UX CASE STUDY

Redefining Home for the Modern Digital Nomad

NOMAD is an innovative home rental app product concept designed for digital nomads and long-term travelers who seek to explore the world without contributing to local housing crises. The idea was born from the need to provide a sustainable, flexible, and community-oriented living solution for those who wish to balance home ownership and global adventure.

This concept formed the basis of my admissions essay for USC's Master's of Science in Integrated Business, Design, and Technology program. Upon acceptance, I pitched the NOMAD idea in my Process and Perspectives class, where it was selected as one of the finalists. This recognition allowed me to collaborate with a group of talented classmates in a startup-style project environment, allowing us to further develop and refine the concept.

Team
NOMAD Team

Role
Founder, Project Lead, & Designer

Timeline
> 12 months

Tools
Figma, Procreate, Blender

Project Overview

How might we reimagine the housing industry to meet the needs of remote workers and digital nomads while allowing them to balance homeownership and global travel in today's challenging housing market?

This idea came to me while applying to USC's MSIDBT program, which focuses on business design and technology. When brainstorming potential product ideas, I reflected on my own pain points and considered what would improve my life. That's how NOMAD was born. Since 2020, I have been working and studying remotely, enjoying the benefits of reduced exposure to COVID-19, greater flexibility, and more time for work-related tasks. Remote living has allowed me to travel extensively and stay in different places for longer periods, feeding my ever-curious soul.

However, remote work and school can be isolating. I found myself using travel to escape the daily reality where building a community in a big city was challenging, especially during the weekdays. In my late 20s, I realized my desires were juxtaposed—I craved a place to call home without the financial burden of skyrocketing housing prices, and at the same time, desired the freedom to explore without being tied down. As an eternal wanderer, I love traveling and immersing myself in local cultures, which I believe enhances my design skills.

These two equally strong desires—homeownership and the freedom to travel—seemed mutually exclusive given the current market offerings. I was inspired by the communal feeling of residential communities and the flexibility and affordability of container homes, which led to the creation of NOMAD.

The Problem

The outdated definition of homeownership must evolve to meet the needs of emerging generations seeking freedom, sustainability, and belonging in the digital age. The Covid-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of flexibility and community, even in a digitally connected world. As remote work becomes the norm and the housing market remains inaccessible to many, there's a significant opportunity to address these challenges with innovative solutions.

The Solution

Nomad seeks to disrupt homeownership by proposing a simple solution: a web platform where users can purchase affordable mobile house units and rent out land at participating hubs worldwide. Sustainability and connection are at the center of Nomad’s mission. The stackable house units, Nomad Pads, will be made from sustainable products. Customers will have the ability to mix and match a variety of different compatible models to best accommodate their ever-changing needs.

Target Personas

Our target users are digital nomads and long-term travelers who seek meaningful, sustainable living experiences, as well as nature enthusiasts who wish to own homes while traveling. With NOMAD, you're not just finding a place to stay; you're joining a global community dedicated to sustainable, adventurous living. Redefine what it means to call a place 'home' with NOMAD.

Initial
Visual Value Proposition

Breaking down the NOMAD System

“Home” is currently limited by geographical and financial limits. With NOMAD, home is limitless.

As the world’s first container-home network, nomads are no longer forced to choose between home ownership and adventure. Users can move their units to any hub in network to create a home anywhere in the world.

1

Container
Home Units

2

International
Hubs

3

Moving
Services

  1. Container Home Units

Residents purchase and live in container home units - this unit is called a “Nomad Pod”

  • Standard unit options will be provided with an opportunity to upgrade to premium models

  • Nomad Pods will be stackable to meet customers’ needs

  • Residents can choose to move their home units anywhere in the NOMAD network

    • Residents can choose to leave network but will be disincentivized from doing so

Architectural Renderings created using Blender.

2. NOMAD Hubs:

Sustainable Microcities of the Future

NOMAD units will touch down at hubs in a network of different countries

  • All hubs will be equipped with standard amenities including:

    • Grocery store

    • Gym / wellness center

    • Community garden

    • Recreation center

  • Certain amenities/services can also be accessed remotely through an app

    • Guest services

    • Concierge

  • Tokenization of communal activities / events to incentivize community

3. Moving Services

  • Moving service costs will be prorated by location

  • Use of container homes = easy to pack & cheaper to move

  • Services will be charged only as needed

    • Not a recurring cost

  • Moving service cost will be prorated by location


NOMAD Tribe

NOMAD supports and enriches local communities by creating jobs, partnering with local businesses, integrating sustainable practices inspired by indigenous cultures, paying taxes to local economies, and facilitating longer stays for socially conscious travelers. Our mission is to leave communities better than we found them, and we mean it.

Product Prototype

Explore NOMAD: Your Sustainable and Flexible Home Rental Solution

Dive into our interactive prototype to experience how NOMAD redefines homeownership for digital nomads and remote workers. Discover features that allow you to balance homeownership with global travel, ensuring affordability, community, and sustainability. Click through to see how NOMAD can transform your living and working experience.