"Most of the expats arriving to Amsterdam use Facebook groups to find their housing options. While rentals from landlords can be found in Kamernet, tenants prefer to use Facebook to find a new roommate"
Personas
The personas based on the interviews helped to approach the project from two different angles. The user that searches for a flat and the one that searches for a flatmate.
Empathy map
The empathy map was developed for both defined users to identify what was moving them. We observed how being able to find an apartment before reaching Amsterdam was a great concern, which together with the fear of finding the perfect fit gave us a direction towards the "room tour" idea.
User journey
Developed for both users, gave us a view of the different pain and action points that we had during the journey. One of the opportunities observed, was how important the personality of the new flatmate was for "Oceane", needing a complete view of the flatmate before moving forward.
Easy and direct search
Users could choose the search method that most fits their needs. While some of them could go for the search engine and look for a specific street, others could select directly the districts of the city where they want to live.
Another search method implemented was the "Draw the area" feature, present in apps like Idealista, This method would work well to ensure that the user selects areas of interest.
This feature is taken a step further by being able to mark as selected the full neighborhood you draw on top, trying to solve the inaccuracies of circling with the finger.
Limiting the filters
While more filters can be selected, it was decided to accelerate the search process by just offering two filters: price and willingness to share the apartment.
Swipe mode & list mode
While the swipe mode offers a more dynamic and immersive experience, the list mode allows a direct comparison of the different offers.
Introducing the "Room tour" concept
Finding an apartment in Amsterdam implies having to participate in multiple video calls and in-person meetings to check for the apartment and to see if you fit with your future flatmates. All this process is facilitated by introducing a video where the flatmates and tenants can present themselves and show the house.
Keep track of your applications
Chat and apartment descriptions are combined to keep track easier of the application state.
The app gives great importance to the human value of the person you live with, having the opportunity for both the flatmates and the future tenant, to present themselves beforehand.
The app gives great importance to the human value of the person you live with, having the opportunity for both the flatmates and the future tenant, to present themselves beforehand.
Fill out the profile to increase your chances
Both the flatmates that publish the apartment, and the new renter, have the chance to present themselves with a guided video, which will probably increase the chances of being selected and give a clue to the people they will live with.
