Using the Action Research Method to Develop an Application Prototype to Facilitate the Search for Shared Housing in Pau dos Ferros, RN

Abstract

With the increase in access to higher education, there is a significant migration of students to university cities, which increases the demand for shared housing. In this context, student housing emerges as a solution, but the admission process can be difficult and time-consuming. In this sense, the work proposes to explore the real estate market, using the city of Pau dos Ferros, in Rio Grande do Norte, as a case study, to enable the development of an application that facilitates the search for shared housing for university students. The prototype was developed using the action research methodology, which uses established approaches to improve a practical process. During the planning, a survey was conducted with potential users of the platform, which guided the development of the proposal. In the evaluation of the prototype, a Survey was conducted with students using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which evaluates the Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Attitude Towards Use, and Intention of Use of technologies. User responses were positive regarding usefulness, ease of use, and attitude towards use. Regarding intended use, there were some discordant responses regarding use whenever possible and increased use of the platform, which may be associated with the nature of the software, which is to be used only when searching for shared housing.