PropSpace is a cloud-based software solution for real estate businesses, helping them manage their daily operations without the hassle of tech infrastructure, information management and security. It is the market leading software in several countries such as the UAE, Oman and Bahrain, with over 6,000 registered users across 500 real estate businesses. The software provides advanced productivity tools for real estate agents, developers and property managers.

PropSpace extends itself to be more than a standard CRM to manage contacts and leads. It looks at the holistic day-to-day operations of real estate businesses and then encompasses features to boost productivity. The product provides powerful tools such listings management, lead tracking and auto-matching requirements, automation, print, email and online marketing, and generation of contracts and documents for closed deal transactions.

I had the opportunity to contribute my expertise to the product development during its early and matured stages. These included developing user research, workflows, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, iterating designs, final product designs and usability testing. Assignments have included team and individual projects, ranging from quick usability improvements to complex features requiring ample research and iterations.

Most of the features being built into PropSpace underwent planning and research to determine existing user pain points and workflows. Instead of asking what was required, we looked at the scenarios as to why it was needed and what the alternates could be. We often found that requests included biases and mimicry of traditional paper-based procedures – requiring us to explore new ideas to help businesses transform themselves.

Brainstorming sessions and storyboarding presented a multitude of options and discussions, and hallway prototypes allowed us to run quick trials to test our hypothesises. Using feedback, the features would undergo several iterations before high-fidelity UI designs were created. We would then prepare the necessary design documentation and assets for the developers, and regularly maintain communications during the build stages.

Powerful yet easy-to-use features, combined with automation, allow users to spend lesser time learning and adapting to the software. The product could flexibly adapt to various business scenarios and procedures, allowing real estate companies to spend more time focussing on their leads, viewings, meetings, marketing and deal proceedings.

PropSpace also extended itself further to accommodate property management companies and property developers. The Property Management suite comprises of the entire lease management, maintenance requests, work orders, dedicated owner and tenant portals, accounting, and service providers. The Developers suite includes project and unit management, payment schedules, property sales, and accounting. Combined with apps for smartphones and tablets, PropSpace provides a 360-degree platform for real estate professionals to succeed.