PROJECT TYPE
PROJECT TYPE
Senior capstone project
Senior capstone project
MY ROLE
MY ROLE
UI designer
Graphic designer
Graphic designer
Branding & marketing
Branding & marketing
TOOLKIT
TOOLKIT
Figma
Figma
Adobe CC
Adobe CC
Canva
Canva
TIMELINE
Sep 2024 -
May 2025
TIMELINE
Sep 2024 - May 2025
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Subletta is a web platform that makes subletting safer and simpler for students and young adults through a guided experience, strong user verification, and personalized search tools.
Subletta is a web platform that makes subletting safer and simpler for students and young adults through a guided experience, strong user verification, and personalized search tools.
JUST WANT THE HIGHLIGHTS? WATCH OUR VIDEO!
JUST WANT THE HIGHLIGHTS?
WATCH OUR VIDEO!
The challenge
In University City, where many students move frequently for co-ops and internships, subletting was a common challenge we saw across Drexel's campus, and few people have had a smooth experience from start to finish.
How might we…
… design a secure, guided subletting experience built for subtenants and sublessors to support safer, more confident subletting decisions?
How might we…
… design a secure, guided subletting experience built for subtenants and sublessors to support safer, more confident subletting decisions?
Research
SURVEY + PRELIM. INTERVIEWS
4 of 5 participants in our preliminary interviews stated that their experience was the first and only time they had sublet
60% of participants reported feeling anxious about potential scams
3 out of 5 participants in our preliminary interview mentioned that they were not aware of the legalities that applied to subletting in their lease
“There is not a good way to search for a particular type of person and verify who they are.”
“I wish I knew more about the legal parts of [subletting].”
“Scams can happen to anyone. Both sides face risks.”
- Dr. Murdoch, Executive Director of Drexel REMD
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Our survey and preliminary interviews revealed that most of the platforms used by our target audience are community and/or forum based. We explored which features they valued most on these platforms and identified gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Proof of life
Join date
Shared affiliations
Easily accessible reporting tools
Confirmed identity verification
A majority (56%) of users did not feel confident in their platform’s overall security
Not specifically catered towards the subletting process
JOURNEY MAP
Users relied on forum and group-based platforms that, while offering social verification, lacked the features and personalization needed to support the subletting process, leading to frustration at multiple stages.
TARGET AUDIENCE + USER PERSONAS
Guiding principles for design
Subletta will build trust with our users.
Subletta will offer a personalized experience.
Subletta will empower users through education.
Feature ideating
LOW-FIDELITY WIREFRAMING
FEATURES
Lo → Mid → Hi fidelity
USER TESTING METHODOLOGIES
We validated our design decisions through usability testing, A/B testing, and tree testing to ensure the experience was intuitive, effective, and easy to navigate for users.
BRAND IDENTITY
Subletta’s brand identity uses warm colors, clean lines, and playful typography to build trust and reduce friction, making subletting feel more approachable. A/B testing confirmed users preferred this warmer palette over a darker alternative.
LOGO
Subletta’s logo unites place, people, and trust, using a location pin to represent finding a sublet, an inner figure to reflect the sublessor experience, tied together with a lock-inspired silhouette to reinforce safety and reliability.
Final solution
CORE FLOWS
FLOW #1
Catered results
Q: How can we provide our users with full flexibility to search for things that they value?
A: We supported flexibility through a two-way search experience that allows users to both list or find sublets and browse potential subtenants who are actively searching. Research showed that users often take on both roles, so we designed a single cohesive flow where both parties can take initiative and confidently find their perfect match.
Our research showed that users wanted more control over their search experience. To address this, we introduced advanced search tools including a draw-on-map feature for custom boundaries and robust filters such as price, place type, and lifestyle preferences to ensure compatibility with existing tenants.
FLOW #2
Verification process
Q: How can we empower our users to feel comfortable when searching for a sublet or subtenant?
A: We empower users to feel comfortable by implementing a clear, badged verification system that removes uncertainty and builds trust at a glance. Beyond verification, user-generated bios and shared interests help foster rapport and more confident connections.
FLOW #3
Guided approach
Q: How can we assist users who may be new to subletting and set them up for success?
A: We assist users who are new to subletting through a guided experience that supports them at every step. This includes a visually guided onboarding flow, in-context tooltips for added clarity, and a dedicated Learn page with guides and articles to help users feel informed, confident, and set up for success.
Impact & outcomes
"I'm not familiar with any other site that is specifically for subletting. So I feel like [Subletta]
would be super useful."
Our MVP earned a positive response and an NPS of 20, showing strong recommendation potential. Through user research and iteration, we boosted confidence, transparency, and the overall subletting experience.
Impact & outcomes
"I'm not familiar with any other site that is specifically for subletting. So I feel like [Subletta]
would be super useful."
Our MVP earned a positive response and an NPS of 20, showing strong recommendation potential. Through user research and iteration, we boosted confidence, transparency, and the overall subletting experience.
Facets isn’t your
typical dating app…
It’s a platform committed to showcasing how people shine, challenging traditional dating app norms. Users can invite friends to contribute to their profiles, offering a multifaceted view of their personality. This fosters richer connections and, coupled with our daily profile limit and rejection-free model, transforms the dating experience by promoting genuine interactions.
As the UI Designer, I worked with our team's project manager, researcher, developer, and content strategist to create an innovative and intuitive experience that was both engaging and easy to use.
The Challenge
In University City, where many students move frequently for co-ops and internships, subletting was a common challenge we saw across Drexel's campus, and few people have had a smooth experience from start to finish.
How might we…
… design a secure, guided subletting experience built for subtenants and sublessors to support safer, more confident subletting decisions?
How might we…
… design a secure, guided subletting experience built for subtenants and sublessors to support safer, more confident subletting decisions?
Research
SURVEY + PRELIM. INTERVIEWS
4 of 5 participants in our preliminary interviews stated that their experience was the first and only time they had sublet
60% of participants reported feeling anxious about potential scams
3 out of 5 participants in our preliminary interview mentioned that they were not aware of the legalities that applied to subletting in their lease
“There is not a good way to search for a particular type of person and verify who they are.”
“I wish I knew more about the legal parts of [subletting].”
“Scams can happen to anyone. Both sides face risks.”
- Dr. Murdoch, Executive Director of Drexel REMD
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
Our survey and preliminary interviews revealed that most of the platforms used by our target audience are community and/or forum based. We explored which features they valued most on these platforms and identified gaps and opportunities for improvement.
Proof of life
Join date
Shared affiliations
Easily accessible reporting tools
Confirmed identity verification
A majority (56%) of users did not feel confident in their platform’s overall security
Not specifically catered towards the subletting process
JOURNEY MAP
Users relied on forum and group-based platforms that, while offering social verification, lacked the features and personalization needed to support the subletting process, leading to frustration at multiple stages.
TARGET AUDIENCE + USER PERSONAS
Subletta will build trust with
our users.
Subletta will offer a personalized experience.
Subletta will empower users through education.
Guiding principles for design
UI SCREENS
FEATURES
Lo-fi
Lo → Mid → Hi fidelity
USER TESTING METHODOLOGIES
We validated our design decisions through usability testing, A/B testing, and tree testing to ensure the experience was intuitive, effective, and easy to navigate for users.
BRAND IDENTITY
Subletta’s brand identity uses warm colors, clean lines, and playful typography to build trust and reduce friction, making subletting feel more approachable. A/B testing confirmed users preferred this warmer palette over a darker alternative.
LOGO
Subletta’s logo unites place, people, and trust, using a location pin to represent finding a sublet, an inner figure to reflect the sublessor experience, tied together with a lock-inspired silhouette to reinforce safety and reliability.
Final solution
CORE FLOWS
FLOW #1
Catered results
Q: How can we provide our users with full flexibility to search for things that they value?
A: We supported flexibility through a two-way search experience that allows users to both list or find sublets and browse potential subtenants who are actively searching. Research showed that users often take on both roles, so we designed a single cohesive flow where both parties can take initiative and confidently find their perfect match.
Our research showed that users wanted more control over their search experience. To address this, we introduced advanced search tools including a draw-on-map feature for custom boundaries and robust filters such as price, place type, and lifestyle preferences to ensure compatibility with existing tenants.
FLOW #2
Verification process
Q: How can we empower our users to feel comfortable when searching for a sublet or subtenant?
A: We empower users to feel comfortable by implementing a clear, badged verification system that removes uncertainty and builds trust at a glance. Beyond verification, user-generated bios and shared interests help foster rapport and more confident connections.
FLOW #3
Guided approach
Q: How can we assist users who may be new to subletting and set them up for success?
A: We assist users who are new to subletting through a guided experience that supports them at every step. This includes a visually guided onboarding flow, in-context tooltips for added clarity, and a dedicated Learn page with guides and articles to help users feel informed, confident, and set up for success.
"I'm not familiar with any other site that is specifically for subletting. So I feel like [Subletta]
would be super useful."
Our MVP earned a positive response and an NPS of 20, showing strong recommendation potential. Through user research and iteration, we boosted confidence, transparency, and the overall subletting experience.
Impact & outcomes