BASE: A Student Housing Application
OVERVIEW
Built by students for students, Base simplifies the search for safe, verified accommodation, especially for international students. I led the full UX design process, from research to UI. Post-launch, user testing showed a 40% faster booking time and a 30% boost in satisfaction.
Role
UI/UX Designer
Team
5 Members
Duration
3 Months
PROBLEM STATEMENT
International students often face scams, misleading listings, and hidden fees when searching for housing abroad. Existing platforms lack the trust, transparency, and tailored features needed to address these issues, creating stress and inefficiency. A secure, student-focused solution is needed to verify listings, simplify the search, and build confidence in the accommodation process.
DESIGN APPROACH
We structured our process using the Double Diamond framework, a clear, four-stage model for problem-solving and innovation:
1. Discover
We interviewed international students and landlords to uncover pain points in the housing process—such as scams, unclear listings, and hidden fees.
2. Define
Key insights were synthesized into personas and problem statements. We identified trust and accessibility as critical focus areas.
3. Develop
We explored multiple ideas through low-fidelity wireframes, user flows, and UI iterations tailored to different user groups (students and landlords).
4. Deliver
We tested high-fidelity prototypes with users, measured task completion and feedback, and refined the product to ensure a secure, intuitive experience.
This structured approach helped us stay aligned with real user needs and build a focused, user-first housing solution.
Landing Screen
Popular Listings Screen
Login Screen
Profile Screen
Home Screen
Messages Screen
Listing Screen
Verification Screen
Solution & Results
We designed Base as a secure, student-focused housing app to address the challenges international students face when searching for accommodation. By prioritizing verified listings, adaptive onboarding for students and landlords, and a clean, intuitive interface, we tackled key issues of trust, safety, and usability.
Usability testing showed a 40% reduction in search time and a 30% increase in user satisfaction. Users reported feeling more confident in listings and appreciated the platform’s simplicity and student-centered experience.
Faster task completion
40%
of users found the verification flow helpful
80%
50%
Fewer false clicks
Task completion rate
100%
View the Live Site
To explore the redesigned experience and see how Base simplifies student housing, view the live prototype here. Discover how the design improves trust, streamlines the rental journey, and addresses real challenges faced by international students, through verified listings, intuitive flows, and a student-first approach.