The BuddyBuddy App was created to address the challenges faced by many young adults relocating to Canada - particularly Toronto, as they seek compatible and trustworthy roommates. The app features AI-driven matching algorithms, comprehensive profile verification, and secure communication features for a seamless roommate search process. The primary goal was to create a user-friendly and secure solution tailored to the specific needs of international students and young professionals, while also catering to local residents.
PROJECT TYPE: Interaction Design, Mobile App Design
PROJECT DURATION: 14 Weeks
YEAR: 2024
Beatrice Asamany (UX/UI Design, Branding, Visual Design)
Siddiqah Gulamhusein (Instructor)
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Newcomer students / individuals in Canada often struggle with finding safe and compatible living arrangements due to a lack of reliable resources and familiarity with the local housing market. Existing platforms (Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace being the main competitors) fail to adequately address these unique challenges. This has led to safety concerns and difficulties in finding trustworthy roommates. My project aimed to develop a solution that streamlines the roommate-finding process while ensuring a high level of security and user satisfaction.
Role & Responsibilities
As the Sole Designer, I was responsible for the overall design and user experience of the app. My specific responsibilities included conducting user research, creating user personas, designing wireframes, user testing and iterations, high-fidelity prototypes, and the implementation of key features to ensure they aligned with user needs.
Scope & Constraints
I had a 14-week timeline to develop a working (high fidelity) prototype of the app. Budget limitations restricted the use of advanced technologies, so I focused on the key features that would directly address the most critical user needs. As the project progressed, I made iterations based on the feedback I received from my instructor and data from user testing , leading to an agile approach where some initial features were adjusted to incorporate these insights without compromising the timeline.
Users & Audience
I identified the primary users of the app as - international students or young adults newly arriving in Canada, particularly in Toronto. These individuals face unique challenges in navigating the housing market and need a reliable platform to find safe and compatible roommates. Secondary users include local students and young professionals who are either looking for roommates or have rooms available for rent. I developed a user persona to represent the primary user, with some similar concerns as the secondary users.
MY PROCESS
Research and Interviews:
To understand the specific challenges faced by students and young professionals in finding roommates and to identify gaps in existing solutions, I conducted an in-depth desk research to learn more about the experiences people have shared online about finding compatible roommates. I also conducted interviews with 5 international and 3 domestic students in Toronto. This research stressed the importance of safety and compatibility, guiding the direction of the app's features.
The insights I gathered from this phase led to the development of a detailed user persona and a clear understanding of critical features to include in the development of the app.
USER PERSONA
Definition and Ideation:
To determine which features to prioritize that would directly address the identified user pain points, I had brainstorming sessions with my supervisor and a young professional who is in the process of moving to Toronto to develop key features like mandatory profile verification, AI-driven roommate matching, and secure in-app communication.
Design Process:
After drafting a project plan and creating the app's logo, moodboard, user flow and style guide, I enlisted the help of four students for a card sorting exercise to determine how the app’s navigation will look like. With this information, I developed sketches, wireframes and prototypes for the app.
The app's features include onboarding with profile verification, preferences/habits section to help with AI-powered matching, a filtering feature to narrow down searches, verification badges for users with verified profiles and a toggle button that allows users to choose who they would like to receive audio/video calls from.
User Testing & Outcomes
I tested the mid-fidelity prototype with a small group of users for feedback to ensure that the designs resonated with the target audience. With the data I collected and feedback from my supervisor, I created the high-fidelity prototype with the necessary iterations. Below are the outcomes:
Enhanced Onboarding Process:
Initially, the onboarding process featured single buttons for actions like ID verification. The user testing and feedback from my instructor revealed that this limited users' choices, potentially causing frustration. For instance, the original design only allowed users to take a picture of their government-issued ID.
Based on this feedback, I updated the design to include two buttons: one for taking a photo and another for uploading an existing file. This change will provide users with more flexibility, accommodating those who might prefer to use pre-existing digital copies of their IDs.
Homepage Redesign:
The mid-fidelity prototype's homepage displayed room and apartment listings from users seeking roommates. However, during testing, it became clear that this approach will be confusing to most users, as it detracted from the app's primary focus - finding compatible roommates. To streamline the user experience, I redesigned the home page to feature the app’s personalized recommendations for potential roommates. These recommendations are based on the tags users select, from the preferences, interests, and habits section. This will help to give users a more targeted and relevant experience right from the start.
Refined Interactive Map:
Originally, the interactive map showed room listings along with proposed costs, which, during testing, was found to be distracting and not in line with users' expectations for a roommate finder app. I then refined the map to focus on providing a visual overview of where potential roommates are located. This change better aligns with the app’s purpose and user needs, making it easier for users to visualize potential living arrangements in different neighborhoods.
Improved Toggle On/Off Call Feature:
The mid-fidelity prototype included a toggle on/off call button in the individual chat section, but it lacked context, leading to a bit of confusion among some users during the testing. My instructor advised that I clearly state its purpose.
I introduced an info icon next to the toggle button in the high-fidelity prototype, explaining its function. Additionally, to reduce visual clutter, I designed the audio/video call icons to be hidden when the toggle was off, only appearing when the toggle button was activated. This not only clarified the feature’s use but also improved the overall user interface by keeping it clean and intuitive.
Designing the High-Fidelity Prototype
To create a functional and intuitive app that meets user needs, I designed high-fidelity prototypes with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. I incorporated the feedback from the user testing to ensure the design of a smooth integration and simplification of the profile verification system, AI-powered matching using preferences unique to each user, and secure messaging features.
Key Features
Onboarding with Contact Details:
The onboarding process involves signing up with a phone number and email address which will be verified with a 4-digit code sent to either of the selected contact details the user signs up with. Users have the option to also sign-up with their google, facebook or icloud accounts.
Profile Verification & Badge:
After the users’ contact details have been verified, the user is asked to add a photo of a government-issued ID which is then verified with a live selfie of the user using the app’s in-built camera and facial recognition system to earn the user a verification badge.
Roommate Matching Algorithm:
The user is asked to select from a list of tags relevant to them and their ideal roommate. This is to help the app provide the user with the best recommendations.
The robust verification process is incorporated to increase visibility and inspire user confidence and trust. The matching algorithm helps the app provide more refined recommendations based on each user’s unique preferences.
ONBOARDING - USER FLOW
Recommendations:
The app's recommendation engine introduces users to potential roommates right from the home page. By analyzing the tags selected on the preference page such as lifestyle, interests, and habits, the system provides personalized suggestions. This ensures that users are presented with profiles that closely align with their specific preferences, making it easier to find compatible roommates without extensive searching.
Interactive Map:
The interactive map feature provides a visual overview of where potential roommates are located. This tool is especially useful for users who may be open to exploring new neighborhoods or regions they hadn’t previously considered. To protect user privacy and ensure safety, the app smartly displays locations with a slight variation of +1 to 2 km from the original poster’s exact address.
Search Filter: Recognizing that every user has unique criteria for their ideal living situation, the app offers a fitting search filter. Users can refine their search results by key factors such as budget range, room type (e.g., private room, shared bath, ensuite bath), pet-friendliness, and more. This allows for a highly customizable search experience, so users can quickly and efficiently find the most suitable matches.
SEARCH - USER FLOW
VIDEO CALL - USER FLOW
Toggle Call On/Off:
Communication is key when choosing a roommate, but users might not be comfortable with calls right off the bat. The app’s toggle on/off call feature provides users with the flexible option of allowing calls with specific users only when they want to.
When messaging potential roommates, users can easily decide when or if they want to enable audio or video chat. The built-in video functionality also allows users to request virtual room tours, helping them make informed decisions without the need for in-person visits. This feature is particularly valuable for those who are relocating from a distance / different countries.
Expansion Possibilities
Looking ahead, the app has room for growth in various directions. One key area I am looking at is the introduction of the “Extras” page. This page will include sections like "Living in Canada", where users can share their experiences and advice on navigating life in different geographical areas within Canada. Whether it’s tips on dealing with harsh winters, finding local specialties, or adapting to a new environment, this section will help build community and support among users.
The "Community" forum will also be another exciting addition. It will provide a space for users to post questions, share thoughts, and get feedback from fellow app users. This interactive element will increase user engagement, making the app not just a tool for finding roommates but also a platform for building connections and gaining insights from a like-minded community.
Additionally, the "Buy/Sell" section will be a practical resource for users looking to furnish their apartments or sell items before relocating. By creating the opportunity for users to exchange slightly used furniture at affordable prices, the app will further support users in settling into their new homes, making the transition smoother and more economical.
Conclusion
The roommate finder app is poised to become a valuable tool, especially when tested in a controlled area such as Toronto. Starting in a single city will allow for refined testing and iteration, to guarantee that the app meets the needs of users in a specific market before scaling. If successful, the potential to expand this service on a global scale is immense, offering people worldwide an effective solution for finding compatible roommates.
What’s Next?
Continuous user testing and feedback will remain central to refining the app’s design and potential development. This will ensure that it evolves in line with user expectations.
As this project continues to evolve, I welcome any comments, suggestions, or feedback from interested parties. Your insights will be invaluable in shaping the future of this app in meeting the diverse needs of users worldwide. Please feel free to share your thoughts on how this tool could be improved or expanded to better serve its purpose. Thank you!!
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