STOOPER
Overview:
Have you ever felt guilty about throwing your furniture or belongings when you no longer need them? And the other time, you wish you could get items for cheap or free?
Stooper connects people who want to discard their unwanted items and those who want to claim them, so together we can create a community that promotes a sustainable lifestyle.
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Product and UX Designer
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Research, User Interviews, Affinity Mapping, User Personas, Conceptual Development, Brand Development, Storyboarding, Wireframing, Usability Testing, Interaction Design, High-Fidelity Prototyping.
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Figma, Miro, Airtable, Adobe Suites
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January to March 2023
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
Our increasingly fast-paced world leads to a constant influx of new items. This can result in unwanted clutter accumulating in homes, raising the question of how to responsibly discard these items. Traditional options like donation centers or garage sales can be inconvenient or time-consuming.
On the other hand, many people are looking for affordable ways to acquire new items. Thrifting and second-hand marketplaces are popular, but finding specific items can be challenging.
There's a clear disconnect between those wanting to declutter and those seeking pre-owned goods. This creates a problem with two sides:
For those discarding items: Difficulty finding convenient ways to responsibly dispose of unwanted items while ensuring they go to good use.
For those seeking items: Challenges in discovering specific pre-owned items in a convenient and efficient manner.
Challenge:
Design a mobile app that facilitates the easy and secure exchange of unwanted items between individuals, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
Target Audience:
Eco-conscious individuals who want to declutter their homes and give unwanted items a second life, as well as those seeking unique and affordable pre-owned goods.
GATHERING INSIGHTS
Market Research
According to its 2023 Recommerce Report, the recommerce market is projected to reach $188.5 billion by the end of this year and $276 billion by 2028.
Shoppers who buy resale are hooked: 97% of respondents who have bought resale in the past look for used furniture before buying new items.
On average, respondents have acquired 21% of their belongings through secondhand shopping in the past 12 months, compared to just 9% throughout their lifetime.
Source: Retaildive.com and OfferUp 2023
User Survey
Expanding on my understanding of the market and target audience, I conducted interviews to learn more about:
How users find information about secondhand furniture
What are their positive and negative experience
The ideal solution to their frustration.
After gathering some user survey, I discovered several key insights:
Real-Time Availability Updates
Through user interviews and app testing, a significant need emerged for immediate notification when items are listed in the app. Users expressed frustration at the possibility of missing out on desired items due to delayed updates.
Location-Based Search
User testing revealed a strong preference for filtering and browsing items based on proximity. The ability to see what's available nearby was a key factor in user interest and motivation to use the app.
Moving Assistance for Bulky Items
A recurring theme in user interviews was the challenge of transporting large or heavy furniture. Users expressed interest in features that could connect them with moving assistance or facilitate communication regarding item pick-up logistics.
Messaging Feature for Holding Items
To prevent conflicts and ensure a smooth claiming process, user research indicated a desire to send a message, so they can book an item. This would allow users to reserve items for pick-up within a specific timeframe, preventing situations where multiple users arrive for the same item.
USER PERSONA
Based on our research, we recognised that there were 3 key user types that our product tried to solve problems for.
COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS
To explore a better experience for Stooper's targeted users, I also analyzed the existing platforms for people to share and get secondhand furniture. I compared Facebook Marketplace and Instagram Account @StoopingNYC because users that I talked to mostly use these platforms to find secondhand or free furniture and Apartment Deco to compare the platforms that provide more curated secondhand items.
Instagram @StoopingNYC
The key learnings from comparing these existing platforms:
Value of a Large User Base:
Facebook Marketplace and Instagram boast a massive user base, creating a significant pool of potential buyers and sellers for pre-owned goods. This translates to a wider variety of items and a higher chance of finding exactly what you need.
Takeaway: Our app needs strategies to attract a critical mass of users to ensure a healthy selection of items and a vibrant user community
Location Relevance through Algorithms:
Facebook Marketplace leverages location-based algorithms to present users with listings relevant to their area. This is crucial for bulky items or situations where pick-up distance is a factor.
Takeaway: Implementing an effective location-based search and filtering will be essential for our app's success. Users should easily find nearby items that are convenient to collect.
Community Building and Trust:
Facebook Marketplace and Instagram foster a sense of community by allowing users to follow sellers and share information about free items. This can build trust and encourage repeat interactions.
Takeaway: We should explore features that encourage community engagement and user trust, such as seller profiles or review systems.
Facilitating Logistics:
AptDeco offers a delivery service for bulky furniture purchases, addressing a major pain point identified in your user research.
Takeaway: Explore partnerships with delivery services or movers to provide users with optional assistance transporting large items. This can incentivize users to list and claim furniture they might otherwise avoid due to pick-up challenges.
KEY FEATURES
Based on the insights from user research, competitive analysis, and learnings from existing apps, here are key features that Stooper will offer.
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Real-time notifications
Alert users about new listings immediately to prevent them from missing out on desired items.
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Location-based search and filtering
Allow users to easily find items available nearby, reducing pick-up distance and promoting convenience.
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User-Generated Content and community Building
Allow users to see seller profiles, reviews, or follow options to encourage user trust and build a sense of community.
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Moving Assistance
Partner with delivery services or other users to offer optional assistance in transporting large or bulky items.
VISIONING THE APP
APPLICATION MAP
Understanding how users navigate an app is crucial for crafting a seamless and intuitive experience. I then designed an application map for the Stooper app, outlining the key screens and their functionalities. I want to ensure the app will allow users to search for items, explore listings, connect with other users, and arrange pick-ups.
PRODUCT ROADMAP
Building a successful product requires a clear vision and a strategic roadmap to navigate its development. I tried to draft a product roadmap that serves as a blueprint, outlining the key features and functionalities planned for the app's launch and future iterations.
USER FLOW
Once the product goals were established and the feature selection was determined, my next step was to further develop the User Flow map. This allows me to visualize the entire journey of users within the Stooper app and helps me to understand how users navigate through different screens or steps, providing a clear overview of their interactions.
There are two scenarios for this User Flow:
Scenario 1: Brandon wants to find secondhand furniture nearby
Scenario 2: Brandon wants to post his secondhand furniture
WIREFRAMING THE APP
MID-FIDELITY WIREFRAMES
After establishing a visual direction for the layout, I proceeded to enhance the sketches by transforming them into mid-fidelity wireframes. This transition allowed me to introduce more specific details and refine the visual consistency. During this stage, I aimed to incorporate proven design patterns observed in our competitors' products or elements that directly addressed users' goals, needs, frustrations, and motivations.
Real-time Notifications
This feature ensures users are always in the loop, especially when someone lists a new item. Allowing users to be among the first to claim the items. They can also save the items to plan out which items to choose.
2. Location-Based Search and Filter
The feature of location-based search and filter allows users to search for what they need or available items close by. Filter by distance to ensure a convenient pick-up, and discover items right in their neighborhood.
3. User-Generated Content and Community Building
Stooper empowers users to contribute by listing their unwanted items. They can upload the items and set their location to pick them up. Once they post the listing, it will appear on a feed, where users can see the details, make comments, or like the items.
4. Moving Assistance
Moving Assistance/Helper feature connects users with other users who can help them carry bulky items. The helper can charge for this assistance service. Users can simply find the available helpers and request assistance.
ITERATION & ITERATION
USABILITY TESTING RESULTS
To ensure the app's functionality aligns seamlessly with user needs, I conducted usability testing with five participants, using an unmoderated testing method. The testing results show that users faced some issues when interacting with the product. I analyzed their feedback and used it to iterate on my hi-fidelity design. The insights I gained from this usability testing include:
Users expect to see more filter control beyond basic categories, the ability to filter by item condition (new, used, like-new), and distance range emerging as a priority.
Users favor a map-centric browsing experience. Finding nearby items was a top priority.
Users feel overwhelmed by the endless side scrolling to see the available helper, they also want to be able to filter the available helper based on location. Moreover, they want to see their history and profile before booking them.
HI-FIDELITY WIREFRAME
FINAL PROTOTYPE
LESSONs learned & takeaways
The power of real-time features
Real-time notification features emerged as a user favorite, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve and claim desired items quickly. This highlights the importance of incorporating features that address user pain points and enhance their experience within the app
Location-based services are crucial
The strong preference for location-based search and filtering emphasizes the importance of prioritizing features that cater to geographically relevant needs. Helping users find nearby items promotes convenience and simplifies the claiming process.
Building a community matters
Usability testing showed interest in optional features like profiles and reviews that could foster a sense of community within the app. Encouraging user trust and connection can lead to a more vibrant and engaged user base.
