BRIDGING
REAL ESTATE AND NAVIGATION: ZILLOW MEETS GOOGLE MAPS
Find your next pad leaping around the city with Google maps
THE PROBLEM
Adding an overlay or feature to enhance an existing app.
TIMELINE
6 weeks
ROLE
Lead UX Designer and UX Researcher
TOOLS
Figma, Zoom, Illustrator, Photoshop
Exploring a well-established app that I use frequently to determine if adding an overlay or feature could enhance its appeal to the average user. User research played a key role in shaping the design pathways for this addition.
MY ROLE
For this project I was the lead user experience designer
and user experience researcher.
UNDERSTANDING THE USER
Choosing Google Maps allowed me to consider a variety of factors, including gender, age, race, and socioeconomics. It also highlighted how users travel—public transit, private vehicles, or eco-friendly options. For this project, I focused specifically on drivers using Google Maps.
IDEATION
There were many other choices.
I chose Google Maps because, despite its occasional frustrations, I saw potential for it to better assist users. I brainstormed several ideas but narrowed it down to three to keep the research phase focused and manageable.
1
Quick Re-route
A feature that lets users quickly generate a new route when faced with a potentially dangerous situation.
Pros:
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Quickly identifies a new route.
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Provides a safer travel option.
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Minimal impact on travel time.
Cons:
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Adds extra time to the route.
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May direct users to similar situations.
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Could be inefficient during heavy traffic.
2
Landmarks for directional progress
A feature that provides turn-by-turn directions using landmarks instead of street names and highway exits.
Pros:
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Landmarks are easy to spot.
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Keeps the user engaged during the route.
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Landmarks are easily recognizable.
Cons:
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Landmarks can change frequently.
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Weather conditions might obscure or hide landmarks.
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Reliance on repetitive or unoriginal landmarks.
3
Safe and Clean Restrooms on route
A feature that helps users locate safe and clean restrooms while traveling.
Pros:
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Helps users find essential facilities during long car rides.
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Safe restrooms can be hard to find in certain areas.
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Useful for locating rest stops, busy highway exits, and convenient bathroom options on the way home.
Cons:
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Could be used for illegal activities.
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Concerns about who will be responsible for updating and maintaining the accuracy and security of the information.
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User Research
I had to pivot after the first round of phone and Zoom interviews, as the pain points I initially identified didn’t align with the research findings. The insights I gained from this process shaped the final design of the Zillow overlay project.
While I think landmarks are a good idea what if they change or how to know one Shell gas station from the last one?
I use Waze when I drive on the highway for speed traps, while I print out directions from Google Maps, but I am old school.
I will follow what Google Maps says... it will figure out where it is wrong and adjust or it will change the route by my driving.
Don't they already have a bathroom feature?
I will follow what Google Maps says... Since I know that with the help of Google MapsI will figure out where to go next.
I hate Apple Maps I immediately install Google Maps. It has been my go to for several years, I could not think of using another driving app for my phone.
Hi-Fi Mockup and Prototype
Homepage
Begin with a Google search for a specific area of interest.
Searching Area
Entering apartments in the search bar initiates the process.
Results in Area
Utilizing Zillow and Google UI, the map displays available properties within your range.
Detailed Choice Pages
Pages allow users to view detailed information, including pictures, rent, included amenities, and policies
Application Process
Apply for the apartment through the Google Maps app
RESOLUTION
REFLECTIONS
Throughout this project, I realized I wasn’t
the only one who felt the way I did about Google Maps.
I learned valuable lessons along the way, such as how to pivot quickly, the importance of brand loyalty and trust, and that it’s okay to change direction when needed.
Most importantly, I learned to listen to users and rely on research. This growth enabled me to create an overlay that anyone can use.
Crtiques from other people working on a similar project.
NEXT STEPS
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Connect the user with a real estate agent, so they can send links through Google Maps.
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Use accessibility needs and essential spaces and places as a filtering factor for buying or renting the users next home.
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Go International with the program