byb – an IoT-based platform for apartment living, covering amenities, community, local services, and smart home solutions
As an early member of HT Beyond, I led product design for byb’s foundation—solving verification challenges, defining the concept, IA, and wireframes, and guiding the team to deliver a responsive web app.
TLDR; Our team grew from 2 designers and 1 PM to 5 designers, 5 managers, and 1 director. Since launching on September 29, 2020, we’ve resolved usability issues and expanded to 70k+ residents
Researching competitors, users, and market trends to uncover challenges in apartment registration
While conducting user research, I also interviewed residents who use amenities in their apartments to gain insights.
Tackling the manual and unreliable resident verification process
I analysed the two existing verification methods, uncovered their limitations, and explored all residential types and scenarios to shape smarter solutions.
The key question;
How might we automate resident verification process?
Designing seamless automated resident sign-up
After collaborating closely with the CTO and team, we defined two automated sign-up solutions. Residents without a code can request admin approval, making verification effortless and improving the apartment living experience.
Visualising byb’s core concept and mapping potential partners for the next stage
We decided to focus first on delivering total solutions for apartments partnered with byb, targeting administrators and individual households using apartment facilities.
Delivering comprehensive features to enhance apartment living and management for residents and administrators
Structuring app information architecture: Grouping features by category and simplifying navigation with clear visuals
We progressively reviewed whether each feature was in the right group. This visualisation allowed us to refine the grouping and align it with our original product vision.
Structuring the admin menu for smooth app management
After defining the information architecture for admin tools, I detailed each menu’s functions, laying the groundwork for faster and more efficient wireframe design.
Visualising a seamless user flow from onboarding
Users start with a welcoming onboarding experience before entering their verified apartment community within the app.
Let me walk you through byb's main UX and my task in each experience.
Feed-based communities
byb’s main user experience revolves around a feed-based structure for viewing notices, reserving services, and communicating with other residents. Users can follow channels or services they’re interested in to see related posts and receive notifications for new updates.
Analysing type of posts on each feed and define actions to be asked to users
To define actions like liking, commenting, reporting, and deleting, I categorised the types of posts in each feed. Based on this analysis, we were able to structure the design components for the posts.
Reserve community amenities
byb's IoT-based technology allows apartments to make a reservation for all community amenities. Residents can simply reserve facilities, cultural classes of their apartment services on byb.
Organising reservation types and refining user flow
Collaborating with another product designer, I structured reservation elements—subscriptions, accommodations, fixed slots, classes, etc.—and validated the user flow for our responsive web service.
Checking my reservation status and details
Residents can reserve apartment facilities and cultural programs via byb, and easily check the status and details of their bookings at a glance.
Adding tabs to view reservations by category
Different reservation types had varied components, making it hard to view lists by status. I added category tabs and a status filter, improving usability—this solution was adopted in the next version.
Easy IoT control through app and home network integration
byb offers a Smart Home service that lets users control IoT devices effortlessly. Partnering with Hyundai HT Co. Ltd, we ensured a seamless home experience fully integrated within our product.
Improving IoT control by room
Previously, users selected rooms via a floor plan, but this limited customisation for different apartments. I redesigned the flow to remove the floor plan, creating a dedicated room page to guide users and display devices clearly.
Viewing overall history of card usage and community amenities
Residents can track all payment history and activity with their resident card, managing their spending directly through the app.
Redesigning the history flow for clarity
History pages were previously split and incomplete. Post version 1.0, I identified the issues and redesigned the full flow into a single page with tabs, collaborating closely with the product manager.
Registering visitors’ vehicles with discounted parking hours
Residents can pre-register visitors’ vehicles, while administrators manage the list through the admin tools.
Designing the complete visitors’ parking system
I researched the market and available IoT data, designed the full vehicle registration, discount application, and parking management flows, and delivered wireframes for the UI designer to create an optimised interface.
Building the admin management system from scratch
Collaborating with product designers, we created the full admin tool sitemap and pages, ensuring smooth integration between physical IoT devices and data flows.
Maintaining a consistent design system while improving efficiency and branding
Led by a UI-focused product designer, we systemised design components across byb, enhancing both usability and the product’s visual identity.
Using high-fidelity prototypes to validate new solutions
Creating and testing high-fidelity prototypes allowed us to spot functional issues early, refine usability across Android and iOS, and respond quickly to resident feedback. Partnering with the service operations team gave us direct insight into real user needs, which shaped our priorities.
This process not only improved the product but also taught us the value of continuous iteration and cross-team collaboration. The result was a more intuitive experience, with user satisfaction increasing and engagement growing by over 20% after launch.