Dwellr
App Design
Passion Project
client
UX@Berkeley
project year
2023
role
Project Manager, Lead UX Designer/Researcher
responsibilities
User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability Testing
context
Dweller is a concept design for a house-hunting app that functions similarly to a dating app, allowing users to explore potential properties and connect with realtors.
problem
How might we simplify the house-hunting experience for buyers or those unfamiliar with the way most modern property selling platforms work?
solution
I designed a a user-friendly house-hunting app that combines the features of dating apps like Tinder and Bumble with Real Estate apps like Zillow to streamline the property search process in a way that's engaging for users of all backgrounds.
problem
How can we redefine the house-buying experience in a way that is inviting and stress-free?
As part of the UX@Berkeley club, our team was tasked with designing the brand identity of our client's start-up idea and bringing that vision to life through the creation of a high-fidelity app prototype on Figma. We aimed for simplicity, while still offering a unique experience that set Dwellr apart from other real-estate apps.
user research
Why do most people dread the home-buying / rental process?
For this project, the research I conducted involved secondary research, as well as exploring the existing reviews on popular competitors. I was able to pinpoint several frustrations that users face using similar platforms as well as many issues outside of the application that disrupt the house-buying experience for users. These included a lack of houses to display on applications, instability of the market, lack of buying experience, and more. Drawing from this research, I aim to create a product that assists buyers in navigating a turbulent market, in a streamlined, easy-to-use manner.
ideation
Where are existing solutions falling short?
There are a number of prominent apps that support a user in finding their next home or apartment. However, our team noticed that these applications are often designed with more experienced buyers in mind. Drawing from this, we identified a unique opportunity to create a user experience tailored for first-time and inexperienced buyers, while mirroring a structure that they were already familiar with.
Competitor Analysis
To better understand the market, we researched two existing giants in the market, Zillow and Redfin, as well as bumble to brainstorm ways to make the app engaging, easy-to-follow, and enjoyable for a younger audience.
Sketches
The app design process started with a simple client sketch. From the clients initial sketch, each team member refined and drafted ideas for how the final product would function at each stage of the user experienced. We then consolidated the features that we believed would be the most engaging and contribute the most to an enjoyable experience into our final low-fidelity wireframe designs.
Client Sketches
Below are the initial sketches shared with us by the client during our initial discovery kickoff call.
Team Ideation
Drawing from the kick-off call, we each took the time to brainstorm and sketch out ideas for the final user experience and product interface.
This is the sketch that I shared with the rest of the team.
testing
Mid-Fidelity Wireframes
A key challenge that our team learned to overcome through this project was working within the fast-paced nature of the start-up industry while still producing high-quality, functional designs. For this phase of the project, our first round of deliverables were requested within 24 hours before our initial meeting with the client. To address this short turn around, we decided to focus on creating mid-fidelity wireframes that gave the client a general sense of how the application would function, before polishing the final design and interactions.
testing
Direction
Note: The designs and prototype that follow are revisions and edits I was able to complete on my own time following the end of our contract with the client.
Following Usability Studies of the initial prototype, my main focus for improving the design were the following:
1. Restore Color and Personality
Our client had requested that we stick solely to a greyscale design to give the app a modern design. I felt we missed the opportunity to give the design a unique personality, echoed by one user who noted that it felt as if the app had prioritized modernity at the expense of comfort. Through the use of rounded fonts and icons, alongside calming and guiding colors, I hoped to instill a sense of coziness to coincide with the house-buying experience.
2. Reduce Overwhelming Text and Designs
In the initial prototype, there were a few extremely text-heavy screens. Users indicated that suddenly being presented with such large amounts of text was overwhelming. For the final design, I aimed to reduce the visual burden of content and condense text without losing any information vital to the experience.
Increase Overall Cohesiveness
Our client assigned different screens and features that historically have been shown to disrupt the user flow and confuse the user. There were many points in the design process where we sacrificed the user’s needs to agree with the client. For the redesign, I aimed to simplify the path users would take and spent more time refining each screen.
solution
Updated User Pathway
The updated user pathway gives users full control over how they want to enter into the home buying/selling experience. I aimed to make the process streamlined and linear to allow the user to move from seeing an attractive property to speaking with a realtor as quickly as possible.
High-Fidelity User-Flow
The Final User Flow of the app focused on providing a streamlined path for users to reach the intended goal of finding a home and connecting with a realtor, while also providing full control over the path they took to reach that goal.
High-Fidelity Prototype
Drawing from both Usability Studies and Secondary Research, the main goals for the high-fidelity prototype were to increase cohesiveness, give users a sense of comfort through design choices, and present an engaging search experience.
impact
Intended Contribution
My goal is that this application empowers users who might feel overwhelmed about buying a house to feel confident in their decisions. I hope that this application creates a memorable and enjoyable experience for all users that alleviates the stress of finding a new home.
reflection
Lessons Learned
1. Communication is Key
Throughout the initial design process, there were a few instances in which miscommunication led to designs having to be reworked, or scrapped completely. Ensuring that everyone on the team, as well as the client, were on the same page before taking the next steps is essential for efficiency.
2. Working with a Client
This was our team's first time working with an external client. One of the most important takeaways I took from this project was how to communicate my expertise while still respecting the wishes of the client when conflicting views arose. Being able to have these sometimes difficult conversations was vital in creating a successful design.
3. Managing a Team
Through managing a team of 5 designers, I learned how to adapt an independent design process into one that is collaborative and allows each member the opportunity to learn and grow from each other. The insight and skills I learned from my team were invaluable, and I learned how to combine everyone's unique design style into a cohesive design for our client.
next steps
Moving Forward
1. Conduct Further User Testing
To further refine and heighten the user experience, I would like to continue user testing, specifically with our target audience of individuals looking to buy new homes. This would involve meeting with realtors for their insight as well as surveying home-buyers at open houses and similar events.
2. Continue to Address Accessibility Concerns
To make the app accessible to even more users I would like to continue adding features that made the app compatible with assistive technologies such as screen readers.
3. Further Develop Property Selling Aspects
While the app currently focuses on the property-buying experience, I would like to add features that guide users through the process of selling a property, such as automatically suggesting nearby realtors or guides on how to price your property.
Selected Works
Join the Newsletter
Stay up to date on my latest updates, design resources and more!
© 2026 Jalen Gooch Creative Co.