Introduction
Design refers to solving and settling issues involving humanitarian methodology to the invention. This method mainly understands what the people want and need, reevaluates the case better, creates helpful ideas, sample and examine resolution and gives services and products that align with the consumers’ wants. For any business to be able to settle problems, be innovative and compete with other companies in the current business environment, it should consider the significance of design thinking.
The Covid-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the real estate industry, which has experienced significant disruptions in its operations. The pandemic has led to new challenges and opportunities for the real estate industry. The Stanford School design thinking process provides a framework for addressing these challenges and identifying innovative solutions to the industry’s problems. This essay applies the Stanford d.school design thinking process to identify and solve a contemporary issue in real estate management related to the COVID-19 pandemic and propose possible solutions.
Empathize Phase
The Empathize phase, being the first step, is crucial in the design thinking process as it involves a deeper understanding of the users’ needs and perspectives. In the context of real estate management and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Empathize phase requires real estate managers to understand the changes in customer behaviour and expectations that have arisen due to the pandemic. The clients who often visit real estate properties need to be sure they are safe, and that their health issues can be handled (Sanderford, 2021). This issue is left to be the responsibility of the estate companies. This has led to a shift towards virtual tours and online property sales. Real estate companies need to understand these changes to provide better services to their customers. The Empathize phase also requires a thorough understanding of the underlying issues associated with the pandemic, including the economic recession, unemployment, and social distancing guidelines.
Covid-19 has affected the real estate business so much. It has led to decrease in the number of clients renting and buying the properties (Lim & Tan, 2020). It also led to isolation and some alterations in the behaviours of the customers. The only way that the managers of real estate businesses can do to understand the encounters that the workers and consumers face is to carry out a secondary research to reveal the primary difficulties related to the problems (Tan, 2021). This research can involve analyzing industry reports, customer surveys, and social media conversations to understand the impact of the pandemic on the industry. By deeply revealing the hidden issues related to the problem, they can come up with advanced ways to resolute the problems that the workers and the consumers meet. The Empathize phase is a crucial step in this process as it provides real estate managers with the insights they need to develop user-centric solutions that are responsive to the changing business environment.
Define Phase
The entire project in design thinking is staged by the second phase; define phase. In the context of real estate management and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Define phase involves identifying a clear problem statement that reflects the challenges faced by customers and employees in the industry. One potential problem statement could be how real estate companies can adapt to the changing customer behavior and expectations in the context of the pandemic and provide better services to their customers (Park & Byun, 2020). Nevertheless, it is vital to go past a wide problematic account and investigate deeply into the particular encounters confronted by the real estate business. This involves synthesizing the insights from the Empathize phase and reframing the problem statement in a more meaningful way (Seiler & Womack, 2020). For instance, a more focused problem statement in the context of the pandemic could be “How might real estate management create a safe and effective way to show and sell real estate properties during the pandemic?”
This problem statement reflects the challenges faced by the industry in conducting property tours and facilitating sales in a safe and socially distant manner (Novak & Crutchfield, 2020). Another possible problem statement in the context of the pandemic could be “How might real estate management provide affordable housing solutions for those affected by the economic recession caused by the pandemic?” This problem statement reflects the challenges faced by low-income communities and individuals who are struggling to find affordable housing during these uncertain times (Wang, Hu, & Li, 2020). Overall, the Define phase is a crucial step in the design thinking process for real estate management during the COVID-19 pandemic. By identifying clear problem statements that are grounded in the insights gained from the Empathize phase, real estate managers can focus their efforts on developing innovative solutions that address the specific challenges faced by their customers and employees.
Ideate Phase
The Ideate phase is a crucial stage in the design thinking process that involves generating a wide range of creative ideas to solve the problem statement identified in the Define phase. In the context of real estate management and the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several solutions that can be explored to meet the changing customer behavior and expectations (Tafuri, Nijkamp, & Romano, 2021). One possible solution could be the use of virtual property tours that allow customers to view properties remotely using virtual reality (VR) technology. VR technology can provide an immersive and interactive property viewing experience that enhances customer satisfaction and reduces the need for physical property visits, which is important during the pandemic (Ling, 2019). Another possible solution could be the development of flexible lease agreements that accommodate changing customer needs and preferences, such as remote work or temporary relocation. Co-living spaces and shared office spaces could also be explored as potential solutions to address the changing demands and expectations of customers in the post-pandemic world.
The Ideate phase involves brainstorming and generating a wide range of ideas that can be evaluated and refined in the subsequent phases of the design thinking process. Brainstorming sessions can involve cross-functional teams with diverse backgrounds and expertise, and can be facilitated using tools such as mind mapping, brainstorming software, or sticky notes (Wang, Liu, & Li, 2021). The main aim of this phase is to create many different concepts without criticizing or weighing them, leaving the evaluation for other stages. Secondary research can also provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed solutions. For example, research into the effectiveness of virtual property tours in increasing customer satisfaction and sales can help to refine the solution and identify potential challenges and opportunities (Tafuri, Nijkamp, & Romano, 2021). The Ideate phase is an important step in the design thinking process as it generates a wide range of possible solutions that can be evaluated and refined in the subsequent phases.
Prototype Phase
In addition to testing the effectiveness and feasibility of the solution, the prototype phase can also help identify potential challenges and limitations that were not previously considered. For example, the VR technology solution may require a significant investment in hardware and software, which could be a barrier for some customers or real estate companies. In addition, it can fail to give similar experience and detail level as physical asset visit and this can affect the customer’s process of making decisions (Du et al., 2019). Through the prototype phase, real estate companies can gather feedback from customers and employees to refine the solution and improve its overall effectiveness.
The managers can use the received feedback when making changes to the solutions and discourse the possible issues and limitations they might have identified in the process of testing. Moreover, the prototype phase can also provide a valuable opportunity for real estate companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors (Du et al., 2019). By offering innovative solutions that prioritize customer safety and convenience, real estate companies can enhance their brand image and reputation, ultimately leading to increased customer loyalty and retention. Overall, the prototype phase is a crucial step in the design thinking process that enables real estate companies to test and refine potential solutions to the problem statement identified in the Define phase. By evaluating the success and practicability of unlike resolutions, real estate corporations can recognize the most hopeful concepts and go onward with employing them in the marketplace.
Test Phase
The test phase is a crucial step in the development process of any technology solution, including VR technology for real estate management. This phase involves testing the prototype solution and evaluating its effectiveness and feasibility. In the context of the real estate industry, the test phase for VR technology involves conducting customer surveys and feedback to evaluate the customer’s experience of using the VR technology (Ramalho & Brandão, 2020). By gathering user feedback, companies can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the VR solution and make necessary improvements. In addition to customer feedback, real estate companies can evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the VR technology solution and compare it with traditional property viewing methods. This analysis can help companies make informed decisions about the value of investing in VR technology for their property management services.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased interest in virtual solutions for real estate management, as traditional property viewing methods became difficult due to social distancing measures (Leshem & Liu, 2020). Testing in the context of real estate management and the COVID-19 pandemic could involve surveying users to understand their experience with the virtual tour platform, conducting focus groups to gather feedback on flexible leasing agreements, or analyzing the usage and occupancy rates of co-living spaces. Real estate companies can use this phase to gather user feedback, evaluate cost-effectiveness, and make informed decisions about investing in virtual solutions for their property management services.
Design Thinking Principles
Design thinking is guided by several principles that promote creativity, collaboration, and user-centered design (Ofori & Chan, 2020). These principles include empathy, ideation, prototyping, iteration, and feedback. In the context of real estate management during the COVID-19 pandemic, applying design thinking principles can help create effective solutions for property owners, tenants, and other stakeholders. Using empathy in the real estate business gives the managers a better understanding of worries and desires of the people who use their properties and can bring the users closer to them as they feel free and safe. Ideation can generate innovative ideas for adapting to changing business environments, such as implementing flexible lease agreements or designing virtual property tours (Lin, Chang, & Chen, 2020). Prototyping and iteration can be used to refine and improve these ideas, while feedback from tenants and other stakeholders can inform future decision-making. Overall, applying design thinking principles to real estate management can help navigate the challenges presented by the pandemic and create solutions that are both practical and creative.
Case Studies
Several case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of design thinking in solving complex business problems. In the context of real estate management and the COVID-19 pandemic, The Urban Land Institute’s case study on affordable housing demonstrates how design thinking principles can be applied to create solutions that are sensitive to the needs and constraints of low-income communities affected by the pandemic. By engaging with tenants and shareholders, the group was capable of developing advanced accommodation resolutions that discoursed matters like affordability, availability, and public participation (Sun et al., 2020). Similarly, Deloitte’s case study on customer-centric digital platforms highlights the potential of design thinking to create solutions that meet the evolving needs of tenants and property owners during the pandemic. By designing personalized and user-friendly platforms, the team was able to enhance the leasing experience for both parties and adapt to the changing business environment. These case studies demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of design thinking in real estate management.
Benefits of Design Thinking in Real Estate Management during COVID-19:
Design thinking can be highly beneficial in real estate management during the COVID-19 pandemic. By using design thinking, real estate managers can gain insights into the challenges faced by their customers and employees during these times (Du et al., 2019). Design thinking can help real estate managers navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by enabling them to take a user-centered approach to problem-solving. By sympathizing with the requirements and worries of their clients and staffs, real estate administrators can advance visions into the influence of the disease on their investors and recognize chances for upgrading (Singh & Sharma, 2021). By ideating and prototyping solutions, managers can test and refine new processes and services that better meet the needs of their stakeholders (Renteria et al., 2020). Teamwork and communication are main mechanisms of design thinking, supporting groups to labor organized to produce fresh concepts and advance extra operative resolutions. In this way, design thinking can help real estate managers create more value for their customers and employees during these challenging times.
Challenges and Criticisms in Real Estate Management during COVID-19:
Despite the benefits, there are some challenges and criticisms associated with using design thinking in real estate management during COVID-19. One encounter is the need for a multifaceted squad with different qualifications and knowledge to work on the task, lack of buy-in from the group’s management, which may cause inadequate incomes and backing for the scheme. While design thinking offers many benefits for real estate management during COVID-19, there are also challenges and criticisms to consider. The need for a diverse team with varied expertise can be a challenge (Eichholtz, Kok, & Yonder, 2019). This is because to assemble such a team may require resources that the organization may not have readily available. Additionally, without leadership buy-in, the project may be limited in terms of resources and support. Criticisms of design thinking include the potential for superficial solutions that do not address systemic issues and the risk of it becoming a buzzword that is overused and loses its meaning. As with any methodology, it is important to consider these challenges and criticisms when implementing design thinking in real estate management during COVID-19 to ensure that it is effective and meaningful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges and opportunities for the real estate industry, which requires innovative solutions to adapt to the changing customer behavior and expectations. The Stanford d.school design thinking process provides a framework for identifying and addressing these challenges effectively. This essay proposed a VR technology solution to provide customers with a more immersive and interactive property viewing experience, which can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Real estate companies can evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of this solution by conducting customer feedback and surveys and comparing the cost-effectiveness with traditional property viewing methods. Design thinking is an iterative and human-centered approach to problem-solving that can be highly beneficial in real estate management during COVID-19. By empathizing with customers and employees, defining the problem, ideating and prototyping solutions, and testing them, real estate managers can create more value for their customers and improve their organizations’ performance. However, to fully leverage the benefits of design thinking, organizations must overcome challenges such as the need for a diverse team and leadership buy-in, and they must also be mindful of criticisms such as superficial solutions and buzzword overuse. Overall, design thinking is an important tool that real estate managers should consider using to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research and reading on the application of design thinking to real estate management during COVID-19 are recommended to gain a deeper understanding of this approach. Finally, insights gained from the interview with the real estate agent branch manager can help to refine the proposed solution and develop more effective strategies to address the challenges facing the industry.
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