Loot Swap

a buy nothing app

what is Loot Swap?

Loot Swap provides a direct and seamless platform for people to offer their unused or unwanted items to those who want or need them. The app aims to promote sustainable consumption, reduce waste, and foster compassionate exchanges within communities. This UX case study explores the design process, challenges, and solutions behind bringing Loot Swap to life.

the team

One research lead, one other designer, and myself.

the need

  • Human consumerism and overconsumption is exhausting resources 1.7x faster than the Earth can replenish them according to Global Footprint Network calculations.
  • The EPA estimates that 84% of clothing and textiles donated to thrift stores winds up in landfills.
  • 11.6% of people in the US live below the poverty line, according to the US Census Bureau data.
By promoting and facilitating the sharing of pre-owned goods, users are actively reducing waste and conserving diminishing landfill space. On the receiving end, users embrace a sustainable lifestyle by opting for used items, which helps combat the problem of overconsumption. Additionally, the app empowers individuals to access items they might otherwise be unable to afford, fostering a more inclusive and resourceful community.

process

The listing form collects sufficient information to effectively describe the item to users.
The item feed gives users detailed information about the listing.
The grid view allows users to skim listings quickly
The app's core functionalities revolve around listing and browsing items. The listing feature ensures users can provide comprehensive information about their items, while the browsing function allows for both quick skimming and in-depth exploration of available items.
The item listing form aggregates photos, item title, description, tagging, and item location data for a comprehensive view.
Three viewing options each afford different speeds of browsing listings.
In-app DMs facilitate effective coordination between listers and claimers, streamlining the exchange process.

design

branding + design system

light
dark
ruddy blue
french blue
mexican pink
Color palette consists of highly-contrasted light and dark colors, complimentary blues, and a bright pink accent.
Variants of logo and nav for light and dark modes.
Icon library with light, dark, and active states.
Atomic design elements used to construct item cards and other app UI.
Light and dark item card element variants allow designers to quickly change states of listings without losing item-specific images and information.

user journey

Loot Swap caters to two key user segments: Givers and Finders.

the Giver

Sharon Hearstough
  • Wants to declutter her apartment
  • Doesn't want to create waste
  • Wants to get rid of items quickly and without unnecessary complications
Givers are users with items they no longer want or need. They make these items available to others by listing them on the app.

the Finder

Hunter Freeman
  • New to the city
  • Mindful of his budget
  • Doesn't have a car
Finders are the users who browse these listed items, seeking to claim an item that meets their requirements.
Sharon is a Giver. She has a closet full of old clothes she rarely wears and wants to downsize her wardrobe to make things easier as she moves into a new apartment next month.
One of the items she wants to list is a Pittsburgh Pirates t-shirt. To increase the chances of someone claiming her item, Sharon includes a clear photo and a concise description of the item.
By taking advantage of Loot Swap's tagging system, she is also able to make sure the descriptors she's using are active enough to attract relevant Finders.
Now that the shirt has been listed, Sharon can go about her day while she waits for an interested finder to connect.
Hunter is a Finder who recently moved to Pittsburgh. He’s excited about attending his first Pirates game with some friends from work this weekend, but doesn’t have any team gear and isn’t in a position to spend a lot of money.
Since Hunter knows generally what he’s looking for, he can select tags on existing posts—or search manually— for keywords likely to return his ideal item.
After coming across a promising Pirates t-shirt listed by Sharon, Hunter taps the claim icon to connect with Sharon and coordinate pickup.
He can type his own message, or simply use a preset to reduce his mental load.
Sharon and Hunter coordinate the exchange in the app, lightening Sharon’s moving load and helping Hunter show support for his new team at the game.
Once Hunter has successfully picked up the Pirates t-shirt, Sharon can easily remove the listing from Loot Swap, ensuring that no one else contacts her regarding the item.
This efficient process helps keep the platform up-to-date and avoids any unnecessary communication, allowing both givers and finders to have a smooth and hassle-free experience.

prototypes

interactive map
pinch to zoom
comment section
pre-composed messages
Several iterations of the original prototype feature animated flows showcasing various functionalities.

conclusion and next steps

Loot Swap presents a user-friendly mobile app that fosters a culture of giving, sharing, and sustainable consumption within communities. By facilitating the direct exchange of unwanted items, the app promotes environmental consciousness by reducing waste and curbing overconsumption.
Through the design process and continuous iteration, Loot Swap has evolved into a powerful tool to address challenges posed by excessive consumption and financial constraints, offering a meaningful solution for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Immediate plans to develop the app moving forward focus on addressing the safety of users by incorporating a rating/verification system, and building a network of accessible drop off points such as churches or non-profits to provide users who do not wish to broadcast their location a way to more safely list and claim items.