search proccess
Stay calm and relaxed throughout the proccess
Challenges
Spending too much time on non efficient apps trying to find an apartment
Finding an apartment that fits all his criteria
Getting all the information early on so there are no surprises
Behaviors
Spends 1-2 hours a day apartment searching
Constantly checks Facebook groups in order to stay updated
Drives to Jerusalem a few times a week to view apartments
Omer Kleiman
Working student
Age:
25
Status:
In a relationship
Education:
B.A student for PPE studies
Profession:
Data Analyst at Consul Ltd.
Location:
Kfar Saba, Israel
Attributes:
Independant, friendly, smart, detail oriented, likes being in control
Background
Currently living at his parents, Omer spends most of his time in Zoom classes, doing homework, working, and searching apartments in Jerusalem. His down time at the end of the day is spent watching soccer games and hanging out with friends
“I can’t afford to waste hours searching and driving back and forth to look at apartments every day.”
Goals & Motivations
Find a shared apartment without compromising on location, price, or quality
Spend the least amount of time and energy on the search process
Stay calm and relaxed throughout the process
Challenges
Spending too much time on non efficient apps trying to find an apartment
Finding an apartment that fits all his criteria
Getting all the information early on so there are no surprises
Behaviors
Spends 1-2 hours a day apartment searching
Constantly checks Facebook groups in order to stay updated
Drives to Jerusalem a few times a week to view apartments
Desired user journey map
Desired user journey map
defining in detail what the persona is doing, thinking and feeling throughout each step of the search process, allowed me to identify the users exact pain points, and recognize where my app can offer solutions for their problems.
defining in detail what the persona is doing, thinking and feeling throughout each step of the search process, allowed me to identify the users exact pain points, and recognize where my app can offer solutions for their problems.
User flow
User flow
identifying the users movement throughout the app helped me meet their needs more accurately and efficiently. creating an intuitive design that will allow the users to easily flow through the interface without hesitation or confusion
identifying the users movement throughout the app helped me meet their needs more accurately and efficiently. creating an intuitive design that will allow the users to easily flow through the interface without hesitation or confusion
Visual Research
Visual Research
Using the “UI Hacking” method, I gathered inspiration from competitors, successful apps with millions of users, the ecosystem, and current trends.
Analyzing screens and marking design elements that worked throughout the research process helped me sharpen my vision for my design, ultimately creating a better and more accurate interface.
Using the “UI Hacking” method, I gathered inspiration from competitors, successful apps with millions of users, the ecosystem, and current trends.
Analyzing screens and marking design elements that worked throughout the research process helped me sharpen my vision for my design, ultimately creating a better and more accurate interface.
Sketching
Sketching
creating a visual outline for the app Using sketching, allowed me to explore and refine my design ideas.
I was able to think more openly and creatively about my design, experiment with different concepts and just have fun.
creating a visual outline for the app Using sketching, allowed me to explore and refine my design ideas.
I was able to think more openly and creatively about my design, experiment with different concepts and just have fun.
Designing the solution
In the final stage, I created a polished user interface and high-fidelity prototype. Meticulously refining every detail, I ensured a seamless and professional user experience.
Designing the solution
In the final stage, I created a polished user interface and high-fidelity prototype. Meticulously refining every detail, I ensured a seamless and professional user experience.
An experience that will adapt to your search needs
An experience that will adapt to your search needs
The simple onboarding questions and advanced filters feature allows for a more tailored search experience. save time by Viewing only relevant apartments based on your personal criteria
The simple onboarding questions and advanced filters feature allows for a more tailored search experience. save time by Viewing only relevant apartments based on your personal criteria
No surprises! receive all the information from the get-go
No surprises! receive all the information from the get-go
view all the neccessary details and visuals showcasing each apartment. Make an informed decision and plan a visit with the simple scheduling feature
view all the neccessary details and visuals showcasing each apartment. Make an informed decision and plan a visit with the simple scheduling feature
view the property from the comfort of your home
view the property from the comfort of your home
first impressions are important! Get a feel of the place with the virtual tour, gallery, or map features, and avoid unnecessary visits.
first impressions are important! Get a feel of the place with the virtual tour, gallery, or map features, and avoid unnecessary visits.
Conclusion
Conclusion
RentUp emerged as a solution to the challenges faced during apartment searches in Israel. By focusing on user needs and simplifying the process, RentUp made searching effortless and straightforward. This experience emphasized the significance of user understanding and clear communication in design.
RentUp emerged as a solution to the challenges faced during apartment searches in Israel. By focusing on user needs and simplifying the process, RentUp made searching effortless and straightforward. This experience emphasized the significance of user understanding and clear communication in design.
Takeaways
Takeaways
This project has been a tremendous learning experience, providing me with valuable insights and skills that have significantly enriched my understanding of the design process and its multifaceted aspects.
This project has been a tremendous learning experience, providing me with valuable insights and skills that have significantly enriched my understanding of the design process and its multifaceted aspects.
Mastering of Design Sprints
Mastering of Design Sprints
Gained confidence and honed the ability to independently complete a design sprint, mastering all its intricacies.
Gained confidence and honed the ability to independently complete a design sprint, mastering all its intricacies.
User-centric research and engagement
User-centric research and engagement
Conducted in-depth user research and actively engaged with the target market, emphasizing the importance of a user-centric approach.
Conducted in-depth user research and actively engaged with the target market, emphasizing the importance of a user-centric approach.
Concept ideation to polished design
Concept ideation to polished design
Navigated the entire design process, from initial concept ideation to crafting a finished and polished design, showcasing a comprehensive skill set.
Navigated the entire design process, from initial concept ideation to crafting a finished and polished design, showcasing a comprehensive skill set.
High-Level Prototyping Skills
High-Level Prototyping Skills
Developed advanced high-level prototyping abilities, enhancing the capability to bring design concepts to life in a dynamic and interactive manner.
Developed advanced high-level prototyping abilities, enhancing the capability to bring design concepts to life in a dynamic and interactive manner.
Looking forward
Looking forward
In the next phase, I will conduct research and design interfaces to cater to additional parties that may be involved in the apartment search process, including homeowners, current tenants, and real estate agents. This expansion aims to enhance the app's functionality and fulfill its broader objectives. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of conducting user testing and iterations on all designs before handing off to development.
In the next phase, I will conduct research and design interfaces to cater to additional parties that may be involved in the apartment search process, including homeowners, current tenants, and real estate agents. This expansion aims to enhance the app's functionality and fulfill its broader objectives. Furthermore, I recognize the importance of conducting user testing and iterations on all designs before handing off to development.
Thank you for reading!
Take a look at more of my work
Designing the solution
In the final stage, I created a polished user interface and high-fidelity prototype. Meticulously refining every detail, I ensured a seamless and professional user experience.
Designing the solution
In the final stage, I created a polished user interface and high-fidelity prototype. Meticulously refining every detail, I ensured a seamless and professional user experience.
Thank you for reading!
Take a look at more of my work
RentUp
Streamlined app for fast & easy apartment searching.
RentUp
Streamlined app for fast & easy apartment searching.
Let’s Connect
Let’s Connect
Feel free to reach out for collaborations or just a friendly hello 😉
Feel free to reach out for collaborations or just a friendly hello 😉
epstein.etana@gmail.com