What is the DAHLIA Project?
DAHLIA is a groundbreaking digital platform designed to streamline access to affordable housing in San Francisco. This centralized, open-source housing application and listings platform helps people learn about, apply for, and ultimately gain access to affordable housing opportunities. Developed by Exygy, a design and technology agency known for crafting digital solutions for human problems, DAHLIA is part of a broader effort to reimagine the affordable housing process in the City and County of San Francisco. The project is deeply rooted in collaboration with social impact organizations and public agencies, aiming to build healthier and more resilient communities through technology.
Main Benefits of the DAHLIA Platform
DAHLIA brings a host of benefits that make the affordable housing process more accessible and efficient. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight its impact:
- Centralized platform that consolidates housing applications and listings
- Open-source technology ensuring transparency and adaptability
- Designed with a human-centered approach, incorporating equity and inclusivity
- Supports the City of San Francisco’s goal to simplify and improve housing access
- Part of a larger ecosystem including projects like Bloom Housing, which scales affordable housing platforms to reduce waiting lines
- Backed by strategic product management with weekly progress updates and stakeholder engagement
Thoughtful Design: More Than Just Looks
Exygy’s design philosophy, called Thoughtful Design, goes beyond aesthetics. It’s a blend of human-centered design with elements borrowed from equity-centered, inclusive, and trauma-informed design. This approach ensures that the platform truly serves the needs of its users, especially those on the margins. The design process recognizes exclusion, focuses on marginalized communities, co-creates with people who have lived experience, and carefully considers users’ cognitive and emotional states. This thoughtful approach makes DAHLIA not just a tool, but a supportive experience for applicants navigating complex housing systems.
Tailored Technical Solutions for Real Needs
One of the standout features of the DAHLIA project is its tech-agnostic approach. Exygy focuses first on understanding the unique technical needs and constraints of the organizations involved. This means delivering high-quality, stable, and scalable code that fits perfectly with the client’s infrastructure and goals. Whether it’s web, mobile app, or other digital solutions, the team’s expertise across multiple tech stacks ensures that the platform is robust and future-proof. This flexibility is key to supporting the evolving needs of affordable housing programs.
Collaborations and Case Studies
DAHLIA is part of a larger portfolio of impactful projects by Exygy, showcasing their commitment to social good through technology. Some notable collaborations include:
- San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development – reimagining affordable housing processes
- Bloom Housing – scaling digital platforms to remove waiting lines for affordable housing
- Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers – site audits and scaling resources to support caregivers
- CiviForm & Exygy Inc. – bringing digital solutions to Bloomington
- The City of Charlotte – digital transformation to connect people and simplify services
These case studies highlight how technology can be a powerful tool for social impact across different sectors and communities.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 1: No Poverty – by improving access to affordable housing
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – through inclusive and equitable design
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by supporting resilient urban housing solutions
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – via collaboration with public agencies and social impact organizations
Beyond the Platform: Building Equitable, Scalable Solutions
DAHLIA is more than just a digital tool; it’s part of a movement toward equitable, scalable, and community-driven digital solutions. Exygy’s approach emphasizes strategic product management, thoughtful design, and tailored technical solutions that respond to real human needs. Their latest blogs dive into how these principles come alive in projects like DAHLIA, showing that technology, when designed thoughtfully, can truly improve lives and build stronger communities. It’s a reminder that behind every interface and prototype, there’s a commitment to social impact and inclusion—making digital solutions that matter.
