Notice of Proposal
#iOS Mob App for Residents & Development Authority
Introduction
Company
Shimp Engineering P.C
My Role
Founding Product Designer
Timeline
6 months
Impact tldr;
Increased SUS from 47 to 68
15-18% saved approval costs
Increased residents turn out
rate from 3/100 to 25/100
Responsibilities
Founding Product Designer
Research
Information Architecture
UI & Visual Design
Prototyping & Testing
Overview
For new developments, the developer is required to notify neighborhood residents living within a 100, 250, or 400-foot radius—depending on municipal regulations—about the proposed project undergoing a land use review. These notifications are sent via mail, inviting residents to attend the monthly council meetings and cast their vote, either in favor or against the development.
Context
Despite these mailed notifications, most residents overlook them, leading to poor attendance at council meetings. As a result, community engagement remains low, allowing NIMBYs to dominate the process by voting No on crucial development projects, particularly for social housing—wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars in planning and development costs. To address this issue, the city has tasked our company with creating an online app where residents can easily cast their votes, ask questions, and actively participate in community development.
Problem
How might we create an accessible platform (online) that allows local government agencies, architecture/land planning companies, and the local community to come together and engage in community building...
Community Project
iOS Mobile
Client - Albermarle County
Final Prototype
Stakeholders
Problem Statement
“How might we create an intuitive and accessible online platform that empowers residents to stay informed, cast their votes, ask questions, and actively engage in community development."
Research
User Interviews & Research
I interviewed 40 people.
I am not sure where to find information about new projects' construction - 56%
I usually take interest only after project has broken ground - 13%
I would like a text or email from the city notifying about the new development in neighborhood - 71%
I would like to give feedback as everything in the neighborhood affects my property as well - 67%
Information Arch
KPIs
Final Screens
Results
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