Mallow Interface
Mallow
Empowering Housing Platforms
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Mallow WebsiteDesign Academy Eindhoven
MA Contextual Design
January - March 2022
Mallow is a tool for risk assessment for those who are directly affected by instances of building neglect. It collects open-source information found online that details health and safety violations, buildings that are not up to code and landlords with a criminal offence record--all information that is open-source, but not easy to find.
The platform arranges this information similarly to the way a real-estate website functions. It allows the user to easily arm themselves with the information to navigate the rental market safely and allows renters to report instances of building neglect or poor landlords, further adding to the database.
Private Property has never simply been a relationship between object and owner, but a social relation--it legally gives the right to exclude. It dictates who is allowed to exist and where. In its exclusionary nature, it is intrinsically violent.
After having witnessed how instances of building neglect for people in marginalised communities can become a matter of life or death, it has become clear that the government, at times, does not do enough to keep developers in check. Mallow, as a citizen-led platform, allows users to communicate, keeping each other safe, when the government fails to do so.
MA Contextual Design
January - March 2022
Mallow is a tool for risk assessment for those who are directly affected by instances of building neglect. It collects open-source information found online that details health and safety violations, buildings that are not up to code and landlords with a criminal offence record--all information that is open-source, but not easy to find.
The platform arranges this information similarly to the way a real-estate website functions. It allows the user to easily arm themselves with the information to navigate the rental market safely and allows renters to report instances of building neglect or poor landlords, further adding to the database.
Private Property has never simply been a relationship between object and owner, but a social relation--it legally gives the right to exclude. It dictates who is allowed to exist and where. In its exclusionary nature, it is intrinsically violent.
After having witnessed how instances of building neglect for people in marginalised communities can become a matter of life or death, it has become clear that the government, at times, does not do enough to keep developers in check. Mallow, as a citizen-led platform, allows users to communicate, keeping each other safe, when the government fails to do so.
Development
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Mindmap
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Research Cards
Research Cards
The Brief
Mallow emerges as a response to the imperative need for housing platforms to safeguard citizens in the aftermath of catastrophic events such as the Grenfell Tower Fire. Rooted in empathy and driven by innovation, this project attempts to reshape the landscape of housing services to prioritize user safety and empowerment.
Overview
The central aim of Mallow is to conceptualize and develop a user-centric product or service that not only addresses the vulnerabilities exposed by tragedies like the Grenfell Tower Fire, but also enhances users’ sense of agency over their housing situations. By fostering user-friendliness and empowerment, Mallow seeks to create a paradigm shift in housing platforms towards proactice protection and support.
Initial Research
I began by making a mindmap to lay out different potential areas to explore within the realm of Private Property. What initially peaked my interest was how the conception of Private Property and its current state now has an implicit relationship to violence and exclusion of marginalised people.
I delved deeper into this research by investigating a range of case studies in which landlords, developers and housing agencies failed to comply with housing regulations resulting in the deaths of their tenants.
As I continued, I recognised that this negligence exists on a spectrum of danger ranging from smaller instances of neglect such as leasing out a mouldy property to larger instances such as flammable building materials that can result in lethal consequences.
User Experience Journey
“My room is mould-infested and my landlord refuses to do anything about it. It’s making me sick.”
-Interview Participant
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Mallow Website Figma Prototype
Primary Insight
Through a combination of desk and ethnographic research including interviews with people living in affordable housing including students and low-income individuals, I created a user journey mapping out the process of relocating within a city.
This allowed me to identify friction points such as the significant level of trust required during lease signing, coupled with the apprehension of potential undisclosed issues with the property.
Design Opportunities
Identifying this critical friction point, I concluded that developing a platform offering vulnerable renters insights into the health and safety of buildings, along with details about landlords, presented a compelling design opportunity.
Drawing from interviews and anecdotes recounting landlords’ reluctance to address property issues, I realized that such crucial information is predominantly shared through informal channels. The absence of formal mechanisms raises concerns about prospective renters unknowingly encountering similar challenges and the lack of accountability for landlords’ actions.
Prototyping
Having identified the fundamental elements of the platform, I proceeded to prototype its structure. These key components encompassed:
(1) Ensuring that information was sourced from either open-access databases or verified submissions.
(2) Prioritizing user-friendliness to foster engagement and adoption.
Utilizing Figma, I crafted a straightforward prototype that mimicked the landing page, allowing users to search for locations, leading them to a page displaying search results. From there, users could explore properties of interest. Additionally, I included a mock-up page for user submissions.
Following user testing, it became apparent that users desired a more integrated and clearly communicated rating system. This enhancement would empower users to make informed decisions about properties, understanding precisely why one should be preferred over another
Through a combination of desk and ethnographic research including interviews with people living in affordable housing including students and low-income individuals, I created a user journey mapping out the process of relocating within a city.
This allowed me to identify friction points such as the significant level of trust required during lease signing, coupled with the apprehension of potential undisclosed issues with the property.
Design Opportunities
Identifying this critical friction point, I concluded that developing a platform offering vulnerable renters insights into the health and safety of buildings, along with details about landlords, presented a compelling design opportunity.
Drawing from interviews and anecdotes recounting landlords’ reluctance to address property issues, I realized that such crucial information is predominantly shared through informal channels. The absence of formal mechanisms raises concerns about prospective renters unknowingly encountering similar challenges and the lack of accountability for landlords’ actions.
Prototyping
Having identified the fundamental elements of the platform, I proceeded to prototype its structure. These key components encompassed:
(1) Ensuring that information was sourced from either open-access databases or verified submissions.
(2) Prioritizing user-friendliness to foster engagement and adoption.
Utilizing Figma, I crafted a straightforward prototype that mimicked the landing page, allowing users to search for locations, leading them to a page displaying search results. From there, users could explore properties of interest. Additionally, I included a mock-up page for user submissions.
Following user testing, it became apparent that users desired a more integrated and clearly communicated rating system. This enhancement would empower users to make informed decisions about properties, understanding precisely why one should be preferred over another
Designing the Final Prototype
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The Website
1. Landing Page
Prompts the user to enter a search request
Prompts the user to enter a search request
2.
Search Results Page
Shows relevant listings, along with their location, price, number of bedrooms and Mallow rating.
Shows relevant listings, along with their location, price, number of bedrooms and Mallow rating.
3. Property Listing Page
Provides in-depth reasoning for property rating and property information
Provides in-depth reasoning for property rating and property information
4. About Page
Explains the rating system and how Mallow functions
Explains the rating system and how Mallow functions
5. User Submissions Page
Allows users to report a property to the database that will be verified by Mallow
Allows users to report a property to the database that will be verified by Mallow
The App
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“I think it’s great! I wish something like Mallow had been around when I was looking for a place to live.”
-User Feedback
Conclusion
In the end, I designed a web and app platform that empowers users to take control of their rental choices.
I believe this outcome is effective because it alleviates the uncertainty and trust required when renters sign a new lease, providing essential information to enhance safety and security. By equipping users with the means to verify the condition of their potential living spaces, Mallow serves as a vital resource in a landscape where governmental oversight on rental safety is lacking. It empowers citizens to advocate for themselves and their well-being.
In the end, I designed a web and app platform that empowers users to take control of their rental choices.
I believe this outcome is effective because it alleviates the uncertainty and trust required when renters sign a new lease, providing essential information to enhance safety and security. By equipping users with the means to verify the condition of their potential living spaces, Mallow serves as a vital resource in a landscape where governmental oversight on rental safety is lacking. It empowers citizens to advocate for themselves and their well-being.