Introduction

In 2024, I collaborated with the Gauva team to help shape the platform’s launch strategy starting with the design of a high-converting, user-focused app. The goal was to create a clear, compelling experience that would resonate with both estate managers and residents, highlighting the product’s ability to simplify key security workflows and drive sign-ups.

To bring Gauva to life, I began by researching how estate security and visitor management are currently handled in Nigeria. Through user interviews and competitive analysis of tools like MyPaddi Guard, AccessNG etc I discovered that many estates still rely on outdated methods for approving visitors. These systems often lead to confusion, delays, and security risks. The insights gathered helped us shape Gauva into a more streamlined, reliable solution with a single, easy-to-use platform for secure and organized estate management.

The Challenge

In many Nigerian gated communities and residential estates, managing visitor access, deliveries, and general estate security remains highly manual and fragmented. Most rely on physical logbooks, verbal gatekeeper coordination, or informal communication through WhatsApp and phone calls. These outdated processes not only compromise security but also create delays, confusion, and a lack of accountability.

As estates grow in size and complexity, the absence of a structured, transparent, and digitized access system results in:

• Missed or unauthorized entries

• Unresolved disputes between residents and guards

• Difficulty verifying visitor history or delivery proof

• Limited audit trails for safety and compliance

There is a pressing need for a localized, digital-first solution designed for the unique needs of estates in Nigeria, one that offers both control and convenience for residents, security personnel, and estate administrators.

Discovery & Research

To help the team better understand how residents and estate staff interact with existing security and visitor systems, we conducted a series of surveys and interviews with estate security managers, facility administrators and residents across gated communities

These conversations revealed several key insights:

• Residents prioritized speed, transparency, and reliable communication when expecting guests or deliveries.

• Security personnel wanted a simple, efficient dashboard that reduced manual processes and minimized confusion during busy hours.

🧭 Solution: UX Goals

To solve the core challenges uncovered, we focused on designing a user experience that prioritizes clarity, trust, and ease of use across all touchpoints:

• Establish trust through a clean, intuitive interface and clear, reassuring language

• Enable fast visitor registration and real-time visibility into visitor status for residents and security staff

• Streamline the check-in process to reduce delays and eliminate manual entry errors

• Design a guard-side dashboard that provides clear visitor requests, approval status, and historical logs for accountability

✅ Impact & Results

The platform delivered measurable improvements in estate security, resident satisfaction, and operational efficiency:

• 🔐 Enhanced Estate Security

• 🚀 Streamlined Guard Operations

• 🏡 Improved Resident Experience

• 📊 Operational Insight for Management

• 📈 Business Growth & Scalability