Home renovation platform

(
2021
)
Company
Sweeten
Role
Product Designer
The project

An online platform that connects home renovators with vetted general contractors, streamlining the renovation process with tools for project management and communication.

Background

Sweeten is a home renovation platform that connects homeowners with vetted general contractors to streamline the renovation process.

Over time, the dashboard became cluttered and confusing due to continuous modifications, making it difficult for users to navigate. With a smaller team post-pandemic, it became crucial to simplify the platform and reduce reliance on manual support. Additionally, user engagement was a challenge, as many renovators would drop off after posting their projects. To address these issues, we set out to redesign the platform, creating a more intuitive, self-service experience that would keep users engaged throughout their renovation journey.

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Solution

We set out to transform Sweeten into a platform that feels intuitive and supportive at every step. Our redesign focused on making the renovation journey smoother, keeping users engaged, and reducing complexity.

Dashboard & Activity Feed

The updated dashboard serves as the central hub where users can easily track their projects. The activity feed displays updates, messages, and milestones, helping users stay informed throughout their renovation. Tailored recommendations guide users at every step, ensuring they know what to do next. Milestones are highlighted to guide users through the project journey, with clear prompts and guidance. Users can also track contractor progress and communication seamlessly.

Project Scope & Budget

The project scope and budget page simplifies planning by allowing users to outline their renovation plans, adjust scopes, and tweak budgets with ease. Guidance from the platform makes the process intuitive and less overwhelming.

Sweeten Contractors

The contractor page offers a curated selection of Sweeten-vetted contractors, complete with profiles, licenses, certifications, and portfolio images. This setup allows users to efficiently compare options and make informed choices.

Estimates & Bid Management

The estimates page includes a straightforward bid comparison tool, enabling users to review bids side-by-side. Detailed breakdowns support quick, confident decision-making.

Messaging Hub

The centralized messaging system organizes all project-related communication, keeping conversations, documents, and updates in one place. Each interaction is supported by indicators for current project status and next steps, ensuring clarity for all parties.

A suite of tools was added to support users throughout their renovation journey. Scheduling, feedback prompts, and secure payments help reduce stress and provide confidence, empowering users to “renovate fearlessly.”


Takeaways

By simplifying the platform and focusing on a more intuitive design, we saw a meaningful boost in user engagement. Centralizing tools for communication, budgeting, and bids helped users manage their projects with greater confidence and ease. Transitioning to a self-service approach allowed Sweeten to continue scaling, even with a smaller team, while still providing renovators with the support they needed to "renovate fearlessly".