Role: Product Designer/Owner & UX Researcher
Team: Audrey S., Jacob F., Wonderstruct/LAUX
Tools: Figma, Notion, Miro, Github, Adobe Suite
Blueprint Permits is a user-friendly app that simplifies the construction permitting process, similar to how TurboTax streamlines tax filing. It empowers construction professionals and individuals to easily navigate complex permits, saving time and reducing frustration while ensuring compliance.
Permit Digitalization: The process of obtaining construction permits is becoming more digital and streamlined.
Automation and Artificial Intelligence: Automation and AI technologies will begin to play a role in construction permitting by executing tasks like guiding a user through the process, validating applications, and processing documents for possible issues.
Data Integration and Interoperability: Permitting systems need to be more connected and integrated with other databases and systems.
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Comments mentioned the communication and tracking of permits between the submitter and the reviewer was confusing and dysfunctional.
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Up to 20-30% of construction projects in the US experienced delays in obtaining permits.
Data from user interviews was recorded using Notion, affinity mapping, card sorting, and qualitative surveys. Results were reviewed in Miro and Figma using sticky notes and sketching during several workshops.
Data was reviewed and analyzed during a series of team workshops.
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User experience journey mapping was distilled from user interviews, market research and a set of preliminary business rules. These informed the design of the app's features and functionality while ensuring that they aligned with the users' needs and goals.
Our product utilizes a comprehensive database and APIs to provide users with reliable and up-to-date guidance. Throughout the permit application process, offering real-time guidance to users. This includes project-specific tips, visual prompts, and informative explanations to ensure users understand each requirement and its impact on the overall process. Users can easily upload necessary documents and either submit them directly through the app or download them for submission through other means.
Upon opening the app, users will be prompted to create an account. If this is your first time using the application, users are guided through an onboarding process that will familiarize users with the features and layout of the home page. This will allow them to access permit applications, progress, and documents in a personalized manner.
To start a new permit application, users choose the type of project and fill out the dynamically tailored questionnaire populated based on the project requirements given, as well as location-based permits, regulations, and zoning codes.
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Once the application processes the initial user and project information, the homepage is populated with all the necessary details. You can easily access the calendar, schedules, estimated city deliverables, deadlines, submittals, gant chart view, and milestones on the homepage. Users can view showcased projects and pertinent permit notifications on the platform. The icons include Home, Projects, Correspondence, Documents, Resources, and Profiles.
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The permit is broken apart into sections and pages, and you will input information when prompted, going from step to step, page to page, adding detailed information, prompts and suggestions, explanations and definitions, and even recommendations based on past submissions.
Users can submit revised permits with accompanying notes, tags, documents, and fees. Additionally, reviewers can provide updated reviews with relevant tags and information, and details regarding permit type, stage, submittal, and review.
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Information icons will accompany these prompts to guide you as efficiently as possible. These prompts will be associated with information icons to guide the user through the process as clearly as possible.
The profiles of city reviewers will be displayed on the project and permit pages. Any communication with the reviewer will occur through the correspondence mailbox. Copies and notifications related to the correspondence will be sent to the user's email associated with the account.
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