Sharedly

Sharedly is addressing the problem of a lack of affordable housing options for renters. Many individuals and families struggle to find housing that fits within their budget due to rising rental costs, limited availability, and high demand in desirable locations. This problem is particularly prevalent in urban areas and regions with high population density.

The Hypothesis

Sharedly's value proposition lies in its ability to provide cost savings, access to desirable locations, compatibility with roommates, convenience in the housing search process, community engagement, and a secure platform for shared living. Renters can enjoy affordable housing options while benefiting from a supportive and enjoyable living experience

Prototype

Why Sharedly?

It offers a streamlined platform for searching shared housing, matching roommates, and managing expenses.
The goal is to reduce rental costs and create a supportive community for renters.

User Research - Interviews

Objective: To understand user behavior

What are your views on house rental?

Respondent 1

I had to move to a basement because I can not afford to rent an apartment

Respondent 2

I and my friend will prefer to share an apartment to reduce how much we spend on rental on a monthly basis.

Respondent 3

Too expensive I can barely save after paying rent

Objective: To understand user pain points.

Could you share your experience with renting housing in the past?

Respondent 1

I faced challenges due to the limited availability of shared apartments in desired locations.

Respondent 2

Finding affordable housing nearby is challenging

Respondent 3

Needing to ensure compatibility with potential roommates in terms of lifestyle, habits, and preferences for a harmonious living experience

Objective: To understand user motivations

What are your thoughts on shared living arrangements? Are you interested in sharing a house or apartment with others? If yes, what motivates you? If not, what are your concerns or reservations?

Respondent 1

Shared living arrangements seem practical, especially in expensive areas. I am open to the idea of sharing a house or apartment. Financial benefits are my main motivation, as it could help me save money. However, I might have concerns about privacy and compatibility with roommates."

Respondent 2

I believe shared living arrangements can be a great solution to reduce housing costs while fostering a sense of community. I am definitely interested in sharing a house or apartment with others. The idea of splitting expenses and having company motivates me. It could also lead to making new friends and sharing responsibilities.

Respondent 3

I'm cautious about shared living arrangements due to potential conflicts. While I understand the cost-saving aspect, I prefer having my own space. Privacy and the possibility of differing lifestyles are my main reservations. I would need to ensure compatibility with roommates before considering it.

Research Finding

The UX research highlighted notable pain points within shared living scenarios. Challenges encompass coordinating household responsibilities, safeguarding personal privacy, and navigating the intricate landscape of shared expenses. Specifically, respondents emphasized the complexities of managing financial obligations such as rent and utilities among roommates. These insights underscore the importance of creating solutions that not only streamline chore coordination and uphold privacy but also offer transparent and efficient tools for managing shared financial commitments. Consequently, these findings provide valuable direction for developing the Sharedly app to effectively address these multifaceted challenges in shared living arrangements.

User Persona

Information Architecture

User Flow

Sketches

Wireframe

Usability Testing - Scenario

Scenario

A friend recently moved to Toronto and they downloaded shardly from play store. How can you search for other app users who are also interested in sharing an apartment.

Task 1: You want to register and search for other house renters (Applicant)

Task 2: You want to be able to share apartment with friends