My Role
UX & Visual Design
Timeline
12 Weeks
ShareNest: Crafting a User-Centric Solution for Finding Flatmates
During my college years, I lived comfortably with my parents, never experiencing the challenges of hostel or bachelor lifeโwhere sharing a space with strangers becomes the norm.
However, I frequently witnessed my friends navigating a different kind of chaos: the struggle to find a roommate or the difficulties of adjusting to one. Almost daily, my Instagram feed would be filled with stories of classmates searching for roommates, their pleas amplified through friends reposting in hopes of finding a match.
This recurring scenario sparked the idea to seek out a solution to this all-too-common problem. So what's Sharenest. Come I'll show you.
During my college years, I lived comfortably with my parents, never experiencing the challenges of hostel or bachelor lifeโwhere sharing a space with strangers becomes the norm.
However, I frequently witnessed my friends navigating a different kind of chaos: the struggle to find a roommate or the difficulties of adjusting to one. Almost daily, my Instagram feed would be filled with stories of classmates searching for roommates, their pleas amplified through friends reposting in hopes of finding a match.
This recurring scenario sparked the idea to seek out a solution to this all-too-common problem. So what's Sharenest. Come I'll show you.
As Chevy Chase from Vegas Vacation saidโฆ
As Chevy Chase from Vegas Vacation saidโฆ
As Chevy Chase from Vegas Vacation saidโฆ
ShareNest is about finding the who to make your space feel like home.
ShareNest is about finding the who to make your space feel like home.
ShareNest is about finding the who to make your space feel like home.
What's your problem ?
What's your problem ?
Students and young working professional often struggle to find reliable and compatible flatmates, leading to financial strain, stress, and disruptions in their academic or professional lives. Existing solutions do not effectively address the diverse preferences and lifestyle compatibility issues, making the process of finding a suitable flatmate inefficient and challenging.
What's my solution ?
What's my solution ?
โค Personality-Based Matching: ShareNest connects users with flatmates who share similar lifestyles and values, enhancing compatibility.
โค User-Centric Design: The platform offers an intuitive and streamlined interface, making the roommate search process efficient and stress-free.
โค Diverse Preferences: ShareNest accommodates various living preferences, ensuring users find a flatmate who fits their unique needs.
โค Improved Living Experience: By reducing the challenges of finding a compatible roommate, ShareNest fosters a more harmonious and enjoyable cohabitation.
That's a horrendous marketing tagline, but hey am not here to market this product but to market myself through this case study. SO BEAR WITH ME
How I Identified the Problem:
How I Identified the Problem:
To effectively identify the core problem, I began by defining some key questions:
โค What specific issue are we addressing?
โค Why is this issue significant for the target audience?
โค How are current solutions failing to address this issue?
By exploring these questions, I gained clarity on the challenge at hand.
I then employed three distinct methods to dive deeper into the problem:
1) Difficulty in Finding Reliable Flatmates: The current methods of finding flatmates are inefficient, leading to frequent struggles each semester. User feedback and literature review highlight that current methods, such as relying on local Facebook groups ('flatmatesofdelhi', 'flatmatesofbangalore'), are insufficient. Other major method of finding a roomie is relying on online-offline connections, such as posting an instagram story or enquiring in your friend circle.
2) Financial Strain: Students face significant financial burdens when they can't find a suitable flatmate quickly
3) Compatibility and Lifestyle Differences: Finding a like-minded flatmate who shares similar living habits is challenging, causing stress and impacting academic or professional performance.
4) Diverse Preferences: Students have varied preferences for flatmates, from wanting close friends to desiring diverse interactions, which current solutions don't cater to effectively.
Surveys & Interview timeโฆ
Surveys & Interview timeโฆ
Key Questions to Answer:
Who are the primary users who will benefit from your app?
What are their demographics (age, occupation, location, etc.)?
What are their specific needs and pain points related to finding flatmates?
Following are the findings
To better understand the current landscape and identify opportunities for ShareNest, I conducted a thorough competitor analysis. This allowed me to evaluate existing platforms, pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, and determine how ShareNest can offer a more effective solution for users seeking compatible flatmates
Despite the availability of platforms like Flatmate (the only option in India), there's a noticeable gap in providing a personalized experience. Competitors often struggle with outdated or limited data, and their listings are too generic to meet the diverse needs of users.
With these challenges in mind, I moved on to brainstorming and ideation, followed by creating wireframes and prototypes. Let's dive into the detailed solution I developed.
Final Design & Solution
Final Design & Solution
The final design of ShareNest is a clean, modern platform that allows users to effortlessly find and connect with compatible flatmates. Key features include an advanced matching algorithm, comprehensive user profiles, swiping left and right like a dating app, and a secure in-app messaging system.
My approach to addressing the challenge of finding the right roommate draws inspiration from dating apps. These apps analyze your behavior, preferences, values, and more to filter and recommend potential matches through their algorithms.
Once both parties show interest by swiping right, they connect.
I believe applying a similar method to roommate searches would lead to more meaningful connections.
Helping users find the ideal person to share their space withโthe one who truly fits.
Once both parties show interest by swiping right, they connect.
I believe applying a similar method to roommate searches would lead to more meaningful connections.
Helping users find the ideal person to share their space withโthe one who truly fits.
After signing up, you'll be guided through an onboarding screen where you'll fill out various personal forms. This step allows the app to gather information about you and understand your preferences better.
My approach to addressing the challenge of finding the right roommate draws inspiration from dating apps. These apps analyze your behavior, preferences, values, and more to filter and recommend potential matches through their algorithms.
There's also a prompt feature that allows you to share more about yourself, specifically highlighting what you bring to the table as a great roommate.
After signing up, you'll be guided through an onboarding screen where you'll fill out various personal forms. This step allows the app to gather information about you and understand your preferences better.
After sharing information about yourself, you'll also be prompted to specify what you're looking for in a roommate. Through my research,
I discovered that people don't always seek someone just like themselves; their personal behavior may differ from their preferences. It's important to identify the qualities and expectations you have for a potential roommate.
There's also a prompt feature that allows you to share more about yourself, specifically highlighting what you bring to the table as a great roommate.
There's also a prompt feature that allows you to share more about yourself, specifically highlighting what you bring to the table as a great roommate.
After sharing information about yourself, you'll also be prompted to specify what you're looking for in a roommate. Through my research, I discovered that people don't always seek someone just like themselves; their personal behavior may differ from their preferences. It's important to identify the qualities and expectations you have for a potential roommate.
OR
Next, users are presented with two options. If they already have a place and are seeking a roommate or flatmate, they will need to describe their space, which will serve as a listing for potential matches.
On the other hand, if they donโt have a place yet and are looking for both a roomie and a place to rent, theyโll be prompted to specify their preferences for the type of place theyโre seeking.
By clicking the arrow at the bottom, users can learn more about the potential nest or roommate, allowing them to decide whether to swipe left or right. Once a match is made, they can start chatting through the messaging feature to discuss further details and finalize arrangements. The appโs role ends once a match is secured, leaving the rest up to the users.
My Learnings and Areas for Improvement
My Learnings and Areas for Improvement
โค Depth of Research: My research could have been more comprehensive. For instance, the survey I conducted was completed by only 120 people, which isn't a large enough sample size to gather robust, representative data.
โค Assumptions and Casual Interviews: Much of my understanding was based on assumptions and casual conversations with friends, rather than a formalized user research process. Conducting in-depth interviews and creating detailed user maps would have strengthened my insights and provided a more solid foundation.
โค Limited Testing: As this was a personal project, I couldn't conduct A/B testing. Additionally, I recognize that I still have room to grow in this area, and improving my skills in testing and validation is something I aim to work on.
โค System Design Considerations: While I believe the app offers a great user experience, there are still significant areas to be developed, such as its monetization strategy, security features to protect users from scams and malicious intent, and robust data privacy protections. These are critical elements that require further attention and design work.
Design System
Design System
I created a concise design system for this project, using the Moon Design System template as a foundation. Due to time constraints, I focused solely on a dark mode variant. I chose sap green as the primary color to evoke a homely and warm atmosphere, while incorporating a touch of cyan to add a fresh, modern feel to the app.
What's your problem ?
Students and young working professional often struggle to find reliable and compatible flatmates, leading to financial strain, stress, and disruptions in their academic or professional lives. Existing solutions do not effectively address the diverse preferences and lifestyle compatibility issues, making the process of finding a suitable flatmate inefficient and challenging.
What's my solution ?
โค Personality-Based Matching: ShareNest connects users with flatmates who share similar lifestyles and values, enhancing compatibility.
โค User-Centric Design: The platform offers an intuitive and streamlined interface, making the roommate search process efficient and stress-free.
โค Diverse Preferences: ShareNest accommodates various living preferences, ensuring users find a flatmate who fits their unique needs.
โค Improved Living Experience: By reducing the challenges of finding a compatible roommate, ShareNest fosters a more harmonious and enjoyable cohabitation.
That's a horrendous marketing tagline, but hey am not here to market this product but to market myself through this case study. SO BEAR WITH ME
How I Identified the Problem:
To effectively identify the core problem, I began by defining some key questions:
โค What specific issue are we addressing?
โค Why is this issue significant for the target audience?
โค How are current solutions failing to address this issue?
By exploring these questions, I gained clarity on the challenge at hand. I then employed three distinct methods to dive deeper into the problem:
1) Difficulty in Finding Reliable Flatmates: The current methods of finding flatmates are inefficient, leading to frequent struggles each semester. User feedback and literature review highlight that current methods, such as relying on local Facebook groups ('flatmatesofdelhi', 'flatmatesofbangalore'), are insufficient. Other major method of finding a roomie is relying on online-offline connections, such as posting an instagram story or enquiring in your friend circle.
2) Financial Strain: Students face significant financial burdens when they can't find a suitable flatmate quickly
3) Compatibility and Lifestyle Differences: Finding a like-minded flatmate who shares similar living habits is challenging, causing stress and impacting academic or professional performance.
4) Diverse Preferences: Students have varied preferences for flatmates, from wanting close friends to desiring diverse interactions, which current solutions don't cater to effectively.
Surveys & Interview timeโฆ
Key Questions to Answer:
Who are the primary users who will benefit from your app?
What are their demographics (age, occupation, location, etc.)?
What are their specific needs and pain points related to finding flatmates?
Following are the findings
To better understand the current landscape and identify opportunities for ShareNest, I conducted a thorough competitor analysis. This allowed me to evaluate existing platforms, pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, and determine how ShareNest can offer a more effective solution for users seeking compatible flatmates
Despite the availability of platforms like Flatmate (the only option in India), there's a noticeable gap in providing a personalized experience. Competitors often struggle with outdated or limited data, and their listings are too generic to meet the diverse needs of users.
With these challenges in mind, I moved on to brainstorming and ideation, followed by creating wireframes and prototypes. Let's dive into the detailed solution I developed.
Final Design & Solution
The final design of ShareNest is a clean, modern platform that allows users to effortlessly find and connect with compatible flatmates. Key features include an advanced matching algorithm, comprehensive user profiles, swiping left and right like a dating app, and a secure in-app messaging system.
My approach to addressing the challenge of finding the right roommate draws inspiration from dating apps. These apps analyze your behavior, preferences, values, and more to filter and recommend potential matches through their algorithms.
Once both parties show interest by swiping right, they connect.
I believe applying a similar method to roommate searches would lead to more meaningful connections.
Helping users find the ideal person to share their space withโthe one who truly fits.
After signing up, you'll be guided through an onboarding screen where you'll fill out various personal forms. This step allows the app to gather information about you and understand your preferences better.
My approach to addressing the challenge of finding the right roommate draws inspiration from dating apps. These apps analyze your behavior, preferences, values, and more to filter and recommend potential matches through their algorithms.
There's also a prompt feature that allows you to share more about yourself, specifically highlighting what you bring to the table as a great roommate.
After signing up, you'll be guided through an onboarding screen where you'll fill out various personal forms. This step allows the app to gather information about you and understand your preferences better.
After sharing information about yourself, you'll also be prompted to specify what you're looking for in a roommate. Through my research,
I discovered that people don't always seek someone just like themselves; their personal behavior may differ from their preferences. It's important to identify the qualities and expectations you have for a potential roommate.
There's also a prompt feature that allows you to share more about yourself, specifically highlighting what you bring to the table as a great roommate.
After sharing information about yourself, you'll also be prompted to specify what you're looking for in a roommate. Through my research, I discovered that people don't always seek someone just like themselves; their personal behavior may differ from their preferences. It's important to identify the qualities and expectations you have for a potential roommate.
OR
Next, users are presented with two options. If they already have a place and are seeking a roommate or flatmate, they will need to describe their space, which will serve as a listing for potential matches.
On the other hand, if they donโt have a place yet and are looking for both a roomie and a place to rent, theyโll be prompted to specify their preferences for the type of place theyโre seeking.
By clicking the arrow at the bottom, users can learn more about the potential nest or roommate, allowing them to decide whether to swipe left or right. Once a match is made, they can start chatting through the messaging feature to discuss further details and finalize arrangements. The appโs role ends once a match is secured, leaving the rest up to the users.
My Learnings and Areas for Improvement
โค Depth of Research: My research could have been more comprehensive. For instance, the survey I conducted was completed by only 120 people, which isn't a large enough sample size to gather robust, representative data.
โค Assumptions and Casual Interviews: Much of my understanding was based on assumptions and casual conversations with friends, rather than a formalized user research process. Conducting in-depth interviews and creating detailed user maps would have strengthened my insights and provided a more solid foundation.
โค Limited Testing: As this was a personal project, I couldn't conduct A/B testing. Additionally, I recognize that I still have room to grow in this area, and improving my skills in testing and validation is something I aim to work on.
โค System Design Considerations: While I believe the app offers a great user experience, there are still significant areas to be developed, such as its monetization strategy, security features to protect users from scams and malicious intent, and robust data privacy protections. These are critical elements that require further attention and design work.
Design System
I created a concise design system for this project, using the Moon Design System template as a foundation. Due to time constraints, I focused solely on a dark mode variant. I chose sap green as the primary color to evoke a homely and warm atmosphere, while incorporating a touch of cyan to add a fresh, modern feel to the app.
