HomeSet App
Home ownership can be grand, but also overwhelming when routine tasks add up, information gets lost, and lack of proper maintenance leads to costly (and avoidable) repairs.
HomeSet is an app that keeps track of important records, receipts, warranty information and more on user’s property, home and the contents within it — helping to relieve the stress and anxiety homeowners can often feel—setting a mindset of self care when approaching their home’s and/or property’s management.
Role
I individually performed all user research methods, sketching, wireframing, prototyping and evaluation involved in reaching a solution.
Tools
Figma for wireframing and prototyping
Zoom for conducting remote interviews
Notion & Word for note taking
Powerpoint for presentations
Research & Discovery
Through initial user interviews, I determined homeowners were overwhelmed by not being able to keep track of routine home/property maintenance tasks and important records. This leads to neglect of their domain and unexpected (and preventable) expenses arising and, in some cases, danger to their home or the residents within it. Because of this, they often feel stressed, anxious and overwhelmed.
Directed storytelling script example (click to open)
User empathy map (click to open)
5/5 Users:
Didn’t use a consistent methodology or tool that helps them manage their home/property as a whole
Used digital calendars to keep track of some of their home maintenance tasks
4/5 Users
Were burdened by managing documents from various home management sources
Considered having mobile access to the app as important
Have experienced frustration over timely access to important home information such as:
Appliance information (warranties, dates of installation or repair, etc..)
Home update record keeping
Current/past contractor details
Measurements/dimensions of spaces, windows, doors, etc…
What users wanted
Fast, simple and intuitive mobile access to their information and the ability to edit it
Help remembering to perform certain household/property tasks
Secure storage of any and all information
To upload images and documents directly from their mobile device(s)
On average, users surveyed were 88% certain they would regularly use an app that helps them manage their property, gain a sense of control and supports them toward a healthier mindset.
Solutions
To align the app’s functions with user values, I designed and prototyped key features that help address pain points uncovered during my research.
Schedule with Snooze-able Reminders
Users can integrate their personal calendar with the HomeSet schedule so they can consider how their other planned activities can fit around their HomeSet tasks (or vice versa). The Reminders feature helps keep users abreast of upcoming tasks or services needed, but they want to be reminded when its more convenient, they can tell the app to remind them later.
Quick-Add Capability
Although there are several ways to navigate throughout the app through categories based on how the user finds it easiest, Homeset’s Quick-Add feature helps users upload images or documents and store them in a fast, simple and logical way as they manage their information.
Tips (with some geared toward mental health)
The Tips feature offers ways to learn about solutions to common issues that homeowners face, like advice on time & task management — helping homeowners incorporate their home’s care as a form of self-care by helping prevent or mitigate anxiety and stress stemming from home management.
Editable Stored Information
As users enter their pertinent home information and add items to their inventory, they can rest assured they can always edit their information as needed.
Conclusion
Its exciting to imagine all the features an app like HomeSet could ultimately house. If additional time and resources were available, feature exploration would include:
A barcode and QR scanning feature to simplify the process of adding inventory items
An integrated measurement tool for ease in entering measurements for items like windows, doors and area dimensions, and
Shared access among housemates or others needing access, such as children of elderly adults who are assisting with their parent’s home as they age.