About
Off Campus Housing is a feature in the BYU mobile app created to help students find BYU approved housing.
In its former state, the feature provided sparse information and had a generic feel to it.
Improving this feature was mandated as part of a larger rethink of the Off Campus Housing Office.
Problem
The Off Campus Housing feature provides limited information.
It is difficult to find or add available listings. The feature feels old/outdated.
Stakeholders
Students
Parents
Landlords (inc. Management Companies)
Off Campus Housing Office
Landing page for Men's Housing listings.
Personas
John Sycamore
John is a Junior @BYU. He loves the outdoors, and constantly seeks ways to do fun things outside with his friends. He’s not a fan of the city, and as such often loses his way in town (though he always knows where he is out of the city.)
Mary Adana
Mary is a Freshman @BYU, Mary loves technology, has joined an intramural team, and loves going to on-campus events to socialize. She’s always with her phone, so she always knows what’s going on.
Frañseza Hayden
Frañseza is a stay-at-home mom who's full-time job is raising 3 beautiful children. She regularly enjoys brunch club with her friends, and stays connected globally via Instagram where she posts helpful cooking hints.
Persona Scenarios
John Sycamore
John spends most of his time outdoors or with his friends. He is looking for housing, and is considering moving into a shared room and a house. He is an art major, whose primary medium is canvas, as he struggles with technology. John has a Google Pixel and regularly uses the BYU app for his on-campus job.
Mary Adana
Mary has an on-campus job at the university help desk, so she knows all about the BYU app. After her first year, she's ready for the solace of her own room. Mary knows what amenities she want's but is working in a budget.
Frañseza Hayden
This busy mom is helping her oldest find somewhere to live. He is currently away on a 2 year volunteer program. Her son has a scholarship to cover his housing, but wants to make sure he is somewhere near campus.
Initial Survey
The initial survey was conducted over the summer on campus. As a result, only 12 participants participated.
25% of participants had heard of the feature
75% would use this feature
Students primarily used Facebook or Rentler-like apps
Students would like to see the inclusion of images, filters, and better organization Students noted the disorganized feel, and lack of information
75% would use this feature
Students primarily used Facebook or Rentler-like apps
Students would like to see the inclusion of images, filters, and better organization Students noted the disorganized feel, and lack of information
Prototyping
In this project, an idea had already formed in my mind (and the primary partners) that images would play an integral part. Thanks to our initial prototypes, we found that our existing technologies would not support this idea.
The low-fi prototypes helped our campus partners visualize what we were suggesting and analyze their position.
Current (left) vs suggested (middle and right)
Suggested also shows implementation of filtering and expanding cards.
Suggested filters (left) vs current filtering (middle)
Initial high-fi mock-up. In a quick survey, students liked the image and the icons. Later on, it was brought up the backend wasn't setup for images, and that deciphering the icons may be difficult.
Final Prototype
Left image shows landing, while right shows detail card.
Reflection
Working on this project was amazing. From the project I learned the following: Working with the developers is key...Working with the developers I was able to see what I could do as far as "extra" UI elements, such as the cards, images, etc.
Low-Fi sketches can really sell a vision...The initial sketches sold (and gave food for thought) to all those involved. Pretty early on, we saw what the vision for feature would be. While it didn't change much from sketch to development, we were able to test different ideas easily, which contributed to the final design.
Not all failures are rubbish...Technically, the campus partners backed away from the redesign, as they saw a greater need to reevaluate their needs. While this work sat in limbo for a month, it was ultimately used for an interim redesign of the app, approved by the app owner.