Redefining Rental: A Case Study in Greystar's £8.5M Digital Overhaul

In a landmark 12-month project, a 40-strong team of elite experience designers and developers partnered with Greystar, the global leader in rental housing, to execute an £8.5 million complete redesign of their digital presence. Collaborating with the prestigious branding agency Interbrand, we translated Greystar's new brand identity into a world-class digital experience, setting a new industry standard for transparency and user-centric design.

Headquarters

Headquarters

Charleston, USA

Founded

Founded

1993

Industry

Industry

Property

Company size

Company size

23,000

Challenge

Greystar's existing digital platform struggled to meet the evolving expectations of modern renters. The primary challenge was to create a seamless, intuitive, and transparent online journey for users, from initial property search to lease signing and resident services. The new platform needed to not only reflect Greystar's new brand identity but also address the industry-wide demand for clearer, upfront pricing and a more user-friendly experience.

Results

The redesigned Greystar.com is a resounding success. The new platform has revolutionised the user experience, providing a "world-class search and discovery path" that drives more leases for Greystar's clients. A key innovation is the "Total Monthly Leasing Price Calculator," a proprietary tool that offers prospective renters a comprehensive and transparent overview of all costs associated with a lease. Early data indicates a significant increase in user engagement and lead generation, with thousands of weekly lead actions being driven at the property level. The platform has successfully simplified a complex user journey, building trust and empowering renters to make informed decisions.

12

Months Project duration

1m

Properties listed

£8.5m

Investment

Process

Our team followed a rigorous, user-centered design process, moving through the classic experience design phases to ensure a successful outcome:

Empathise/Research: We conducted extensive user research, including interviews and analysis of user behavior, to gain a deep understanding of the needs, pain points, and motivations of modern renters.

Define: We synthesized our research findings to define the core user problems and establish clear project goals. The central objective was to create a transparent, user-friendly, and mobile-first platform that would simplify the apartment search process.

Ideate: Our team engaged in extensive brainstorming sessions, generating a wide range of innovative solutions to address the defined problems. We challenged existing assumptions and explored new possibilities for the digital rental experience.

Prototype: We created a series of prototypes, starting with low-fidelity wireframes and progressing to high-fidelity, interactive models. This allowed us to visualize the design, test functionality, and gather early feedback.

Test/Validate: We conducted usability testing with real users at various stages of the design process. This invaluable feedback allowed us to validate our design decisions and identify areas for improvement before development began.

Implement/Launch: Working in close collaboration with our development team, we built and launched the final product, ensuring a seamless transition from design to a fully functional, live platform.

Iterate: The launch of the new Greystar.com is just the beginning. We are continuously gathering user feedback and performance data to identify opportunities for further enhancements and will iterate on the design to ensure it continues to meet and exceed user expectations.

Stack

Stack

Stack

“Making things complex is easy, making complex things simple is difficult. Behind the simple and elegant experience in the new Greystar.com is a complex architecture spanning multiple systems, with industry-leading Fee Transparency, all designed to improve the business of our clients.”

Conclusion

The Greystar redesign project is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of a user-centered design approach. By prioritising the needs of the renter and embracing transparency, we have created a digital experience that not only meets the demands of today's market but also positions Greystar as a forward-thinking leader in the multifamily industry. This project serves as a compelling example of how a significant investment in design and technology can deliver a substantial return, enhancing user satisfaction, driving business growth, and setting a new benchmark for the entire sector.