MyEListing | UX/UI Case Study
MyEListing is a web-based platform designed as online resource to find and post available commercial real estate for sale and for rent. The following UX/UI case study outlines the design process and improvements made to enhance the user experience.
The Objective
The primary goal was to redesign the current site and create an intuitive and user-friendly platform that caters to both novice and experienced users, offering a seamless experience from property listing to agent search. Secondly, to create innovative products to increase user engagement as well as company profit margins.
Research and Discovery
I engaged in thorough market research to gain insights into the requirements, drivers, and actions of businesses seeking commercial real estate. We specifically targeted individuals with significant experience in leasing or purchasing commercial properties. Following the collection and analysis of qualitative data from diverse user interviews, we crafted empathy maps and persona profiles to encapsulate the collective perspectives of our target audience.
Upon identifying our primary personas (Agent and Lessor), we strategically aligned our efforts to cater to their objectives. Our hypothesis centered around two specific profiles, 'The Innovative Commercial Real Estate Broker' and the ‘Ambitious Entrepreneur’, enabling us to address their specific needs and adapt to various usage scenarios effectively.
The empathy maps and personas were referred to throughout the process to keep us grounded with a laser focus on itinerary feature enhancements.
Competitor Analysis: I analyzed existing property listing platforms, such as LoopNet and Crexi, to identify industry standards and best practices. I also explored both successful and unsuccessful design patterns to learn from user feedback.
Design Process
Information Architecture: I developed a clear and hierarchical information architecture to organize features logically, ensuring that users could easily navigate through property listings, tenant information, and administrative tools.
Wireframing: I created low-fidelity wireframes to visualize the basic structure and layout of the platform. Iteratively refined these wireframes based on feedback from stakeholders and potential users.
Prototyping: I then developed interactive prototypes to simulate the user journey, as well as conducted usability testing sessions to gather feedback on the flow, navigation, and overall user experience.
Visual Design: I crafted a modern and visually appealing interface that aligned with the branding of MyEListing, and also developed a clean and intuitive design language with a focus on readability and usability.
App Development: We developed an app that would still cater to both real estate agents as well as users browsing for commercial listings by creating 2 different profile structures. Agents have the ability to create and manage listings, and other users are able to browse, save listings, and message agents directly.
MEL Products: The Product Team at MyEListing continued to develop products that benefited not only commercial real estate agents, but also area vendors. For a monthly fee, area vendors such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc., were provided a list of real-time data on the properties and specifications that commercial real estate buyers, sellers, lessors, renters, and agents were working on in their city.
