Barter
2 weeks
Figma, Forms, Notion
UI/UX design
Bartering is the simple exchange of skills or knowledge. Value for value, without money. I've always believed that everyone has something to teach, and something they're secretly dying to learn. But most platforms today are built for selling or promoting yourself, not for simple, human exchanges. With this project, I explored how people barter today, and how we might design a space that feels warmer, easier, and more natural.
2 weeks
Figma
Forms
Notion
UI/UX design
How can we make everyday skill-trading feel simple and enjoyable, empowering people to build lasting, mutually rewarding exchanges?
Research
Most bartering today happens informally in forums and facebook groups. I joined active barter facebook group and analyzed real posts, conversations, and patterns inside active barter communities.
Research
I felt like the posts gave me a great base, but I wanted more qualitative feedback. So I reached out to a handful of group members and asked if they'd chat about their bartering routines. 12 generous people said yes. Here are the quotes from those conversations that really stuck with me.
Findings
Here are some pain points and frustrations that stood out to me through the observational and qualitative research.
Buried posts.
Even in niche groups, barter offers tend to get buried quickly. With no structured tagging or prioritization, users are left to scroll endlessly or give up altogether.
Awkward tone shift.
Barter groups often live on platforms made for social posts, not real exchanges. They can feel messy, untrustworthy, inconsistent, and with a quiet pressure to "sell" yourself.
Zero discovery.
There's no simple way to just browse what's out there. You can't filter or casually explore. you either know exactly what you're looking for, or you risk missing out on something great.
Buried posts
Even in niche groups, barter offers tend to get buried quickly. With no structured tagging or prioritization, users are left to scroll endlessly or give up altogether.
Awkward tone shift
Barter groups often live on platforms made for social posts, not real exchanges. They can feel messy, untrustworthy, inconsistent, and with a quiet pressure to "sell" yourself.
Zero discovery
There's no simple way to just browse what's out there. You can't filter or casually explore. you either know exactly what you're looking for, or you risk missing out on something great.
Ideation
At the start of this process, I felt a bit lost. There weren't many popular competitors to study. So I filmed something I love to do when I'm stuck: flipping through my favorite design books. I've found it's so important, especially as a designer, to look for inspiration outside my immediate field. It helps me refresh my perspective and get unstuck. Background beats brought to you by Suno.
Ideation
In the end, I did circle back to digital and app-based inspiration, and I focused specifically on products that build strong communities, encourage easy discovery, and speak clearly to younger and mid-age users.
A community-first app built for casual exchanges that value people just as much as their skills.
Home screen
I prioritized creating a home screen that felt inviting and effortless. My goal was to offer users personalized matches based on their past interactions and interests, while also giving them the freedom to casually browse popular offers, local opportunities, and categories like lifestyle, cooking, and crafts.
Offer screen
One challenge that came up in the research was the inconsistency of offers, some felt vague or even sketchy. To reduce this friction, I designed a dedicated space for users to explore each offer in detail. Allowing users to quickly see detailed descriptions, read community reviews, and check if the user offering the skill was verified. Now users can read, reassure themselves, and commit with confidence.
It's a barter!
To make it clear (and a bit more delightful) when both users agree to a barter, a celebratory confirmation screen appears. Right after, the app gently nudges them into a chat to help break the ice, encourage conversation, and spark a genuine connection.
Reflection
I've made it a habit to close each project with reflection on what worked, what didn't, and how I've evolved. I carry those lessons with me into whatever comes next. Here are my key takeaways from this project.
Real behavior beats assumptions.
Seeing how people naturally barter, what makes them excited, hesitant, or totally stuck, revealed truths that surveys or formal interviews couldn't fully capture. Observing behavior in context helped me make better decisions.
Good design is beyond functional.
What stood out most during this project was that people aren't just looking to get something, they're hoping to connect. When design captures that feeling, it turns a simple exchange into something memorable and meaningful.
Structure allows spontaneity.
Ironically, giving users a little more structure, like guided prompts or clear post templates made it easier for them to be creative, open, and confident. Without structure, many people didn't know how to begin. Freedom starts with a good outline.
