Solution

Create a starter kit generator, based on customer input of preferences and constraints. The House2Home customer would be prompted to complete a quiz to get inspiration as well as define specific needs and desires. Customers will be able to purchase the kit as is or choose to combine the three options.

To start off the design sprint, I needed to know who I was designing for and to identify common behaviors and goals. Participants of the House2Home study were asked to do the following:

“Tell us about a time you shopped for items to decorate your new home or apartment.”

Research Insights

• People want to stay within budget

• People are overwhelmed by the decisions

• People want personalization to their own home not just a staged example

• People have an idea already in mind but don’t know how to execute it

• People browse websites like Pinterest to get inspiration

After synthesizing the research, I created a persona to represent the thoughts and behaviors of a potential user.

Frustrations

• Don’t know the right things to buy to achieve my look

• Decorative pieces that I like are way too expensive

• Want to have an impact but without big changes

• Don’t know if the pieces I like will look good together

I created a user journey that mapped out the end-to-end experience that Ally might encounter.

Existing Solutions

There are a number of entities that specialize in home décor and interior design. Users can visit their websites or download their apps to design and shop for various products. However, not all of the entities cater to users who are new to interior design or have a budget. House2Home aims to provide users with the best experience that removes as many obstacles as possible.

Crazy 8’s Exercise

I sketched ideas for when users input preferences and constraints.

Combination of Sketch 3 and 4

I chose to combine sketch 3 and 4 to create a preference quiz that, based on the user’s answers, generates a starter kit.

Finalized Sketch

For this solution, I combined a quiz with the starter kit generator that takes into consideration the preferences and constraints of the user. Given that users are overwhelmed when making decisions but have a sense of what they want, this solution will help remove some obstacles.

Description

The House2Home prototype simulates the quiz that a new customer would be prompted to take on the website. Suggested on the home screen, the quiz is for anyone who wants to decorate their space but needs the initial guidance and inspiration. This solution takes away the burden of those who are not experienced in interior design.

Goals

• Have users seamlessly go through the flow

• Make sure the questions are detailed enough to gather preferences

• Note any delights or obstacles with the navigation and overall design

Screenshots

Interviews

I tested out my prototype with five individuals who currently rent their apartments/homes and expressed interest in redecorating their spaces. All the interviews were done virtually through a video call with the participant sharing their screen as they tested the prototype.

Characteristics

• Age: 24-29

• Rents an apartment or home

• Has a budget

• Enjoys decorating

Findings

• Spaces are all relative to people, there needs to be a question for the user to disclose the size of the room

• Users expressed a need for an option to readjust the budget

• Users expressed a need for an option if one doesn’t like any of the recommended options

• Not all users are aware of certain categories or interior design terms

• Use of space might be worth noting as a question, decorating could revolve around activities done within space

Reflections

Prototype Performance

All participants found delight in allowing House2Home take on the burden of choosing the right pieces for their home. Some adjustments need to be made to the processes and functionality, but the general “preferences and starter kit generator” was well-received.

Not everyone is gifted with an eye for interior design. House2Home has taken a step towards being more accommodating and filling the need through the “starter kits.”

Next Steps

In terms of other features, augmented reality is a space I wish to explore. Allowing the customers to see the items in a similar space or their very own home would give them even confidence to purchase the recommended items.

E-commerce is continuing to grow and in-person shopping is no longer a necessity. Bringing an immersive experience to the customer needs to be a priority for any business to survive. I am confident that the rollout of this new quiz/starter kit generator feature is a step in the right direction for House2Home.