Industry
Real Estate
Company
Homebound
Year
October 2023
Online home configuration
I redesigned Homebound’s online home configurator to help homeowners easily customize and select finishes for their new homes. By streamlining navigation, increasing cost transparency, and building a flexible flow that adapts to different build scenarios, I created an experience aligned with shifting business needs. Within 45 days, the new configurator drove $10.1M in contract value and boosted upgrade adoption.
Problem
V0 pilot concept uncovered UX and scale blockers.
After retiring the original configurator, we explored multiple variations with stakeholders, inspired by car configurators and competitors. Prototypes tested navigation, simplified home options by room, and highlighted the home renderings. Frequent discovery sessions with tech partners ensured the new design was fully supported by the backend (Blueprint), which hadn’t been possible before.
Process
Ideating to salvage the original proved fruitless
After retiring the original configurator, we explored multiple variations with stakeholders, inspired by car configurators and competitors. Prototypes tested navigation, simplified home options by room, and highlighted the home renderings. Frequent discovery sessions with tech partners ensured the new design was fully supported by the backend (Blueprint), which hadn’t been possible before.
Solution
Simplifying the complex
Informed by usability testing and stakeholder feedback, I elevated the stepper into the header for clearer wayfinding, added a persistent footer with real-time cost estimates, and refined the bottom drawer for quick access to selections—resulting in a more intuitive and transparent experience for the final design.
IMPACT
New experience drives 56% higher upgrade rates
The 2023 redesign drove significant results: in the first 45 days after launch in Southwest Florida, we achieved $10.1M in contract value and a 56% increase in upgrade take rates over the base home. Compared to the pilot experience in 2022, where 23% of users upgraded above the Essential design package, the new Florida experience saw ~39% of users choosing higher-tier options. This translated to 20 contracts signed and approximately $1M in options profit.
Rave reviews from clients and team members
“Since we’ve launched our new homeowner experience, it’s just been absolutely amazing. Our clients absolutely love it and rave about it. I’m constantly hearing from them how easy it is to use and how it simplifies the process, and differentiates us from many of the other builders.“ —Southwest Florida Construction Project Manager This version has a much more intuitive initial page. It's easier to have a snapshot of all offers and explore floor plans. Spec level inclusions help justify costs and is a great resource to make presentations less clunky. Floor plan options may be the biggest improvement. Highlighting plans as items are selected flows way better and helps clients visualize in an smooth accurate way. The visual summary of selections is great. – Glenn Miller, Sales Team Member