A real-time, interactive product designed to help newcomers to DFW find a neighborhood with apartments, hotels, and homes that matches their personal vibe.
Timeline: 15 weeks
Vibeguide
Reimagining product for newcomers to DFW neighborhoods, apartments, and hotels by vibe.
Intro
Problem & statement
Newcomers to DFW can find units and prices, but they lack trustworthy, current signals to choose a neighborhood that fits their daily rhythm—safety feel, commute reality, walkability, and vibe—so decisions are slow, stressful, and often misaligned.
How might we help people choose a neighborhood with confidence they can act on in a week.
My roles & responsibilities
Product Designer | Strategic Thinker | Researcher | Visual Designer
UX Research Strategy | Design System | Ideation & testing | Solving Problem
Design process
Double diamond design
I applied the Double diamond design method by first discovering user pain points around document loss, access, and deadlines through research. I then defined key problems, developed solutions through ideation and prototyping, and delivered a refined, user-tested system focused on secure, organized document management.
Research
Research Data
DFW metroplex is the most populous area in Texas and third in the United States. Approximately 178k new people moved in with 27m of annual visitors impacting 10.5B of economy just last year.
Journey map
Weekender | Long-term Visitor | Home Seeker
Here are some possible users for vibeguide. Weekender, who enjoys vacation, Long term visitor, who stays for a extended period of time, and home seeker, who just wants to settle down.
Ideation
Storyboards
Long-term visitor coming to Dallas. An international grad student admitted to UT Dallas who loves basketball.
Solution
5 User input | Like or dislike the property | 1 out of 3 neighborhoods
Five inputs capture the real drivers without friction. Quick like/dislike flags non-negotiables fast. Showing three explainable neighborhoods reduces overload and speeds confident booking.
Design
Sketches/Paper prototype
Exploring Initial Concepts: Paper Prototypes and Sketches for vibeguide.
Design
Design System
Building a Cohesive Foundation: A High-Fidelity Design System for Interface Consistency and look & feel of the product.
Design
High-Fidelity Wireframes
The mid-fidelity wireframes for DocFolio feature a polished, grayscale design layout that incorporates a consistent design system, including icons, navigation bars, fonts, and placeholders. These wireframes provide a clear visual representation of the app’s structure and user flow, offering a glimpse into how the final product might look and function. By designing a complete user flow based on the flowchart, the wireframes ensure logical navigation and usability, bridging the gap between concept and high-fidelity prototyping.
Next step 1
Pilot test in 6 months
Launch VibeGuide to 50 users across three segments—weekenders, long-term visitors, home seekers—in 4 Dallas neighborhoods.
Next step 2
Get buy-in from partners
Get buy-in from partners like VisitDallas and the Dallas Regional Chamber to secure their support because they already attract visitors, talent, and companies. Their reach and credibility can accelerate adoption.
Next step 3
Validate/Update design
Validation is needed to prove the design actually helps users decide faster and book with confidence. Updates turn evidence into improvements, reducing drop-offs and focusing effort on what works.
Next step 4
Get buy-in from neighborhoods
Partner with neighborhood groups through a 90-day co-branded pilot that showcases their strengths, tracks referrals to tours and bookings, and shares clear impact metrics. Monthly reviews will tune content and perks so the guide drives qualified renters and visitors.
Potential features
This more than a feature, this could change how people look at cities by scaling to every possible city in the world. This is a white label solution for all kind of cities which help them promote their neighborhood showing how people live, work and play.
