KEYS Locals

Keys Community needed a digital platform to transform how residential communities connect and operate. The existing property management landscape was fragmented, with multiple disconnected channels for communication and services. The task expanded from creating a simple communication tool to developing a comprehensive ecosystem serving five distinct user groups: residents, property managers, committee members, local businesses, and service providers.

With limited resources — just three designers and a 12-month timeline to launch both mobile and desktop applications — the team needed to efficiently prioritize features while building a foundation that could scale with the platform's growth.

• –User interviews with 15 participants across different community roles
• –Competitive analysis of existing community and property management platforms
• –Stakeholder workshops to align on vision and priorities

• –Property Managers — need efficient tools to communicate with residents, manage maintenance requests, and organize community affairs.
• –Committee Members — require platforms for transparent decision-making, project management, and community engagement.
• –Residents — want simple ways to stay informed, connect with neighbors, access services, and participate in community activities.
• –Local Businesses — need visibility within the community and ways to offer services to local residents.
• –Service Providers — require efficient ways to receive and manage service requests from community members.

Research concluded that successful community platforms need to balance managing practical aspects of community living with fostering neighbor connection.

Mobile App — "Community in Your Pocket"

• –Personalized home feed with community updates
• –Direct messaging with neighbors and property management
• –Community events and projects
• –Local services marketplace
• –Voting tools for community decisions

Desktop Experience — Powerful Management Tools

• –Comprehensive dashboard for community oversight
• –Advanced reporting and document management
• –Project planning and tracking tools
• –Community engagement analytics

PoC: Administrator CRM

• –Resident management tools
• –Maintenance request tracking
• –Communication templates and scheduling
• –Financial management features

The platform is still in the last stages of development, but the design approach helped with:

• –Unified Experience — seamless interaction across mobile and desktop.
• –Comprehensive Features — supporting all five user personas.
• –Scalable Foundation — architecture ready for future growth.

The Keys Locals platform demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform community living — connecting neighbors, simplifying property management, and fostering local engagement in a single, cohesive digital ecosystem.