top of page
dried-hay-straw-with-grains_edited.jpg

UX UI Case Study

Basic Collection

Are you an architect? Buying furniture for your house?

Ever feel like you're searching for a needle in a haystack?

il_fullxfull.4142666264_qboc.jpg
If so, this case study is just for you...
About
About
Problem

Cumbersome furniture selection process for architects and private clients due to time-consuming searches, information overload, and budget/style misalignment.

Purpose

To create a user-centric web application that simplifies furniture selection, saves time, and ensures budget and style alignment for architects and private clients.

AdobeStock_319174240 copy_edited_edited.jpg
The Challenges
Lack of Efficiency  

Architects and clients spend excessive time searching for suitable furniture options, which diverts their focus from other critical aspects of their projects.

Overwhelming Choice

With a vast array pf furniture options available, it becomes challenging for users to navigate through the sea of choices and identify the most appropriate ones resulting in decision paralysis and information overload.

Budget and Style Constraints

Architects often struggle to find furniture that aligns with their budget and style preferences. Even ones found many items require lengthy delivery times and are therefore not relevant, sending the architect out to search again.

Lack of Personalization

Current methods of furniture selection do not take into account individual preferences, project requirements, and previous selections, leading to a lack of tailored recommendations and difficulty discovering furniture options that align with the design vision.

Collaboration Challenges

Limited means of collaboration and communication between architects, clients, and suppliers hinder effective decision- making and coordination, and adds to the complexity of already complex projects.

mac.png

A user-centric web application that offers architects and clients a streamlined and efficient platform for discovering and selecting furniture. The application provides advanced search, sorting, and filtering functionalities, allowing users to quickly narrow down choices based on specific criteria such as budget, style, and timeframe. Leveraging user data, the application offers personalized recommendations, introducing users to new and relevant furniture options that align with their design vision. 

The Solution
Scope of Work and Timeline

In-depth research and platform analysis to uncover user pain points and generate innovative ideas. This informed an intuitive UX/UI design, focused on efficient search, filtering, and recommendations. 

Double Diamond Methodology
Discovery Phase

extensive research was conducted to gain a deep understanding of user pain points and preferences, forming the foundation for subsequent design and development.

Competitive Analysis

We assessed various con-tech apps in the procurement and furniture selection domain, while focusing on selecting a few key platforms that offer personalized recommendations, seamless collaboration, and relevant solutions, aligning closely with our project's goals. 

Screenshot 2023-07-31 at 18.04.38.png

FF&E procurement platform for brands and businesses

Project management app with many integrated features. Clean design. User friendly.

No integration with AI element or option to connect to suppliers. No direct purchasing.

Overview

Platform

Strengths

Weaknesses

Screenshot 2023-07-31 at 17.59.25.png

Visual AI shopping assistant for furniture and FF&E brands

Visual presentation of items and integration with suppliers.

Does not show availability or price in relation to set budget.

Screenshot 2023-07-31 at 18.00.28.png

Array of apps for designers to sketch, create mood boards, and design

Very large array of tools that integrate with one another. See the entire project in one place.

No integration with suppliers or options to shop through the apps.

Screenshot 2023-07-31 at 17.59.55.png

FF&E coordination, punch list, and inventory tracking app

Most widespread in terms of project management and procurement possibilites.

Does not incorporate a design element. No AI integration.

Screenshot 2023-07-31 at 17.35.27.png

Large collection of catalogues with BIM and 3D mockups for designers

large item catalogue and procurement platform connecting designers to brands. Clean interface easy to navigate.

Only works with certain catalogues. Does not allow for AI formulation of new designs. 

User Interviews

To better understand the specific needs of targeted users I interviewed architects, designers and project managers in the commercial sector, specifically addressing difficulties in finding adequate items, maintaining inventory files, and procurement process in large projects.

"Designers don't have time to search endless options and will usually opt for a supplier they already know..."

Definition Phase

Key personas were identified and studied. We determined the project's goals and differentiation from other competitors in the furniture Con-Tech sector.

Redefining Project Goals

Streamline Furniture Selection

Provide efficient search, sorting, and filtering capabilities to help users quickly find suitable furniture options based on their specific needs.

Integration with Suppliers

Facilitate a seamless purchasing process, including direct links to online retailers or connections to local suppliers, ensuring smooth procurement.

Budget Compliance

Adhere to budget constraints by offering tools and features that allow filtering and sorting of furniture options based on price range.

Enhanced User Experience

The Provide a seamless and enjoyable user experience through an intuitive and visually appealing interface.

Time Saving

Eliminate the need for extensive manual searching and browsing. The application should provide curated recommendations, personalized to the user's preferences, reducing the time spent on discovering relevant furniture choices.

Creativity

Introduce architects to the world of AI while allowing them to explore their creativity and come up with new and original designs for their projects.

Due to the complex nature of the project we decided to focus on two main personas- the professional designer or project manager, and the end client. By focusing on these user groups, we can cater the application to meet the distinct needs of professionals in the architecture industry and private individuals undertaking home renovation projects, ensuring a tailored and efficient solution for both.

Personas
Young Businesswoman
Architect
Rebecca Thompson, 38

"As an architect I am not able to cope with the incredibly large amount of brands and designers."

Bio

Rebecca is an experienced architect who works on multiple projects simultaneously. She is passionate about creating unique and visually appealing spaces for her clients. However, she often finds herself spending a significant amount of time searching for the right furniture options. Rebecca wishes to streamline the process and find a solution that allows her to efficiently filter through a vast array of furniture choices based on specific project requirements.

Goals

  • Find a diverse range of furniture options for various projects.

  • Efficiently filter and sort through furniture choices based on budget, style, and other specifications.
    Save time by avoiding endless searches and browsing through irrelevant options.

  • Ensure the selected furniture aligns with the overall design vision.

Challenges

  • Limited time for furniture selection due to busy project schedules.

  • Difficulty in finding furniture that fits within the client's budget and style preferences.

  • Overwhelmed by the sheer number of available options.

  • Need for personalized recommendations based on previous selections or project requirements.

John Watson, 57
Standalone client

×´Feels like the client works for the supplier and not the other way around."

Bio

John is a busy professional who is renovating his home. He wants to find furniture that reflects his personal style while staying within a specific budget. However, he finds it challenging to navigate through the vast array of furniture choices available online. John seeks a solution that helps him efficiently filter and discover furniture options that meet his requirements, saving him valuable time and effort.

Goals

  • Find furniture options that align with his personal style and preferences.
    Stay within a specific budget range for his home renovation project.
    Save time by quickly discovering suitable furniture options.

  • Ensure the selected furniture fits well within the desired timeframe for the project.

Challenges

  • Limited knowledge of furniture brands, styles, and retailers.

  • Overwhelmed by the number of options available online.

  • Difficulty in finding furniture that matches his desired style and fits within the budget constraints.

  • Lack of time to extensively research and browse through numerous furniture options.

Empathy Map
Says

  • "I'm always pressed for time and need to find furniture quickly."

  • "It's challenging to find furniture that fits within the client's budget and style preferences."

  • "I wish I had personalized recommendations based on my previous selections or project requirements."

Thinks

  • "I need to streamline the furniture selection process to save time."

  • "Finding furniture within the client's budget and style is crucial for a successful project."

  • "I want to present unique and visually appealing options to my clients."

  • "I hope the web application can help me discover new furniture choices that match the design vision."

Does

  • Spends hours searching online and visiting furniture stores to find suitable options.

  • Filters and sorts through various websites and catalogs to find relevant furniture.

  • Collaborates with clients to understand their budget, style preferences, and project requirements.

  • Relies on personal experience and professional judgment to select furniture pieces.

Feels

  • Overwhelmed by the vast number of available furniture options.

  • Frustrated with the time-consuming and tedious process of finding the right furniture.

  • Eager to find furniture that perfectly aligns with the overall design vision.

  • Excited when discovering unique and innovative furniture pieces.

Young Businesswoman
Says

  • "I struggle to find furniture that matches my style and fits within my budget."

  • "There are so many choices available, it's overwhelming to make a decision."

  • "I don't have much time to spend on extensive research and browsing."

  • "I hope to find furniture that seamlessly integrates into my home renovation project."

Thinks

  • "I want to create a cohesive and visually appealing space within my budget."

  • "Finding furniture that matches my personal style is important to me."

  • "I need to find furniture quickly to keep my project on track."

  • "I want to confidently make decisions knowing that the furniture I choose is a good fit."

Does

  • Searches online and visits furniture stores to explore options.

  • Filters and sorts through various websites to find furniture that meets his criteria.

  • Considers the style, price, and availability of furniture options.

  • Seeks recommendations from friends, family, or professionals.

Feels

  • Overwhelmed by the extensive choices available and uncertain about which furniture to select.

  • Frustrated with the time-consuming process of finding suitable furniture.

  • Excited when discovering furniture options that match his style and budget.

  • Anxious about making the right decisions and ensuring the furniture fits well within the desired timeframe.

User Story & Flow

As an architect, I want to efficiently filter through a wide range of furniture options to find the perfect pieces for my projects, saving valuable time and ensuring alignment with the client's budget and style preferences. I need a web application that allows me to easily search, sort, and filter furniture choices based on various criteria such as budget, style, material, and availability. By using this application, I aim to streamline the furniture selection process, overcome the overwhelming number of choices, and ultimately deliver exceptional designs that exceed my clients' expectations.

User Flow (1).png
Design Phase

Colors and ease of use, amount of hours spent in front of the computer, AI interactions were paramount in determining the overall design of the interface.

IMG_3A6172FC8B25-1.jpeg
Low Fidelity Design
UI Design
Project page -list (4).png
Get a quick overview of all your projects

  • Large project icons are easily identifiable.

  • Sort and filter projects to quickly find the projects you are currently working on.

  • Color coding system that accentuates projects that require immediate attention.

  • Large CTA button to create a new project.

Card.png
Navigation Bar

  • High contrast for good readability.

  • Large icons with text so that you don't have to guess where you are going.

  • Manage the entire project from one single menu.

1-click to create new projects

  • Quickly add all information in order to receive only items that are relevant to your project. 

  • Ability to adjust any parameter of the project at any given time.

  • Uplooad plans and 3D's to allow the app to quickly identify furniture blocks,

Project page -list (7).png
Project Gantt and overall timeline

  • Keep up with all your projects in one glance. 

  • Never miss a deadline again.

  • Gantt view to keep better track of the schedule.

Project page -new project (2).png
Plan as you go

  • Easily select specific items on the floorplan and allow the app to find appropriate furniture options 

  • Search inventory, images. or let AI generate a unique piece

  • Get price quotes and availability with one click

Frame 1075.png
Integrate AI into your designs

  • Generate unique pieces specifically for your projects needs

  • Easily change the materials to customize

  • 360 degree view

  • Get automatic price estimation based on your selection

work-desk-with-computer-cup-with-pens-pencils-against-white-wall.jpg

Thank you for stopping by!

Next Project

Shine Social Club

AdobeStock_433092492 copy.jpg
bottom of page