Zaplabs
My Role
As the primary designer on our consumer-facing products, I worked with my team to create a scalable design system that worked across multiple real estate brands. I played a key role in defining the MVP roadmap, designing core components, and establishing foundational patterns for what became the DLUX design system. As the team grew, I shifted into mentoring junior designers, delegating work, and refining processes to support long-term scalability. I audited existing products to identify inconsistencies, worked with cross-functional teams to standardize patterns, and built a shared component library to ensure a cohesive experience across platforms. I also helped design a flexible white-labeling system, allowing brands, brokers, and agents to maintain their unique identity while benefiting from a unified design.
The Problem
ZapLabs powered multiple real estate brands (Better Homes & Gardens, Coldwell Banker, Century 21, ERA) but faced inconsistent user experiences, outdated interfaces, and a lack of standardization across platforms. Agents and consumers struggled with disjointed workflows, inefficient search tools, and limited customization.
Understanding the Users
The redesign had to serve two core audiences:
Real estate agents needing intuitive tools for managing leads, listings, and client relationships.
Homebuyers & sellers looking for seamless search, saved homes, and agent connections.
Priorities
Each brand had a unique identity but no cohesive design, making maintenance difficult and increasing design and development debt. Agents lacked intuitive workflows for managing properties, while consumers are confused with identifying who and which brand they are working with.
Solutions
DLUX Design System – Created a multi-brand design system with reusable UI components, ensuring consistency while allowing brand flexibility.
Search & Listings Redesign – Improved property search, filters, and detail pages for a more intuitive browsing experience.
Agent & Lead Management Tools – Developed streamlined workflows for agents to manage clients and listings efficiently.
Mobile-First Approach – Ensured seamless cross-device usability for both agents and homebuyers.
Brand Customization Framework – Standardized layouts while allowing each real estate brand to maintain its unique identity.
Conclusion & Impact
Recognized by U.S. News as one of “The Best Apps for House Hunting” (2018).
Developed 50+ reusable components, improving performance, accessibility, and design consistency.
Created a centralized design system, streamlining collaboration and reducing inefficiencies.
Boosted design sprint speed by ~30%, enabling faster, more effective product development.
Influenced the user experience for thousands of consumers, shaping a more seamless home-buying journey.