Metro NZ
UI UX BRANDING APPLICATION DESIGN UX RESEARCH CASE STUDY
BACKGROUND
Metro NZ Property Management Ltd is a one-stop rental property management company. As part of my final project for my UX course I conducted a design challenge to redesign the Metro NZ website.
THE PROBLEM
The site's organization and navigation were far from optimal, leading to confusion and frustration among users. The Metro NZ website presented significant challenges in terms of user experience, particularly in the context of the rental and search pages.
PLANNING & GOALS
At the start of my research phase, I placed a strong emphasis on creating a user-friendly design and flow that would enhance the user experience. In addition to this, I aimed to integrate new features into the design to facilitate the search for rental properties that accommodate pets, making it more convenient for users.
Research
In order to understand the problem, and the users needs I conducted a survey using Google Forms. Here are some of their answers and data I collected:
“I can’t find a section where I can search for the properties to rent.”
“I would like to search around before becoming a tenant.”
82%
Did not successfully find the booking form for a new rental.
“The home page is too noisy. I don’t know where to start.”
“The tenancy application button sounds like I have to make a commitment.”
65%
Said that they would find it easer if you could see if the place was pet friendly.
23%
Said they would come back to Metro NZ.
User Story
How Might We
How might we empower tenants to find the right property for them?
As a Tenant looking for a rental property in Auckland I want to browse and find rental properties easily So that I can find the right property for me.
Persona
Mary is a responsible & goal-oriented individual who is seeking a rental property in Auckland that aligns with her career and pet ownership
Needs:
A pet-friendly environment with a suitable space for Max. Rent budget is a maximum of $500 per week. Prioritizes a suitable workspace for remote work
Frustrations:
Ensuring the property she chooses is pet-friendly and has a welcoming environment for Max.
The problem statement
Many tenants face challenges finding a property that meets their specific needs and preferences.
Our goal is to create a solution that empowers tenants to quickly and easily find the right property.
This solution should streamline the rental search process, provide accurate and relevant information about available properties, and help tenants make informed decisions about where to live.
Ultimately, our aim is to create a user experience that is efficient, intuitive, and enjoyable, making the rental process a positive experience for tenants.
User Flow
Wireframes
We went on to wireframing and then to the high fidelity prototype.
This were the design solution really started coming to life.
Home Page
Design Rationale
Listing Page
For our design solution there are 2 types of users and two routes - direct vs scenic route.
Direct route - users already know that they want to go with MPM so they’ll land on the homepage and go straight to filling out the search filters.
Scenic route - These are the users that are not to sure if they want to go with MPM and need to be convinced in the homepage about section, services, testimonials, and latest listings.
Usability Testing
Usability testing Methodology
Participants performed tasks such as finding a place to rent, searching for an animal-friendly place, and booking a viewing.
Participants' interactions and feedback were observed and recorded.
After completing the tasks, participants rated their experience on a scale of 1 to 5.
Usability testing Summary
The findings highlighted several areas for improvement, including clarifying text, enhancing the booking view, and adding new features such as region selection and additional filters.
Addressing these findings will help improve the overall usability and user satisfaction of the website.
THE PRODUCT
Easily explore and search for your next rental property
Filters like pet-friendliness, availability of parking, number of bedrooms, and proximity to parks and gyms.
Easily check viewing times and direct booking with agent
The booking function provides users with the convenience of checking the available viewing times for a property without the need to contact the property manager directly.
