What is OneDome

Role: Product Designer
Platform: Web
Focus: Creation of an online mortgage experience which would reduce the time and complexity associated with buying and remortgaging a property.

Overview: OneDome is a pioneering Proptech platform dedicated to simplifying the home moving experience by eliminating common inconveniences associated with property transactions. Unlike traditional Proptech companies, OneDome offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enable customers to complete the entire property journey online, from initial search to final completion.

Key Contributions:

• Product Expansion: Initially joining as a Product Designer focused on the mortgage offering, my role expanded to encompass work on the conveyancing and search products. This expansion allowed me to contribute to the development of a holistic platform that addresses all aspects of the home moving process.

• Iterative Design Process: Employing an agile Kanban methodology, I collaborated closely with a product manager to produce both low and high fidelity prototypes. Through usability tests, A/B preference tests, and surveys, we continuously iterated on designs to enhance user experience and product efficacy.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working alongside a development team based in Kiev, I ensured seamless integration of design and development processes. Utilizing tools like Sketch and InVision, I facilitated efficient handover of final designs for implementation, fostering a cohesive and productive working environment.

Challenges & Achievements:

• Mortgage Passport Implementation: Delivered and iterated a new revenue-generating feature, the Mortgage Passport, which allows users to complete mortgage transactions entirely online. This feature became core to OneDome’s business model.

• Comprehensive User Research: Executed in-depth user research, including conducting interviews with a diverse demographic of  mortgages holders and new customers. This research provided critical insights into varying user requirements, informing the development of a universally accessible design.

This case study demonstrates my expertise in delivering revenue-generating features, conducting comprehensive user research, and iteratively refining designs to create a universally accessible and user-centric Proptech platform.

Mortgage Passport Development: 

One of the key challenges in creating the Mortgage Passport was simplifying the mortgage application process and making it more user-friendly. The initial process involved complex and confusing language, which deterred potential users and made the application process cumbersome.

Comprehensive User Research and Competitor Analysis:

To address these challenges, we conducted extensive user research, including interviews and surveys, to identify pain points in the mortgage application process. We also performed a thorough competitor analysis, examining both traditional services like mortgage brokers and banks, as well as digital competitors such as Habito and Trussle. This comprehensive analysis informed our design decisions and ensured we were addressing the most critical user needs.

Collaborative Expertise:

Having an in-house broker on our team was invaluable. This allowed us to consult with a subject matter expert regularly, ensuring that our designs met legal obligations and industry standards. This collaboration ensured that the Mortgage Passport was not only user-friendly but also compliant with regulatory requirements.

Results:

These efforts resulted in a significantly simplified and more accessible mortgage application process. By leveraging comprehensive user research and feedback, we were able to iteratively improve the design, resulting in a more intuitive and effective product. This streamlined approach positioned OneDome as a leader in Proptech by creating a mortgage solution that effectively addressed both user needs and market demands, enhancing user satisfaction and retention.

A need for transparency 

Our interviews and research validated our hypothesis that the mortgage application process is overly complex for many users. This insight led to the creation of the Mortgage Passport. The main goals and outcomes for the Mortgage Passport were clear:

Step-by-Step Guidance:

We provided a step-by-step process that allowed users to seamlessly transition from checking mortgage affordability to submitting a final application. This structured approach ensured users knew exactly what to expect at each stage of the process.

Enhanced Transparency:

To improve transparency, we detailed what would be needed to complete each step and provided estimates on how long each step would take. This clarity helped users feel more in control and less anxious about the process.

Simplified Language:

We simplified the language used in the application forms, making them more conversational. This approach aimed to make the process less intimidating and more user-friendly, encouraging users to complete their applications with confidence.

Results:

These enhancements made the mortgage application process more transparent, approachable, and user-friendly, significantly improving user satisfaction and completion rates.

Conveyancing Marketplace Development: 

The Conveyancing Marketplace is a feature within the OneDome web app designed to streamline the process of finding a conveyancing solicitor. Its purpose is to help customers find the best solicitor for their property transactions by comparing prices and services.

Simplifying the Process:

Aligned with OneDome’s practice of simplifying processes, this feature allows users to compare and select conveyancers based on their specific needs. Once a user instructs a conveyancer through OneDome, they can complete all aspects of their sale or purchase through our platform. This includes real-time tracking, secure document handling, and proactive communication, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

Results:

We launched this new feature to our customer base, providing them with the complete property buying experience in one place. This comprehensive approach made the conveyancing process more transparent, efficient, and user-friendly, significantly enhancing the overall customer experience and facilitating smoother property transactions.

Collaboration:

Throughout this project, I closely collaborated with both product and tech functions, ensuring that our design and technical implementation were perfectly aligned to deliver a seamless user experience.