Handee: A Habitat for Humanity App
Handee is a mobile app considering those who have just completed the Habitat for Humanity homeownership program. They have gone through money management courses, completed sweat equity hours and their house is finally built and ready to be moved into.
Role
Lead Product Designer
Timeline
Jun - Nov 2021, 4 months
Skills
User Research Wireframing UI Design Prototyping
Tools
Figma
Problem
Many Habitat for Humanity homeowners have bounced around from different living situations and have never owned a home before. They are overwhelmed by the number of maintenance tasks they must complete throughout the year and unsure how to complete them.
Solution
Handee by Habitat for Humanity is an app designed specifically for those who have just moved into their new Habitat home.
During the closing process members of the Habitat team will help new homeowners set up the app with tasks they must complete customized to their home.
This app reminds users of home maintenance tasks they must complete, allows users to make in-app purchases for materials to complete tasks, store important information about the home, facilitate communication within their Habitat community and provides a brief overview of a budget to follow.
The Importance of Home Ownership
35%
Increase in overall financial security
25%
Increase in graduation rate
74%
Increase in overall health
Research: Phase 1
Target Users: With the Target User of this app being specifically Habitat for Humanity homeowners, I decided the best research methods would involve interviewing homeowners directly to hear their pain points first hand.
Insights: Based on these interactions with Habitat homeowners I was able to take away insights and research findings. From there I structured the app's navigation and content, prioritizing features and information, according to specific user needs and pain points that had been discussed.
Key insights:
Habitat homeowners rarely struggle to pay their mortgage after moving into their home.
When asked about how Habitat could provide homeowners with further assistance post-move in the top answers revolved around home maintenance courses.
Research: Phase 2
User Personas: I developed two detailed user personas based on real Habitat Homeowners, Theresa Miller and Clark Lowell. Through these personas I was able to capture their unique goals, motivations, and frustrations.
These personas reflect the homeowners’ aspirations for long-term stability and community involvement, as well as their challenges - such as navigating complex home maintenance tasks and limited access to resources.
Experience Map: From there, I created a comprehensive Habitat Homeowner Experience Map that traced the journey of a Habitat homeowner from the moment they closed on their home to successfully completing routine maintenance tasks.
Through interviews, research, and persona insights, I was able to map out key stages, emotions, and pain points these Habitat owners face. This visualization highlights where homeowners felt empowered and where they encounter confusion or barriers, providing a clear foundation for ways Handee could improve resources and support throughout their homeownership journey.
Ideation:
Precedent: To inform design decisions, I began wireframing with a precedent analysis of the following apps: Amazon Mobile, Home Check by Amica, Everydollar and The Home Depot app.
I examined each app for usability patterns, interface design and overall functionality that align with home owner needs - such as maintenance tracking, intuitive navigation and budgeting tools.
By identifying what these platforms do well, I was able to adapt relevant features and user flows into Handee to create a more seamless experience.
Mockups: Building upon precedent and research I created user flows that guide Habitat owners seamlessly from a maintenance task list to actionable next steps.
The flow begins with a page displaying a list of home maintenance tasks that require completion then transitions to a detailed view outlining the duration, skill level, materials and steps to complete a specific task.
From there a user can opt to purchase required materials for task completion and are brought to a purchasing page for checkout.
This streamlined experience was designed to reduce stress, support task completion and empower Habitat owners with the tools and resources they need to maintain their home - all in one place.
Branding:
Handee Branding Guide: The Handee branding guide is designed to be optimistic and personable, reflecting the pride and accomplishment that comes with becoming a homeowner.
Every element—from typography to color—aims to celebrate this milestone while building a sense of confidence and belonging.
By leaning into positivity and approachability, the branding reinforces the idea that homeownership is not just a goal achieved, but a journey supported with care, encouragement, and community.
Components:
Tasks: The first core component of Handee is the Task feature, conveniently located in the bottom navigation bar.
This feature gives users quick access to a running list of upcoming or recommended home maintenance tasks that they can sort by season.
From there, users can dive into detailed pages for each task outlining duration, difficulty and required materials.
To further support homeowners, each task page includes an instructional video, making it easier to confidently complete maintenance activities with clear guidance.
Purchase Materials: The next key feature is the Purchase Materials component, found within each specific task page.
This feature allows users to view a curated list of materials needed to complete their selected maintenance task. Users have the ability to explore different brand options, compare prices and select what works best for their budget and preferences.
Once items are selected, materials can then be purchased directly through the app - streamlining the task completion process and removing the guesswork of what users will need to complete tasks.
Community: The next core component of Handee is the Community feature, accessible through the bottom navigation bar.
This space is designed to foster connection among Habitat homeowners, allowing users to engage with others in their neighborhood by posting questions and listings, sharing advice, and offering support.
In addition to this community interaction, the feature also provides access to a trusted network of home maintenance professionals. All professionals have been vetted by Habitat—making it easier for homeowners to find reliable help when they need it most.
Budget: The final core component within the bottom navigation of Handee is the Budget feature..
This feature allows users to follow and track their personalized budget plan provided by Habitat for Humanity.
Homeowners can easily view a clear breakdown of their monthly finances, including categories like necessities, savings, and miscellaneous spending.
Additionally, users can track past purchases they have made through Handee, giving them a complete picture of their home maintenance expenses and helping them stay financially empowered.
Conclusion
Handee was thoughtfully designed to support new Habitat homeowners as they navigate their new responsibilities of homeownership. From managing maintenance tasks to budgeting effectively and building community connections, every feature is tailored to empower users with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to feel confident, capable, and proud in their new homes.