BuildingOwl
Responsive Web Application / 2016
I led the UX and Visual Design of BuildingOwl, a responsive building monitoring web application, which will enable New York City building managers, contractors, and architects to efficiently monitor and manage their properties. The system will scan the government API's and notify users of building code violations, complaints, applications, along with permit approvals, and sign-offs. The client, a consulting group, offers appropriate services to users who need assistance with their issues through various call-to-actions within the application. The deliverables were user surveys, a Google Analytics review, competitor & comparable analysis, user experience map, persona creation, user experience strategy, a site map, wireframes, and pixel perfect design comps. I was the project leader during every phase of the design process, including determination of design deliverables based on project scope, research, quantitative and qualitative analysis, brainstorming sessions and ideation, defining a strategy, and interface design. The site is currently under front-end and back-end development by the client's internal team.
Discover, Define, Design
Our first step was working with the client to understand their goals for the product. Following, we analyzed the Google Analytics and Hotjar sessions from their rudimentary beta product then surveyed and conducted interviews of users of similar products in the same industry. With this user data and task analysis completed we began understanding and plotting what users are thinking, feeling, and doing while using this type of application. This was visualized by an experience map that highlighted pain-points and the key areas of opportunity for the new product.
Defining the Users
It was now time to combine the qualitative and quantitative data from our research and analysis into representative "typical" users. We assigned these personas names, photographs, motivations, goals, and a believable bio to better understand our user context and needs.
After developing a comprehensive understanding of BuildingOwl's business goals, the overall market environment, and the target users' behavior, we consolidated a handful of ideas and were able to narrow them down to four main themes. These themes, or keywords, that defined a framework for our recommendations and shaped the user experience strategy are "Efficiency, Personalization, Solution, and Transparency." Our strategy for the product: An efficient monitoring tool that provides a personalized solution. With our strategy established we were ready to brainstorm our recommendations list for the client. This phase of the process is a culmination of everything that comes before it, and the hard work will yield the concepts that yeild a successful final product.
Simple Onboarding
Our user set were very dynamic when it came to factors such as demographics, occupations, and device usage. What was static is they were all incredibly busy and needed a simple and intuitive solution to a crucial part of their jobs. This is established through onboarding new users with a clean step-by-step signup process.
Information Architecture
We created a platform that allows different user types to intuitively filter robust information based on their specific needs. By creating an activity feed with 2 different tabs users are able to simply delineate between their buildings' activity and the actions they have taken on the application. Master filters are set based on the user's individual needs established through the signup process and can be updated at any time. Users also have the ability to group specific properties and submit tickets directly from their feed.
Workflow Oriented
Users can also organize the information by using a calendar or personalized property listing, while the master filter and search functionality remain consistent. By clicking on an issue they can check on its status, pertinent information, and file a ticket.
