User research
Based on the initial data we received from our client, we developed three proto-personas for each type of user. After gathering this initial information, we decided to proceed with looking for potential customers that we could interview, which would help us validate or refute the assumptions that our proto-personas were built on.
In one of our interviews with a real estate agent, we attempted to find out what information was most relevant for him, and how he tracked it. In response, we discovered that our number one competitor is an excel spreadsheet, since they integrate with services like Airbnb. However, the agents also have to manually monitor each property, which is time-consuming and bothersome (to put it mildly). Also, we came to understand that one of the most important fields is the check-in / check-out dates, which are vital for managing properties.