A couple of years ago, while I was working as a Senior Product Designer at Z1, I had the privilege to lead the design for Coral, a groundbreaking real estate investment platform aimed at democratizing property investment. Coral, based in New York, specializes in offering users a unique opportunity to buy, renew, and sell property shares across the U.S., transforming the real estate market into an accessible and engaging arena for all.

We designed an innovative app that merged the excitement of investment with foundational real estate knowledge, targeting both beginners and experienced investors.

The Z1 team, consisting of a Product Manager, two Product Designers (including myself), along with Sariselka and Fran Pulido for 3D art conceptualization, dedicated about 30% of our time over several months to this project while juggling other tasks.

Our collaboration with Coral followed weekly design sprints, providing a rapid feedback loop and allowing us to iterate quickly on the app's development. This agile approach played a crucial role in shaping the final product, allowing us to address user needs effectively and deliver a compelling real estate investment experience

The challenge

The challenge was multifaceted: creating an engaging, investing yet educational app that stands out in the burgeoning market of investment apps like Robinhood. Our goal was to empower users with the knowledge to make informed decisions while providing a sense of ownership and personal growth within the app's ecosystem.

The process

Our process was deeply collaborative. Initial research and brainstorming sessions with Coral helped define the app's core features, including property search and portfolio management, presented through a visually rich 3D neighborhood. This phase was crucial for setting the foundation for the user experience. Following this, we meticulously crafted user flows, designed wireframes, and developed high fidelity prototypes. These steps were instrumental in visualizing the user journey, defining the interface structure, and refining the overall design before moving into the development phase. By incorporating user feedback at every stage, we ensured the final product was both intuitive and aligned with user needs, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction and engagement.

The visual universe

The visual execution centered around creating an immersive universe for the user. We opted for vibrant colors, playful typography, and cartoonish 3D imagery to make the app not just a tool, but a journey into the world of real estate investment. This approach not only made the app visually appealing but also ensured that the complex world of real estate was accessible and fun.

The outcome

Expanding on the functionalities within Coral's design, we meticulously crafted features to enhance user engagement and learning. Users can navigate through a variety of properties, gaining insights with easily digestible information pills on real estate concepts. The portfolio management is visualized as a 3D neighborhood, allowing users to feel a tangible connection to their investments. Additionally, Coral Academy offers crash courses and a glossary, making the complex world of real estate investment accessible to everyone. This blend of features ensures a comprehensive and immersive experience, merging education with investment in a uniquely interactive way.

Reflection

Leading this project was a remarkable experience that stretched my capabilities as a designer and a storyteller. We didn't just build an app; we created a gateway for many to explore and grow their wealth through real estate.

I hope the story behind Coral's creation and evolution sparks as much inspiration in you as it has in us. Want to know more? Ask for the full prototype.

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