Stoopify = Free Stuff
12 weeks | Native App UX
If you live in a big city like me, then you’ve probably seen furniture left out on the street or sidewalks. Generally, these items aren't left out awaiting the garbage truck, but rather, as a kind gesture to surrounding neighbors. Stoopify is designed to refine the in-person experience of hunting down dream furniture, turning someone else’s trash into treasure, and bringing it home!
Challenge
Although this app design was a semester-long learning experience, it was my attempt to answer a question made just a few months prior to moving into my first apartment. “How can I find all the free furniture I see in one contained place, with directions on how to get to it?” Funnily enough something like this exists: @stoopingny! While it’s moreso a source within Instagram, it also has the limitations that come from a social media app. My idea was to design a product that gives people an outlet to categorize, filter, and access furniture as fluidly as possible. This not only benefits the user but also the environment.
Goals
- To reduce the amount of furniture that is left on the street until it is transported to landfills.
- To reduce shoppers from buying new “fast” furniture, while still being able to find the items they desire.
- To have a cost-effective “shopping” outlet for people not looking to spend large amounts of money.
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User Research
Audience
During the interview phase, it was critical to target the right audience with questions; typically people in their 20s and up who do not live with dependants, as the app is targeted toward people with an interest in interior decorating, sustainability, DIY Projects, or just simply having a table to eat on. It was a lot of fun to see all the interviewee's perspectives on the subject of stooped furniture.
General Insights
🟦 Have an interest in saving money
🟦 Like the idea of having unique furniture.
🟦 Have an interest in being sustainable.
🟦 Like the DIY element.
🟥 New items are convenient to carry and require no cleaning.
🟥 See the idea of things being left on stoops as wasteful and littering.
🟥 New items from larger stores are on-demand and readily available.
🟦 Like the idea of having unique furniture.
🟦 Have an interest in being sustainable.
🟦 Like the DIY element.
🟥 New items are convenient to carry and require no cleaning.
🟥 See the idea of things being left on stoops as wasteful and littering.
🟥 New items from larger stores are on-demand and readily available.
Interviews
Experienced Research
@Stoopingnyc
While the class only required us to get research and insights from potential users, I wanted to reach out to the only other source I knew that was doing something similar to my product's idea. The opportunity to interview the couple that run @stoopingnyc gave me great insight into the operations and complexities of running an Instagram page dedicated to getting furniture into the hands of others.
Insights
🟦 Have seen similar pages in other major cities
🟦 Think that a good deed mentality will deter people from false advertising posts or location tags.
🟦 Think that a conduit must be involved to maintain the app.
🟥 They both dislike Instagram for this role, b/c users are rarely notified if an item is taken.
🟥 Rely on trust that users will not tag them in unrelated posts.
🟥 Both page owners maintain communication with users who are having trouble finding an item.
Interview
