As the Product Designer for Swapster, I was responsible for crafting an intuitive and engaging marketplace experience that seamlessly integrates buying, selling, and bartering. Collaborating closely with the Product Manager and Developers, we worked through every stage of the design process—from initial research to final implementation—to ensure a seamless and delightful user journey.
Understanding the problem
Conducted secondary research to identify gaps in existing marketplace apps.
Defined key user personas—decluttering enthusiasts, bargain hunters, and sustainability advocates.
Aligned on core product goals: seamless item exchange, strong community engagement, and a trustworthy platform.
Research & Insights
Identified key frustrations:
• Lack of trust in peer-to-peer trading.
• Complicated listing processes.
• Difficulty finding relevant swaps.
High-Fidelity UI & Prototyping
Designed a modern, engaging UI with a balance of marketplace structure and social interactivity.
Implemented visual hierarchy and intuitive interactions to make swapping effortless.
Developed interactive prototypes to test the end-to-end flow and refine micro interactions.
Handoff & Implementation
Provided detailed design specs and collaborated on the design-to-development handoff.
Worked in sprints, reviewing front-end implementations to ensure pixel-perfect accuracy.
Adjusted UI components based on technical constraints without compromising user experience.
Outcome & Impact
✅ Created an intuitive, visually engaging marketplace that encourages bartering, buying, and selling.
✅ Increased user confidence with a built-in trust and verification system.
✅ Simplified item listing and discovery, making it easier to find relevant swaps.
✅ Strengthened collaboration between design, product, and engineering, ensuring a user-first approach.
Final Thoughts
Through close collaboration with the Product Manager and Developers, we transformed Swapster from an idea into a fully functional, user-centered marketplace. This project reinforced the power of cross-functional teamwork, iterative design, and user-driven decision-making in crafting a truly engaging product experience.