Our company offers various IT products, such as RTB, which is the core of our company’s data, R.Find for office brokerage, and R.A, the first commercial real estate analytics in Korea. These products are designed to cater to the unique needs of each user, continuously evolving to reflect trends for a better user experience.
The Product Design Team plays a critical role in analyzing user behavior and creating optimal product designs. We spoke with Ji-Sun Hwang, the head of the Product Design Team, to learn more about their innovative journey.
R: What does a product designer at RSQUARE do?
Hwang Jisun, head of the product design team at RSQUARE DESIGN
Ji-Sun Hwang (Hwang): The Product Design Team is part of the IT division. We create services that require online experiences. Our role is to convey RSQUARE’s brand value while designing and managing the user experience. We identify problems by analyzing data, customer feedback (VOC), and user needs, then propose solutions. We are involved in every step of the service design process, from solving problems to delivering services. After launching or distributing a service, we monitor whether the problem is solved and continuously improve the user experience.
R: Can you tell us more about how the team works?
Hwang: Everything in the product design process starts with empathy among squad members. We discuss which design improvements to make and how to create a positive impact. Based on the service roadmap, we hold daily or weekly meetings with squad members to identify solutions.
Once the product development begins, designers conduct research, such as benchmarking, and create screens using Figma. We share initial designs with internal teams or the PM for feedback, refining the service to ensure better outcomes.
Product Design Starts From Empathy
As development progresses, we collaborate closely with software engineers to ensure the design is implemented as intended. After development is complete, we launch the service following design QA. Post-launch, we gather feedback through VOC and user interviews to continue making improvements.
R: What’s your main focus when designing a product?
Product design team considering retention through usability and troubleshooting
Hwang: Usability is a top priority. Real estate can be a complex subject, and our users span a wide age range. So, intuitive design that allows users to take action immediately is essential. We also focus on problem-solving. By addressing service issues, we aim to boost user retention through continuous improvements and quick updates.
R: Which recent project stands out for you?
Hwang: RSQUARE Analytics (R.A.), which launched in July, stands out the most. It was over two years in the making, and a lot of thought went into its design.
RSQUARE Analytics UI/UX Design after a long thought
At the beginning, the project started without a dedicated designer, and later on, multiple design changes were made after a designer joined. As more features and data were added, we realized how much work we had to do in terms of UI/UX, so we quickly prioritized the tasks.
Key Point 1: Enhancing the RSQUARE Analytics Experience
For a new product, it's crucial to understand who the users are, what their goals are, and how they navigate the product to achieve those goals. We categorized our users into three personas:
• Employees looking for information to purchase a specific building
Scenario 1
• Asset managers reviewing a list of properties within specific buying/selling criteria
Scenario 2
• Property owners comparing competitor buildings and checking average rental prices
Scenario 3
We mapped out each persona’s journey, from entry to exit, and used that to refine the transitions between screens and improve user flows.
Key Point 2: Viewing Data and Maps Together
The main feature of RSQUARE Analytics is the "Explore" menu. When users log in, they land on a page where they can filter and view customized data on a map. Both the map and data are critical here.
The original screen gave only half the space to the map, which felt cramped. We made the map display larger for easier exploration while still allowing users to view detailed data when needed. After several trials, we designed a flexible screen layout, giving users the option to view data either as a map or as a table.
RSQUARE Analytics Veta Version
RSQUARE Analytics Open Version
I solved the map and detailed page like this, but the list was the problem next.
I want to see multiple target information on the list at once, but it was more efficient to show it in a card way, like the map list screen of third-party services that we think of for readability and matching with map markers.
As a result, I thought we needed two versions of the list screen. So we ended up using four different forms within a single search screen. Finally, we created a flexible screen design that can respond to multiple experiences
The final open version of RSQUARE Analytics
Key Point 2: Naturally, connect data analytics with polygons
After exploring the map, the next step in the RSQUARE Analytics journey is analyzing or comparing buildings. The key here was providing multiple ways to transition to the analysis view while allowing users to modify or add properties easily.
I provided a route to analyze all the buildings on the current map screen, compare/analyze the list I filtered, or one building I selected. At this time, it was provided with a similar feeling to the tool, but the contents were configured to be easily changed by the user. In addition, a representative building was designated for users who were new to it, so that they could check the contents in advance like a tutorial.
RSQUARE Analytics Data Analysis Scenario
I don't think there's a moment I hate more than inefficient things over and over again. Building a design library was one of the keys for designers and developers alike to prevent this.
RA defines and manages the rules of common design elements and uses them. In addition, the basic guide is defined and used for font and color shadow of the product. So, we are managing to maintain RA's design identity no matter what designer works on it.
The buttons and check box guide used in RSQUARE Analytics
In the case of familiar companies and digital services, they have their own UX Lighting guide. UX Lighting provides a unified voice throughout the service and guides you through writing that helps you achieve your goals.
RSQUARE Analytics also aims to provide clear and professional information. It is defined as Boystone to communicate easily and kindly with customers.
RSQUARE Analytics Deliver Clear Information and Better Experience with Boystone
Boystone also essentially defined notations within the service, such as numbers, floors, amounts and dates, allowing for a unified voice. Anyone can look at the guide and write the words, even if you decide on a new phrase or add a pop-up afterwards. It kills two birds with one stone with fewer points to manage.
Compared to what we've been working on so far, RA is a full product with a small amount of screen but a huge amount of content. I think we're almost at the launch because we're designing maps from the perspective of real users. I'm looking forward to hearing the diverse voices of real users, checking user data, and providing a better experience through VOC.
R: What challenges or tasks does the Product Design Team face going forward?
Hwang: With the company's rapid growth, we are working on creating a consistent environment for managing design history, principles, and products efficiently. We are also preparing our own design system to ensure uniformity across our services.
R: What is the Product Design Team's goal at RSQUARE?
Hwang: RSQUARE is the leader in the commercial real estate market, and we want our online services to be the best as well. Currently, we benchmark other products and analyze their strengths and weaknesses to apply them to our site. Our goal is for other companies to benchmark us in the future.
As RSQUARE’s services gain more visibility, we are also focusing on shaping the brand’s service identity.
IT Product Design Team Creating RSQUARE's Online Identification
\
Our company offers various IT products, such as RTB, which is the core of our company’s data, R.Find for office brokerage, and R.A, the first commercial real estate analytics in Korea. These products are designed to cater to the unique needs of each user, continuously evolving to reflect trends for a better user experience.
The Product Design Team plays a critical role in analyzing user behavior and creating optimal product designs. We spoke with Ji-Sun Hwang, the head of the Product Design Team, to learn more about their innovative journey.
R: What does a product designer at RSQUARE do?
Hwang Jisun, head of the product design team at RSQUARE DESIGN
Ji-Sun Hwang (Hwang): The Product Design Team is part of the IT division. We create services that require online experiences. Our role is to convey RSQUARE’s brand value while designing and managing the user experience. We identify problems by analyzing data, customer feedback (VOC), and user needs, then propose solutions. We are involved in every step of the service design process, from solving problems to delivering services. After launching or distributing a service, we monitor whether the problem is solved and continuously improve the user experience.
R: Can you tell us more about how the team works?
Hwang: Everything in the product design process starts with empathy among squad members. We discuss which design improvements to make and how to create a positive impact. Based on the service roadmap, we hold daily or weekly meetings with squad members to identify solutions.
Once the product development begins, designers conduct research, such as benchmarking, and create screens using Figma. We share initial designs with internal teams or the PM for feedback, refining the service to ensure better outcomes.
Product Design Starts From Empathy
As development progresses, we collaborate closely with software engineers to ensure the design is implemented as intended. After development is complete, we launch the service following design QA. Post-launch, we gather feedback through VOC and user interviews to continue making improvements.
R: What’s your main focus when designing a product?
Product design team considering retention through usability and troubleshooting
Hwang: Usability is a top priority. Real estate can be a complex subject, and our users span a wide age range. So, intuitive design that allows users to take action immediately is essential. We also focus on problem-solving. By addressing service issues, we aim to boost user retention through continuous improvements and quick updates.
R: Which recent project stands out for you?
Hwang: RSQUARE Analytics (R.A.), which launched in July, stands out the most. It was over two years in the making, and a lot of thought went into its design.
RSQUARE Analytics UI/UX Design after a long thought
At the beginning, the project started without a dedicated designer, and later on, multiple design changes were made after a designer joined. As more features and data were added, we realized how much work we had to do in terms of UI/UX, so we quickly prioritized the tasks.
Key Point 1: Enhancing the RSQUARE Analytics Experience
For a new product, it's crucial to understand who the users are, what their goals are, and how they navigate the product to achieve those goals. We categorized our users into three personas:
• Employees looking for information to purchase a specific building
Scenario 1
• Asset managers reviewing a list of properties within specific buying/selling criteria
Scenario 2
• Property owners comparing competitor buildings and checking average rental prices
Scenario 3
We mapped out each persona’s journey, from entry to exit, and used that to refine the transitions between screens and improve user flows.
Key Point 2: Viewing Data and Maps Together
The main feature of RSQUARE Analytics is the "Explore" menu. When users log in, they land on a page where they can filter and view customized data on a map. Both the map and data are critical here.
The original screen gave only half the space to the map, which felt cramped. We made the map display larger for easier exploration while still allowing users to view detailed data when needed. After several trials, we designed a flexible screen layout, giving users the option to view data either as a map or as a table.
RSQUARE Analytics Veta Version
RSQUARE Analytics Open Version
I solved the map and detailed page like this, but the list was the problem next.
I want to see multiple target information on the list at once, but it was more efficient to show it in a card way, like the map list screen of third-party services that we think of for readability and matching with map markers.
As a result, I thought we needed two versions of the list screen. So we ended up using four different forms within a single search screen. Finally, we created a flexible screen design that can respond to multiple experiences
The final open version of RSQUARE Analytics
Key Point 2: Naturally, connect data analytics with polygons
After exploring the map, the next step in the RSQUARE Analytics journey is analyzing or comparing buildings. The key here was providing multiple ways to transition to the analysis view while allowing users to modify or add properties easily.
I provided a route to analyze all the buildings on the current map screen, compare/analyze the list I filtered, or one building I selected. At this time, it was provided with a similar feeling to the tool, but the contents were configured to be easily changed by the user. In addition, a representative building was designated for users who were new to it, so that they could check the contents in advance like a tutorial.
RSQUARE Analytics Data Analysis Scenario
I don't think there's a moment I hate more than inefficient things over and over again. Building a design library was one of the keys for designers and developers alike to prevent this.
RA defines and manages the rules of common design elements and uses them. In addition, the basic guide is defined and used for font and color shadow of the product. So, we are managing to maintain RA's design identity no matter what designer works on it.
The buttons and check box guide used in RSQUARE Analytics
In the case of familiar companies and digital services, they have their own UX Lighting guide. UX Lighting provides a unified voice throughout the service and guides you through writing that helps you achieve your goals.
RSQUARE Analytics also aims to provide clear and professional information. It is defined as Boystone to communicate easily and kindly with customers.
RSQUARE Analytics Deliver Clear Information and Better Experience with Boystone
Boystone also essentially defined notations within the service, such as numbers, floors, amounts and dates, allowing for a unified voice. Anyone can look at the guide and write the words, even if you decide on a new phrase or add a pop-up afterwards. It kills two birds with one stone with fewer points to manage.
Compared to what we've been working on so far, RA is a full product with a small amount of screen but a huge amount of content. I think we're almost at the launch because we're designing maps from the perspective of real users. I'm looking forward to hearing the diverse voices of real users, checking user data, and providing a better experience through VOC.
R: What challenges or tasks does the Product Design Team face going forward?
Hwang: With the company's rapid growth, we are working on creating a consistent environment for managing design history, principles, and products efficiently. We are also preparing our own design system to ensure uniformity across our services.
R: What is the Product Design Team's goal at RSQUARE?
Hwang: RSQUARE is the leader in the commercial real estate market, and we want our online services to be the best as well. Currently, we benchmark other products and analyze their strengths and weaknesses to apply them to our site. Our goal is for other companies to benchmark us in the future.
As RSQUARE’s services gain more visibility, we are also focusing on shaping the brand’s service identity.
IT Product Design Team Creating RSQUARE's Online Identification