An independent UX and product design project exploring how a thoughtfully designed mobile application could simplify home inventory management while supporting homeowners, renters, and property managers.
Project Snapshot
| Organization | Independent UX & Product Design Project |
| Role | UX Designer, Product Designer & Researcher |
| Timeframe | 2020 |
| Primary Focus | Mobile application design, UX research, product strategy, information architecture |
| Audience | * Homeowners * Renters * Property managers * Individuals documenting possessions for insurance purposes |
| Deliverables | * Product concept * UX research * Mobile app wireframes and mockups * User workflows * Feature roadmap * Subscription model * Product presentation |
| Tools | * Adobe XD * PowerPoint * Competitive research |
The Challenge
Home inventory applications already existed, but many felt either overly complicated, too limited, or focused on only a portion of the user’s needs. Reviews frequently mentioned missing features, confusing navigation, or difficulty maintaining an accurate inventory over time.
I wanted to explore what a more complete solution might look like. Rather than simply recreating another inventory app, I challenged myself to design an experience that could grow with users throughout different stages of life – from renting an apartment to owning multiple properties – while remaining approachable for someone documenting their belongings for the first time.
My Approach
I began by researching existing home inventory applications, reading feature comparisons, customer reviews, and articles discussing insurance documentation and property management. Rather than focusing on what each application did well individually, I looked for patterns. Which features appeared repeatedly? What frustrations kept surfacing? Where were opportunities to combine the best ideas into a more cohesive experience?
One design principle guided nearly every decision: powerful doesn’t have to mean complicated. I like to begin by imagining the ideal end state – the experience I would ultimately want users to have – then work backward to determine which features deliver the most value first. That approach helps create software that feels cohesive today while leaving room for thoughtful growth tomorrow.
I also approached the project from a long-term product perspective. Instead of designing only an initial release, I imagined what the product could eventually become. From there, I worked backward to identify features that would create immediate value while supporting future growth through additional functionality and subscription options.
What I Created
- Mobile application concept
- User research and competitive analysis
- Information architecture
- Navigation structure
- Mobile interface mockups
- User onboarding experience
- Guided setup checklist
- Context-sensitive help system
- Inventory management workflows
- Subscription model for multiple user types
- Product vision presentation
Results & Impact
Although this project was never developed into a production application, it demonstrates my ability to think beyond interface design and consider the broader product experience.
The project showcases my ability to:
- Conduct competitive product research
- Translate research into product features
- Organize complex information into intuitive workflows
- Design scalable information architecture
- Consider business strategy alongside user experience
- Create interfaces that balance simplicity with flexibility
My Process
Observe
I started by studying existing home inventory applications, customer reviews, and industry articles to understand where users struggled and which features they valued most.
Understand the Goal
The goal wasn’t simply to create another inventory app. It was to design a solution that people could continue using as their homes, belongings, and responsibilities changed over time.
Remove the Friction
I simplified navigation, organized information into logical categories, introduced guided setup, and provided contextual help so users wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of information they could manage.
Design for People
Every design decision centered on making a feature-rich application feel approachable. I wanted new users to get started quickly while still providing advanced functionality for users with more complex needs.
Measure Adoption
Although the application wasn’t released, I evaluated design decisions by asking whether each feature added meaningful value or unnecessary complexity. User reviews of competing products served as valuable validation throughout the design process.
Refine & Improve
The project evolved continuously as research uncovered additional opportunities. Rather than designing isolated screens, I refined the overall experience to create a cohesive product that could grow with its users.
Work Samples
This project includes:
- Product vision presentation
- UX research summary
- Competitive feature analysis
- Mobile app mockups
- User flows
- Navigation concepts
- Subscription model
- Feature planning
- Interface walkthroughs
Key Takeaways
Designing software from scratch requires balancing user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility long before development begins. This project reinforced the value of thorough research, thoughtful information architecture, and planning for long-term product growth rather than only the initial release.
It also strengthened my understanding that successful products aren’t defined by the number of features they include, but by how naturally those features fit into the user’s workflow.
Sally Scott 