The challenge

In the fast-paced world of property management, effective control over listings and bookings is crucial for success. A couple of years ago, Sanders experienced a steady stream of single-property bookings through well-known Online Travel Agents (OTAs) like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Trivago. This was largely facilitated by a third-party property manager API. However, as Sanders expanded its portfolio with a diverse range of properties, reliance on the API’s outdated data model became increasingly cumbersome and challenging to manage.

With the growing number of properties, the limitations of the single-tenancy data model became apparent. Sanders’ employees found themselves juggling multiple spreadsheets and performing extensive manual work, leading to inaccuracies in listed units and a frustrating increase in double bookings. It was clear that a more efficient solution was needed to support the company’s growth.

The task

My primary task was to map and design a comprehensive Property Management dashboard that would empower Sanders to maintain better control over its properties, listings, and bookings. Transitioning from a single to a multi-listing model was no small feat; it required collaboration across all departments to ensure that every stakeholder’s needs were met. Engaging the Operations team, who would ultimately use the dashboard daily, was critical for developing a practical and effective solution.

To achieve this, I utilized Excel for database work and Figma Jam for collaborative ideation sessions with stakeholders. This ensured we could cluster ideas effectively and align on the core features necessary for the new system.

Initial model

The single-tenancy data model led to an overwhelming amount of manual work across multiple spreadsheets, resulting in listing inaccuracies and frequent double bookings. A scalable, more efficient solution became essential to support further growth

Building the multi-tenancy model

Through our collaborative workshops, we developed a multi-tenancy model that revolutionized how shared facilities were managed. This new structure allowed amenities such as communal pools, playgrounds, and laundry facilities to be described centrally and referenced by multiple units. This efficient indexing significantly streamlined the management process, enabling Sanders to easily oversee shared spaces within various properties.

New model

The implementation of a centralized technical sheet proved to be a game-changer. By allowing units to be categorized with simple tags, operations staff could now update pricing and availability effortlessly. A change made in one spot would automatically reflect across all relevant listings, reducing manual input and the potential for errors.

Turning insights into actionable flows

With a solid understanding of the user needs and business goals, I converted insights gathered from the initial phases of the project into actionable user flows. This involved building a comprehensive component library and documenting common interaction patterns, which outlined how users would navigate through the dashboard to achieve their objectives. Using tools like Figma for prototyping and Azure DevOps for development tracking, we ensured that every interaction was well thought out and aligned with the overall user experience. The methodologies employed, including A/B testing, performance testing, expert interviews, and usability testing, played a vital role in refining our approach and validating our design choices.

Dashbord design

Website design

The impact of the multi-tenancy model extended beyond just data management; it transformed how customers engaged with Sanders’ listings. I designed a variety of product cards tailored to highlight the unique characteristics of each unit, whether it was a standalone property or part of a shared-amenity complex. This thoughtful design ensured that users could quickly and easily grasp essential information at a glance.

Throughout the design process, I utilized tools such as Figma for creating prototypes and Photoshop for refining visual elements. A/B testing, expert reviews, and usability testing were instrumental in informing our design decisions and ensuring that each listing was visually appealing and user-friendly.

Final words

The redesign of Sanders’ Property Management dashboard and the website structure not only improved listing accuracy but also significantly reduced the risk of double bookings. By empowering the Operations team with a streamlined and efficient system, Sanders has taken a monumental step towards enhancing its digital maturity. Feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a more intuitive and cohesive experience that supports the company’s ongoing growth in the property management sector.

Mailin’s contributions to the design and development of Sander’s digital assets have been a big step forward in the company’s digital maturity. The Operations team has never been more appreciative!
Simone Keitel Swift, Sander's Operations
  • User Flow Optimization
  • Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Co-Creation Workshops
  • Information Architecture
  • Interaction Design Patterns
  • Usability Testing
  • Data-Driven UX
  • User-Centered Design
  • Process Streamlining
  • User Journey Mapping