XtraRoom

Role: UX Researcher | UI Designer | UX Designer | Interaction Designer
Tools: Figma | FigJam
View website / Prototype
Problem

Most rental platforms treat all users the same.

But in reality:

  • Landlords are managing
  • Renters are exploring

This creates friction:

  • Overloaded interfaces for renters
  • Underpowered tools for landlords
  • Poor conversion between browsing and booking

Core Problem

How might we design a platform that:
  • Gives landlords full control over their listings
  • While allowing renters to freely discover and connect
Product Thinking

This product is not one experience.

It is two systems living in one ecosystem:

Navigation is not just UI — it defines how a user feels inside a product.
Strategy

Instead of forcing one system…

We designed two distinct interaction models:

1. Landlord = Workspace

  • Structured
  • Persistent navigation
  • Task-oriented

2. Renter = Marketplace

  • Lightweight
  • Content-first
  • Exploration-driven

‍

Information Architecture

Landlord Navigation (Control System)

  • Sidebar navigation
  • Persistent access to:
    • Listings
    • Messages
    • Payments
    • Profile

This creates:

  • Faster task switching
  • Clear system orientation
  • A sense of ownership

Renter Navigation (Exploration System)

  • Top navigation
  • Minimal distractions
  • Content-first layout

This creates:

  • Maximum space for listings
  • Faster browsing
  • Lower cognitive load
Experience Design

Landlord Experience

Designed as a control center

Key flows:

  • Create listing
  • Manage listings
  • Respond to messages
  • Track performance

Design Decisions

  • Tables over cards → better for scanning
  • Inline actions → faster edits
  • Status indicators → instant feedback

Renter Experience

Designed as a discovery journey

Key flows:

  • Search → Browse → Compare → Message

Design Decisions

  • Card-based listings → visual scanning
  • Category filters → quick narrowing
  • Highlight tags (Hot, New) → decision triggers

Search & Discovery

Search is the core of renter experience.

We designed:

  • Immediate search bar (hero section)
  • Category shortcuts
  • Nearby listings

Why this matters

Users don’t want to search harder.
They want to recognize faster.

‍

Trust & Decision Making
Renting is emotional.
Users need reassurance.

Key Trust Elements

  • Transparent pricing
  • Location clarity
  • Listing tags (New / Hot)
  • Real-time availability

Communication Layer

The product is not just listings.

It’s conversations.

Messaging System

  • Real-time chat
  • Listing preview inside conversation
  • Context-aware communication

Why this matters

Conversations convert interest into action.
high Fidelity
Admin & Moderation
MockUp
Impact

Landlords

  • Faster listing creation
  • Better management efficiency
  • Increased response rate

Renters

  • Higher browsing engagement
  • Faster decision-making
  • Increased inquiries

‍

Reflection

Designing XtraRoom wasn’t about screens.

It was about behavior alignment.

What worked

  • Separating experiences by intent
  • Designing navigation as a feeling, not just structure
  • Prioritizing clarity over uniformity

What could improve

  • Better onboarding for first-time landlords
  • Stronger trust signals (verification, reviews)
  • More personalization for renters

Final Thought

A good marketplace connects users.
A great one understands how each side thinks.

‍

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