Gift IT app design
ROLE
UX/UI design, branding, iconography
TEAM
User testers
END USERS
Adults who are community-driven, eco-concious, and/or frugal
PROJECT OVERVIEW
connecting neighbors, strengthening communities.
This project was completed as part of my Google UX Design Professional Certificate. The goal of the project was to research, create, and test an app design.
I chose to design a new app for a gift economy/culture. A gift economy/culture is a system of exchange where goods are not sold but given without an expectation for reward, e.g. the “free” section on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Some participants will join dedicated groups for gifting, sometimes referred to as BuyNothing groups.
I chose this topic because I have enjoyed participation in my local BuyNothing group through Facebook. However, I have found myself using Facebook less and less over the years and looking for alternative ways to connect.
research & Users
I asked several BuyNothing participants about their experiences. Only one was familiar with the app alternatives to Facebook groups. Upon further research into current gift economy apps, reviews were somewhat unfavorable for BuyNothing and quite negative for Freecycle. Many reviewers loved the services but hated the user experience. Below are four pain points I identified and set out to address.
SOLUTION
Below are excerpts from the Figma prototype I created. The home screen immediately welcomes the user to their neighborhood at the top of the screen and shows the newest posts in their vicinity. Each listing has a clear way to express your interest in receiving an item. The search offers ways to filter through posts and find your specific needs. The create-a-post screen offers ways to add additional details to your posts so you can find the right audience easier. Choosing recipients is now clearer and lets users choose randomly when they feel unsure of themselves. Messages are clean and organized.
Designed a landing page to promote the app and direct potential users to download it and create an account.
Used soft iconography, a friendly tone for copy, and warm colors to create a positive atmosphere.
NEXT STEPS
Feedback on the prototype highlighted interest in filtering options for the search feature. I will prioritize adding a distance radius filter. Community was a high value for current users but what is considered local is subjective so it is important that the radius is adjustable.
In addition, I would like to create more tools to help neighbors communicate during their exchange. In the early research, participants said that they struggled with feeling unappreciated and coordinating schedules. I will brainstorm tools and prompts to help users resolve these issues before they start.