Case Study: MyResidence -
Redefining Expatriate Accommodation in Africa

Overview

MyResidence offers scalable accommodation solutions for expatriates across Africa. This case study examines how the company tackles corporate relocation challenges through consistent service, personalized support, and efficient logistics—ultimately redefining industry standards and ensuring smooth experiences for both corporate clients and their assignees.

Problem Statement

MyResidence has positioned itself as a premier provider of large-scale, long-term accommodation solutions across Africa. As Africa continues to attract international investment, multinational corporations face logistical difficulties in housing large numbers of assignees. The primary challenges include:

  • Securing quality accommodations for dozens to hundreds of expatriates at a time.

  • Maintaining uniform quality standards across multiple locations.

  • Coordinating complex logistics, including airport transfers and in-city transportation.

  • Ensuring the security and comfort of all assignees.

Objective

The objective of MyResidence is to provide a seamless and personalized accommodation experience for expatriates relocating to Africa. The company aims to offer:

  • High-quality, vetted housing solutions.

  • Comprehensive relocation support services.

  • A standardized and reliable accommodation network across multiple cities.

  • A stress-free relocation process for multinational companies and their employees.

Design Challenges

  • Creating a scalable solution that accommodates diverse client needs.

  • Ensuring a uniform standard of service across various locations.

  • Managing real-time logistics for large-scale relocations.

  • Balancing mass accommodation bookings with personalized service.

Pain Points

1. Inconsistent Housing Standards
Different cities offer varying levels of housing quality, making it difficult to maintain a uniform standard for expatriates.

2. Lack of Reliable Local Support
Expatriates often struggle with adjusting to new locations due to a lack of on-ground assistance and reliable local contacts.

3. Complex Coordination of Relocation Logistics
Managing airport transfers, orientation programs, and local transportation requires extensive coordination, which can be challenging for large-scale relocations.

Key Features

  • Vetted Accommodation Portfolio: The largest independently verified temporary housing network in Africa.

  • Multi-City Coordination: Operations spanning over 40 African cities.

  • Extended Support Services: Including orientation programs, airport transfers, and local transportation.

4. Security Concerns for Corporate Assignees
Ensuring the safety of expatriates in unfamiliar environments is a critical concern, requiring rigorous security measures and constant monitoring.

  • Inconsistent housing standards across different cities.

  • Lack of reliable local support for expatriates.

  • Complex coordination of relocation logistics.

  • Security concerns for corporate assignees.

  • On-Ground Support Network: Local agents in each city provide immediate assistance.

  • Personalized Approach: Dedicated contact points, 24/7 support, and customized orientation programs.

  • Quality Assurance: Standardized accommodation specifications, regular property assessments, and consistent service levels.

Implementation Strategy

Information Architecture

MyResidence's platform is designed to facilitate seamless information flow, ensuring:

  • Easy access to verified accommodation listings.

  • Real-time support and communication with local agents.

  • Secure documentation and contract management.

  • A centralized database for tracking and managing relocations.

User Experience Enhancements

To improve the user experience, MyResidence has applied key UX principles:

  • User-Centered Design: Tailoring services based on expatriate needs and feedback.

  • Consistency and Familiarity: Standardized UI elements across digital platforms for ease of use.

  • Accessibility: Ensuring information is readily available and easily navigable for all users.

  • Efficiency and Convenience:

    • Pre-arrival orientation programs to reduce uncertainty.

    • Airport transfer coordination for a smooth transition.

    • Welcome packages and fridge stocking for a homely experience.

    • In-city transportation arrangements to facilitate mobility.

    • Clear navigation and booking processes to reduce friction in securing accommodations.

Design System Development

To maintain consistency and scalability, MyResidence has developed a standardized design system that includes:

  • A cohesive color palette (HEX #F1ED38, #3D4058, #0062D8).

  • A structured typography hierarchy.

  • UI/UX elements that prioritize ease of navigation and accessibility.

  • A responsive interface adaptable across multiple devices.

Results and Impact

By focusing on both operational efficiency and user experience, MyResidence successfully balances large-scale accommodation logistics with personalized care. The redesigned approach ensures that corporate assignees benefit from a hassle-free relocation while maintaining the flexibility needed for their work commitments. These improvements not only enhance the expatriate experience but also support multinational companies in expanding their workforce with confidence.

MyResidence’s strategic approach to expatriate accommodation has led to measurable improvements across several key areas:

  • Increased efficiency in managing multi-year accommodation projects, leading to higher client retention and contract renewals.

  • Standardized service delivery across multiple African cities, ensuring a seamless experience regardless of location.

  • Enhanced user satisfaction with personalized services, as reflected in improved feedback and increased repeat bookings.

  • Reduced relocation complexities through a well-structured logistics network, minimizing downtime for corporate assignees.