ID Buyer’s Guide Development
This project evolved from a marketplace concept to a community platform for interior designers, architects, and suppliers, driven by user research. The outcome was a collaborative space that prioritized networking and industry engagement, with plans for future marketplace integration.
Context
This project highlighted the importance of flexibility in product development, using user-centric research to adapt and refine the original vision to create a product that truly meets the needs of its target audience.
Details
Time Frame:
Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 1, 2021
Role:
User Researcher, Product Manager
Involvement:
User Research, Product Management
Overview
ID Buyer’s Guide was conceptualized as an all-in-one marketplace for interior design, where users could find and connect with interior designers, architects, suppliers, and manufacturers. However, after thorough user research and stakeholder input, we pivoted the product to a community-based platform to better suit the needs of our target audience.
Challenge
The original plan for ID Buyer’s Guide was to develop a marketplace that allowed users to buy and sell interior design products. However, user feedback indicated several issues:
- Lack of Trust: Users preferred international platforms due to concerns about the credibility and quality of local e-commerce sites.
- Need for Engagement: The industry needed a community that fostered collaboration, education, and networking.
- Preference for Social Networking: Rather than a strict marketplace, users wanted a platform that allowed them to connect and engage with peers, vendors, and industry professionals.
Solution
Based on these insights, I recommended a shift in the product’s development. We transformed ID Buyer’s Guide into a community-driven platform, resembling a forum. The app allowed users to network, share updates, and communicate through an integrated chatbot system. We prioritized creating a social and collaborative space where users could engage in business networking and stay informed about industry trends.
- Recommended a shift in product development based on insights.
- Transformed ID Buyer’s Guide into a community-driven platform resembling a forum.
- Enabled users to network, share updates, and communicate via an integrated chatbot system.
- Prioritized the creation of a social and collaborative space for business networking.
- Focused on keeping users informed about industry trends.
Results
The redesigned platform successfully addressed the initial challenges. By providing a community forum for stakeholders to connect, we built a foundation for future expansion into a full-fledged marketplace.
As the user base grew, plans were made to introduce e-commerce features, enabling the platform to evolve with the community’s needs.