App
Team
1 of 4
Challenge
Over 70% of our research candidates have stated that they barter. About half of the candidates who barter have stated that they were hesitant to do so. We’ve discovered the main pain points they experience relate to seller’s credibility and their personal safety.
Results
We created 3 features on our app to help make our users feel more safe and informed about other users. We added the ID verification feature to hold users accountable for their actions. We added the user rating and review section as well as the chat and video feature to be more transparent with the quality of each user’s delivery in their products and services.
13%
Have actually bartered- the rest mentioned they don't know where or how to start
97%
Have a service they can provide on this platform
89%
Feel safer with verified users
Process
Research & Analysis: The research for BRTR included surveys with 37 respondents to understand user motivations and concerns around bartering. Key insights from user interviews and surveys revealed pain points such as safety and credibility, leading to the prioritization of features like ID verification, ratings, and user communication tools. These findings shaped BRTR’s design to address the most pressing issues, ensuring a safer, more transparent bartering experience.
Information Architecture: BRTR, the app is structured similarly to Facebook Marketplace but focuses on services rather than goods. Users can browse or post service listings based on their needs, offering their own skills in return as part of the bartering process. The app’s wireframe includes key features like user profiles, service categories, messaging, and transaction histories. Navigation flows emphasize ease of use, allowing users to quickly find relevant services, initiate exchanges, and verify credibility through ratings, reviews, and ID verification.
Wireframing & Prototyping: The “Information Architecture” of BRTR is designed for seamless bartering of services. Users can navigate through service categories, create profiles showcasing their skills, and browse listings from others who are also offering services. The app emphasizes a two-way exchange where users barter their skills in return for services they need. Key wireframe elements include a streamlined process for posting and finding services, secure messaging for negotiations, and built-in verification features like ratings and ID checks for safety and transparency.
Usability Testing: Usability Testing: We conducted usability tests with a diverse group to validate the app’s design and user flow. Some users took longer to locate the post button, prompting us to enhance its visibility. Feedback also suggested enlarging the logo on the terms and conditions page and adding a feature to save services for future use. Based on these insights, we refined the app’s layout and added a ‘Save for Later’ function to improve user experience.
Visual Design & Style Guide: Visual Design & Style Guide: We established a cohesive visual language with a focus on clarity and trust, using consistent color schemes, typography, and iconography to guide users seamlessly through the app. A detailed style guide was created to maintain design consistency, ensuring future updates align with the app’s safety and transparency goals.
“ BRTR transforms bartering game. Verified user credibility, and clear service exchanges— Now more trustworthy than ever. ”
Jonathan Hebron
College Student - Bartering for 2 years
Conclusion
BRTR offers a unique value proposition by facilitating service-based bartering, allowing users to save money, develop new skills, and expand their networks. Key safety features, like user verification and rating systems, ensure a secure environment for exchanges. Throughout the design process, we learned that addressing safety concerns and promoting transparency are essential to building user confidence. These measures, combined with the app’s intuitive design, create a platform where users can barter services confidently while gaining value beyond just financial savings.