A digital platform to manage and monitor Dubai’s fast-paced real estate development
- Client
- Dubai Land Department (DLD)
- Partners
- Pixonal
- Awards
- European Design Award – Bronze
- FWA of the day
- Red Dot Design Award
- Deliverables
- Mobile app
- Augmented reality (AR) mobile app
- Augmented reality (AR) in-vehicle app
The challenge
Dubai has historically pioneered exceptional quality of life and an unparalleled business environment. Embracing technological innovation, HRH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s recently launched Smart Cities and Open Data initiatives to make Dubai one of the ‘smartest’ cities in the world. To support the vision of ‘Smart Dubai’, the Dubai Land Department launched the app ‘Mashrooi’, a knowledge platform that provides investors, developers and residents with accurate, trustworthy information on the progress of real estate projects in Dubai.
CLEVER°FRANKE was asked to reimagine and redefine the Mashrooi app. By delivering real time interaction with the use of augmented reality (AR), we set out to make the Mashrooi app the most advanced, powerful tool for obtaining information about real estate projects in Dubai.
Value delivered
We rebuilt the app, and together with Pixonal, rebranded Mashrooi with an updated design that included new features and functionality to benefit developers and investors. This resulted in a new way to track real estate projects in real time, using emerging technology such as augmented reality (AR) and immersive data visualizations.
Background
To kick off our exploration into a platform, we began by testing the original version of the Mashrooi app to get an understanding of the data, parameters, functionality and potential it had to offer. We collated our findings into an expert review, identifying the most important areas that could be improved and opportunities for further development that would benefit the target audience.
To ensure we achieve the best and most coherent user experience, we analyzed a number of real-estate applications and platforms to determine what was already available in the sector. Taking the findings from our exploration and expert review, we explored different methods to visualize and experience our vision of the future of real estate in Dubai.
We met with the client in an iterative process of workshops to determine the best method to proactively inform the target audience with the best content. Together with the client, we defined a set of four values that we envisioned to be at the heart of the app: Trustworthy, Smart, Innovative, and Transparent.
The first and foremost of these values is ‘Trustworthy’. As a reliable source, the DLD inspires confidence in investors and is transparent by providing objective information and reports to ensure they can invest with certainty. As a platform, Mashrooi is ‘Innovative’, taking advantage of available technology, and ‘Smart’ through its use of data to inform users of trends and alert them to relevant developments.
Expert Review
We started with using the former Mashrooi app, getting to understand the data, parameters, functionalities and the potential it had to offer.
We translated all our findings into an expert review, identifying the most important areas of improvement and opportunities for further development.
Competitor analysis
To achieve the best and most comprehensible user experience,
we analyzed numerous real estate applications and platforms to see
what the industry already offers.
Vision deck
We've defined a vision that as a platform of knowledge and the driver of the future of real estate in Dubai, the app needs:
- increase knowledge about real estate in Dubai;
- market investment opportunities;
- empower informed investment decisions;
- provide a service that users can trust.
Concept development
Based on the findings of our expert review and benchmark study, we started to explore different ways to show and experience the future of real estate in Dubai.
Rapid AR prototyping
For the augmented reality (AR) functionality we developed a separate prototype for testing purposes. We also experimented with interactions for the 3D-building and branded AR-markers.
Cross device prototyping
To ensure a fluent experience, we created prototypes to test on interaction, performance and behavior across different devices.
User feedback
These prototypes were demonstrated during the launch of Mashrooi platform at the GITEX Exhibition in Dubai. User feedback was incorporated into the design process to inform the next design iteration of the app.
Phases and toolkit items used
Solution
With the landmarks and natural elements found in and around Dubai as a departure point, we incorporated signature aspects into the design, as well as the structural lattice of the buildings and topography of the landscape, which can be seen throughout the platform.
Designguidelines
Inspired by its status as the jewel of the Emirates, we selected emerald green as the primary color for the palette. Accent colors reference the deep green of the Dubai Marina with the lighter tone of the desert sand as a contrast to the richer, dominant shades.
Appdesign
The application provides valuable information for investors and developers alike about real estate in Dubai through captivating visualizations and upcoming trends.
The Trend pages provide up-to-date information about Dubai’s commitments, new technologies, innovation and upcoming events.
The Explore prototype allows developers to monitor their projects through live video streaming services.
Through Profile, users have direct access to everything they need to know about the projects they follow.
Technicalarchitecture
The platform includes a number of different elements that are connected to the Dubai Land Department database. The data is made accessible via an API on several devices.
Droneandlive-streamfunctionality
Users can access onsite webcams for a real-time visual inspection of the construction site, as well as request a drone fly-by for live footage updates. Investors and developers can thus keep track of their projects from anywhere across the globe.
ARfunctionality
Augmented reality (AR) opened a number of innovative possibilities to enhance the user experience. Smart devices can recognize specially designed cards to render 3D models of specific projects which users can interact with, view project information, the various stages of construction and get an impression of the completed building.
In-vehicleAR
The augmented reality (AR) functionality can be expanded upon, implementing the platform into interactive windows in vehicles. Ongoing and upcoming projects can be visualized and rendered into the current cityscape offering passengers a peek into the ever-changing future skyline of the city.
Featuresvideo
The following video presents some of the functions offered by the Mashrooi platform to developers and investors to track real estate projects.
Results
Mashrooi is a unique platform that combines state-of-the-art technology with robust data providing users with a much clearer picture of what stage a project is at, even if the investor is on the other side of the world. This removes a great deal of uncertainty and builds a very strong bond of trust and transparency between investors and developers.
H.E. Majida Ali Rashid
Assistant Director General, Dubai Land Department
