Many Houzz users seek inspiration for home improvement and design, often finding appealing furniture pieces in various inspirational photos. However, those without design expertise face challenges in determining if these diverse pieces, like a marble coffee table and a white fabric sofa, will harmonize in their own space. To address this, a proposed solution is the introduction of a mood board feature. This tool would allow users to easily create and modify furniture collages, enabling them to visualize and compare different combinations effectively. With this feature, users can confidently select and purchase furniture combinations from Houzz, assured of their aesthetic compatibility.
Emily represents a significant segment of Houzz users: those passionate about interior design but lack professional background and prefer not to incur the cost of hiring an interior designer, turning to Houzz for inspiration and practical design solutions.
The user journey map for Emily will illustrate her interactions with Houzz, highlighting key touchpoints where the mood board feature can enhance her experience.
Upon analyzing Houzz's user flow from finding inspiration to saving products, I developed the user flow for the new mood board feature.
Then I designed the wireframe for the keyframe of the new mood board feature. I explored 3 different kinds of layouts and interactions. I decided to continue with the one that can make easy furniture additions and modifications.
Consistent with Houzz's existing design system, I developed a high-fidelity mockup for the mood board page.
The mood board feature facilitates users in creating a cohesive room design by allowing them to collage furniture pieces together. Users can select and organize items from their saved list or directly search Houzz's catalog.
The majority of furniture images on Houzz feature white backgrounds, simplifying the process of background removal for seamless integration. This tool offers customization options such as resizing, repositioning, and adjusting the layering of furniture, enabling users to effectively visualize and harmonize selected pieces within their space for an integrated interior design.
The Multi-Item Comparison View feature allows users to effortlessly compare similar furniture items with a simple click. Houzz curates and suggests furniture pieces of similar styles, enabling users to instantly see how these options pair with other items in their design. This feature streamlines the decision-making process by offering a straightforward comparison in terms of style, size, and color, thus aiding users in confidently selecting the best furnishings for their space.
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With a single click, users can add all furniture items from their mood board directly into the shopping cart, greatly simplifying the purchasing process. This feature bridges the gap between design planning and buying, providing a seamless transition from visualization to acquisition.
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