Bridging Communities through Innovation

Picture above: Adobe Stock. (2024). Middle aged and senior neighbours talking at a block party. [Image].

Bridging Communities through Innovation

Fostering Vibrant Connections among Neighbours in a Building Community

My role

Service Design student

Colaborators

Xavi Almirall

UX/UI Designer

Year

2023 - 2024

This project is part of the Introduction to Human-Centered Design program by IDEO.org where I was challenged to create an innovative solution to real-world challenges using IDEO’s principles for HCD projects.

Design Challenge

Building communication among residents - homeowners and tenants alike - often faces challenges, occasionally leading to tenant exclusion and affecting community cohesion and residents' daily well-being. Efficient and inclusive access to crucial community information and communication channels is often lacking, resulting in isolation and hindering harmonious living among residents.

Approach

For the development of this project I followed the Human-Centered Design methodologies from IDEO.

This project used a user-centered design approach, combining observational research, in-context immersion, and semi-structured interviews to address communication challenges in building communities.

Insights were gathered from secondary research, visits to building lobbies, and interviews, then synthesized into user personas and journey maps.

Key pain points guided the development of "How Might We" questions, leading to prototyping and refining solutions that are both impactful and feasible.

Outcome

Empowering residents with seamless access to critical building information through digital solutions.

The project resulted in the creation of a Digital Announcements Board supported by a Property Management SaaS solution, strategically placed in high-traffic areas of buildings. This board includes essential building information, customizable widgets, and a dynamic carousel for updates like announcements and events.

The solution simplifies communication management for building presidents and property managers, ensuring residents stay informed and engaged with real-time updates, thereby enhancing community cohesion and security.