Intro to Human Computer Int

My design brief is focused on buying a home or commercial property and retrieving specific information about those properties from a mobile device or home computer. I chose to observe how people research a property to determine specific information about it (i.e., price is too high, too low, or in the correct range). I found three people who were in the market to purchase a home/property and then observed how they started the process of determining the correct market value of the home and other vital information in order to make a bid. To determine what a home or property previously sold for can be a complicated task. For example, If you are viewing the home in a real estate magazine and you wanted to review the sale history of that property, you would need to know the county that the home is in to find that particular county’s property appraiser website. Another issue is that not all counties make that information available on a website. Besides knowing what a home previously sold for, other information would be helpful like proximity to schools, shopping, major roadways, etc. Need finding is necessary to flesh out all of the details and identify the scope.

Observations

First person “Judy”

Activity: Noticed a “For Sale” sign and wanted information on what the home previously sold for.

Judy noticed a home for sale in a neighborhood close to where she currently lives. She uses her mobile phone to access the County Appraiser Website to review the previous sales information of the home. The flyer that was available at the home stated that the asking price was $169,000 but offered no other information. Judy finds out that the home was foreclosed upon and was sold by the bank for $83,000. Judy also approached some neighbors near the home for sale to ask them if they know if any renovations have been done. The neighbors all said they they have not noticed any renovations happening. This information is very helpful to Judy if she decides to make an offer on this home.

Second : “Michelle”

Activity: Visiting a home which is near my neighborhood. This home was damaged in by a tree.

Here are several pictures of the damaged home.

I met with Michelle was tipped off by a friend about a home that has just been listed for sale. The home was recently damaged by a falling tree and is for sale by the owner. If the foundation is severely damaged the home might have to be completely torn down. It would be very helpful for him to know what the house and property has sold for in the past and what the property would be worth without a structure.

Third: "Alex and Dave"

Alex and Dave own a plumbing company and are looking to expand their business and move into a larger commercial property. They noticed this property for sale in a free Real Estate magazine. Buying commercial real estate can be a very complex undertaking with risks. It's very important for them to not only know the value of the property but also the potential value and the demand for businesses to relocate to the immediate area.

User Needs

1. It was important in all three instances that they knew exactly what these properties sold for in the past.

2. Trying to locate information about these properties is difficult because the information is located throughout various agencies.

3. In Michelle's case he would like to know what the property itself is worth without the structure.

4. In order to do any major renovations, one must obtain a permit from the city or county. Judy would like to be able to easily pull up this information because this could dramatically affect her offer.

5. Alex and Dave have very little information about the types of businesses in the area of their prospective warehouse. The amount of commercial businesses in the immediate area can affect the value.

6. Judy said that it would be very helpful if there was a bar code on the sales flyer that she could scan with her phone and pull up past renovation information. This would also be useful for Michelle.

7. Alex and Dave stated that they wish the website for the real estate magazine would offer more information about the history of businesses in the area.

8. Michelle and Judy stated that it would also be helpful to know what other homes in the immediate area have sold for.

9. Alex and Dave also mentioned the need for a scannable barcode within the magazine listing to pull up the company website and view more information.

10. In all three instances, these people would also like to know how many other people are interested in the properties and who has already made an offer.

11. Michelle plan to have children and would like to be able to easily access information about what schools are in the area.

12. Alex and Dave would like to know of any zoning restrictions that would prevent them from building a loading dock on that property.

13. Alex and Dave would like to be able to view information about the closest highways and major roadways in which their trucks would use to transport products.

14. All people involved in this study have stated their need for a “One Stop Shop” to access all of this desired information.

15. All people involved in this study have stated that they would like to be able to view comments and information from business and neighbors about their opinions on the properties and past owners.