ParkPals

The challenge

This was a start-up idea that's based on an existing model - Airbnb, but with a spin to provide parking solutions. For that reason and the success that they have, there was no need to reinvent the wheel in regard to the booking and renting mechanic. The challenge came from the logistics perspective that impacts the use case itself. The hosts often live in a shared building (for example, apartments) where you need a remote access to the building's car parks. So where for Airbnb you can often pick up the keys that are placed outside the building, you can't do the same with ParkPals because you to park the vehicle first. The design research steps that we did for the project:

Design research and exploration

Competitor analysis & usability benchmarking

• Airbnb
• Facebook Marketplace
• Gumtree
• Parkhound

Surveys & interviews

• Public's opinion on giving more access to personal spaces
• Building Managers - for logistics
• Owners Corps - for permits

Outcome

An app design that accommodates for three key users:

Hosts

• Set a listing with the rate, description, available time slots and pictures
• Track multiple listings (if the host has multiple spaces)
• Track their monetisation, including the rent history based on each parking space
• Check a potential renter's record

Renters

• Set a time and proximity to landmarks to see available parking spaces
• Filter and sort based on various dimensions (price, distance, duration, etc.)
• Set favourite spots - to make it easier for repeat rentals
• Check the hosts' record

Admin

• Financial management (reporting, taxes, governance)
• Moderation (for reported hosts/renters, damage, permit issue)
• Promotions (discounted rates for a time period)