BookSwap
OVERVIEW
Throughout this project, the primary goal was to enhance the user experience (UX) of the BookSwap application, a platform designed to facilitate the exchange of physical books among users within a community. The original app, developed in 2017, while functional, presented several challenges concerning usability, accessibility, and visual design. These issues disrupted smooth navigation and interaction with its features, negatively impacting user satisfaction and ultimately limiting the application's potential.
The BookSwap redesign focused on creating a more intuitive, visually appealing experience aligned with current user expectations. By adopting a user-centered approach and applying UX/UI design principles, efforts were made to simplify the interface, optimize information architecture, and ensure the app was easy to use, secure, and aesthetically pleasing.
This case study details the complete redesign process using the Double Diamond process model, starting with identifying the main pain points in the original version, followed by exploring potential solutions and enhancements, and culminating in implementing a modern design effectively addressing user needs. Additionally, it elaborates on usability testing methodologies, the integration of user feedback, and validation of design decisions to ensure the redesign successfully achieved the set objectives.
BACKGROUND (ABOUT THE ORIGINAL DESIGN)
CONTEXT AND PROBLEM
In 2017, our team identified that physical books, especially educational ones, had significantly increased in price, thus limiting accessibility. Additionally, we recognized the dilemma between the environmental impact of physical books and the increased use of digital alternatives such as e-books and devices. Consequently, we identified a need to promote book reuse through a system that encourages exchanges within local communities.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Create a mobile application, BookSwap, for exchanging physical books, combining elements of a social network and a shared library. The app would allow users to:
- Share their collection of books for exchange.
- Search by titles, authors, and genres.
- Interact and arrange local exchanges.
- Participate in book-related forums and discussions.
MY ROLE
Sole UX designer in a team of four (backend developer, frontend developer, and general coordinator). Responsible for the end-to-end design of the application.
ORIGINAL CASE STUDY STRUCTURE
Phase 1: Discover
- Problem identification (rising prices, environmental impact).
- Market research and analysis of similar systems such as BookMooch, Title Trader, and Swapz.
- Identification of opportunities and lessons learned from competitors.
Key insights
- Lack of mobile apps optimized for book exchanges.
- Navigation difficulties in existing solutions due to outdated and overloaded interfaces.
Phase 2: Definition
Project objectives:
- Create a community for free book exchanges.
- Design a simple, intuitive, and accessible interface.
- Encourage interaction among users with similar interests.
Main requirements:
- Features: authentication, search, profiles, discussions, book ratings, and analytics.
- Minimalist design focused on usability.
- Respect for user privacy (only minimal information required).
Phase 3: Ideation
Idea generation:
- Initial wireframes.
- Key concepts: community, simplicity, sensory experience when using the app (as the goal was not only to exchange books, but also to meet new people with similar interests).
Challenges to address:
- Create an intuitive system for cataloging and searching books.
- Design microinteractions to improve navigation.
Phase 4: Prototyping
Interface design:
- User profile, personal library, search engine, and community news.
- Use of clear typography and clean design to prioritize functionality.
Initial testing:
- Validate the navigability and usability of the prototype with potential users.
Phase 5: Implementation
Technologies used:
- Design: Sketch
- Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (jQuery Mobile)
- Backend: PHP, AJAX
- Project management tools: Asana, GitHub, WhatsApp
Timeline:
- Project duration: 20 weeks (completed in May 2017)
Expected results:
- Active community of users exchanging books.
- Increase in the reuse of physical books, reducing costs and environmental impact.
ORIGINAL APP WIREFRAMES
CASE UPDATE
In the current context, the environmental crisis and economic difficulties have led to greater awareness of the impact of our consumption, driving alternatives such as goods exchange, including book swapping, which remains a sustainable and accessible option. Unlike in 2017, when the app was originally created, there are now platforms specifically dedicated to book exchanges, as well as apps focused on the general exchange of goods, reflecting an evolution in the digital offering. For this reason, it was decided to update the research to uncover insights that would support the redesign.
APPROACH
To structure the redesign of the project, I chose to use the Double Diamond process model, as it allows for both divergence and convergence phases needed to explore the problem and find viable solutions. Its phases include:
- Discover: Thoroughly research the original problems, user needs, and context.
- Define: Synthesize insights and narrow down the main problem the app aims to solve.
- Define: Synthesize insights and narrow down the main problem the app aims to solve.
- Deliver: Test the prototype with users, iterate, and deliver an optimized final solution.
1. DISCOVER
UPDATED CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS
The updated research highlights the environmental impact of both printed books and electronic devices. The publishing industry uses approximately 16 million tons of paper per year, which equates to the felling of 32 million trees, and the production of a single printed book generates an average of 7.5 kg of CO₂. On the other hand, e-book readers, while reducing continuous paper use, have an initial carbon footprint of 168 kg of CO₂ due to mineral extraction and manufacturing processes. It’s estimated that an e-reader only becomes more environmentally friendly than physical books after reading at least 22 books on the device.
These insights reinforce the importance of continuing to explore sustainable solutions for information consumption and access, adapting to the current context.
GLOBAL AND MARKET TRENDS
- Circular Economy and Sustainability: The circular economy is on the rise, prioritizing exchange and reuse over traditional consumption. Likewise, startups that combine sustainability and technology are attracting significant investment.
- Gamification and Engagement: Gamification in apps not only increases engagement but also encourages positive behavior. For example, apps like Duolingo have proven that point systems, achievements, and rankings are effective for user retention.
- Community and Social Connection: Integrating social features into apps (chats, events, and forums) boosts user retention. Consumers value platforms that allow them to connect with others who share similar interests.
- Eco-Technology: Tools that track positive environmental impact are being widely adopted, from recycling apps to responsible consumption platforms.
- Predictive Technology: Recommendation algorithms remain a key feature in modern apps, offering more personalized and adaptive experiences. Companies like Spotify and Netflix lead the way with AI that predicts user interests—something that could be applied to book swapping.
- Growth of Book Swapping: According to Statista, literature continues to be one of the most in-demand categories in secondhand markets, partly due to the rise of dedicated apps.
COMPETITOR ANALYSIS: BENCHMARKING
In the current market analysis, we identified various platforms that facilitate the exchange of physical books, each with unique approaches and features tailored to the needs of their users. These applications not only encourage reading but also promote sustainability by reusing books and reducing the demand for new editions.
CONCLUSIONS
Each application has strengths and weaknesses depending on its target audience and approach. While Bookswap and BookSwap Hub stand out for their simplicity and commitment to sustainability, Librología brings innovation and social features to enrich the user experience.
On the other hand, general platforms, though versatile, fail to deliver a personalized, book-centered experience—leaving room to create a specialized solution that combines the best of each approach.
In addition to the apps previously mentioned, it’s also relevant to consider platforms like BorrowBox, which, although not exclusively focused on book exchanges, promote the reuse of goods and may appeal to users interested in sustainability.
The analysis reveals growth in digital solutions dedicated to book exchanges. Specialized apps have evolved into more comprehensive and gamified experiences, while general platforms continue to diversify bartering possibilities. This context reinforces the opportunity to design a tool that integrates innovative and sustainable features to foster book exchanges and improve access to reading.
USER RESEARCH
To better understand our audience, I conducted five in-depth interviews and usability tests with potential users of the original app. The focus was on young adults aged 20 to 35, passionate about reading and open to exploring new ways to exchange books.
The conversations revealed key patterns in their habits and expectations. Many expressed interest in a platform that combines sustainability with an intuitive and visually appealing user experience. “I’d love to know how much positive impact I generate with each exchange,” said one participant, highlighting the need for visible ecological metrics within the app.
Another recurring issue was the lack of transparency and trust in the exchanges. “I don’t know who I’m dealing with or what condition the book I’ll receive is in,” noted one interviewee, emphasizing the importance of improving the reputation system.
In addition, social interaction proved to be a strong motivator for many users. “I’d like to connect with people who share my interests and discover books recommended by other readers,” mentioned another participant, reinforcing the need to strengthen the app’s community aspect.
Based on these insights, we developed our User Persona and Empathy Map, identifying three key profiles within the target audience:
- Conscious readers: Looking to reduce their environmental impact and adopt more sustainable consumption habits.
- Tech-savvy youth: Enjoy platforms with gamification elements and value ease of use.
- Book lovers: See book exchanges as a way to expand their library and connect with fellow readers.
These findings guided the strategic decisions of the redesign, ensuring that the new version of the app not only addressed the frustrations identified but also enhanced the user experience through trust, community, and ecological awareness.
FIRST USABILITY TEST
Test Objective
Before redesigning the app, we conducted usability testing on the original version to identify obstacles in the user experience. Our main goals were to:
- Evaluate the ease of searching for and selecting books for exchange.
- Identify issues in coordinating exchanges between users.
- Measure the level of trust the app generates during exchanges.
- Analyze the sense of community and ecological awareness within the platform.
Assigned Tasks
- Search for a book of interest and find a user to exchange it with.
- Contact the user through the app to arrange the exchange.
- Confirm and complete an exchange.
- Explore the discussion groups and participate in a conversation.
Key Findings
- Lack of trust in exchanges: Users mentioned that there was not enough information about other users’ reputations. There was no rating or review system for exchanges.
- Unclear coordination: The app lacked tools for arranging meeting points, and the limited user information led to further mistrust.
- Limited discussion groups: Since groups were tied to specific books, broader user interaction was restricted.
- Low ecological motivation: Although users appreciated the idea of exchanging books for ecological and economic reasons, there was no concrete incentive to reinforce that impact.
Improvements Implemented
Based on these insights, a community section was introduced, featuring:
- A feed showing friends’ updates, such as completed exchanges or books added to their collections.
- Thematic forums where users can propose discussion topics.
- Discussions on trending books.
- A user ranking system based on the number of exchanges and ecological impact.
Additionally, a gamification and rewards system was implemented, with badges for achievements such as:
- Completed exchanges: To encourage app usage.
- Ecological impact: To measure and highlight environmental contribution.
- Community participation: To foster trust and collaboration.
- Special challenges: Fun missions like “Around the World” (exchanges in 5 cities) or “Bookworm” (exchange across all categories).
Lastly, a post-meeting rating system was added, allowing users to rate their exchanges using a five-star system.
2. DEFINE
To synthesize the insights and data collected during the "Discover" phase, the key points were grouped into categories related to the problems, needs, and opportunities identified.
AFFINITY DIAGRAM
PROBLEM
The original app presents several limitations that affect its ability to deliver a satisfying and efficient experience:
- Outdated and unintuitive interface: Users find it difficult to navigate and complete exchanges, which discourages continued use.
- Lack of key features: There are no tools to facilitate exchange management, such as advanced search filters, scheduling proposals, or suggested meeting points.
- Trust-related issues: Users have no way to evaluate each other’s reputations, which can lead to mistrust and hinder successful exchanges.
- Limited sense of community: The app does not encourage positive user interactions or highlight the environmental impact of book swapping.
- Lack of differentiation from other apps: In a market with more modern and feature-rich applications, the app lacks a unique value proposition that makes it stand out.
REDESIGN OBJECTIVES
The main goal of the redesign is to transform the app into a modern, efficient, and trustworthy platform for book exchanges. Specifically, it aims to:
- Improve usability through an intuitive, appealing, and updated design.
- Incorporate features that simplify the search, exchange, and coordination processes between users.
- Establish a system that fosters trust and safety among community members.
- Promote a sense of community that reinforces the values of sustainability and reuse.
- Stand out in the market by offering a unique value proposition centered on user experience and positive environmental impact.
THE SOLUTION
An application that promotes the exchange of physical books among readers, combining personalization, gamification, and a strong ecological vision, standing out as an inclusive and sustainable platform.
KEY FEATURES
1. Focus on Sustainability:
- Environmental Impact Calculator: When registering an exchange, users can see how many trees and CO₂ emissions they have helped preserve.
- Eco Badges: Reward users with badges for their sustainable contributions.
2. Customizable Exchanges:
- Preference System: Users can select their favorite genres and authors, and the app will suggest relevant exchanges.
- Advanced Matching: Similar to "Tinder," but with algorithms prioritizing literary interests and geolocation to facilitate exchanges.
3. Focus on Trust and Safety:
- User Rating System: After completing an exchange, users can rate each other with a five-star system.
- Optimized Exchange Logistics: Upon registering an exchange, users can agree on a meeting point and time within the app itself.
4. Active Literary Community:
- Thematic Groups: Spaces where users can discuss specific genres, authors, or trends.
- Personalized Reviews and Recommendations: Based on exchanged books and user history.
5. Gamification:
- Personal Library: Each user will have a virtual shelf displaying the books they own or have exchanged.
- Literary Achievements: Completing challenges, such as exchanging books across different genres or from various authors.
6. Market Differentiation:
- Technological Innovation: Integration of advanced gamification and personalized recommendations.
- Visible Ecological Impact: Tools that allow users to measure and share their positive environmental footprint.
- Enriched Community: Combining social interaction with simplicity and interactivity.
- Trust Building: Transparent rating system based on past experiences to help users identify trustworthy partners.
SCALABILITY
Hybrid Features:
- Complementary Barter Market: Users can exchange not only books but also related items (bookmarks, accessories, etc.).
- Sustainable Book Purchasing: Integration of a marketplace where users can buy secondhand books or titles from eco-friendly publishers.
Technological Inclusion:
- Augmented Reality: Allow users to visualize book covers or recommendations by scanning their physical bookshelves.
- Social Media Integration: Share achievements, recommendations, and exchange lists with friends.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
UI DESIGN PRINCIPLES
3. DEVELOP
In this stage, the focus was on transforming validated ideas into functional solutions through design and iterative testing. Medium-fidelity wireframes were developed to structure the experience, serving as the foundation for the interactive prototype used in the second round of usability testing.
During this phase, new features were introduced, key findings from the tests were analyzed, and improvements were implemented to optimize user interaction and strengthen trust within the platform.
PREVIOUS INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
NEW INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE
USER FLOW FOR BOOK SWAPPING BETWEEN USERS
BOOK DATABASE MANAGEMENT: GLOBAL DATABASE VS. PERSONAL LIBRARY
To optimize organization and avoid duplications, the app distinguishes between general titles and books available for exchange within users' personal libraries.
Users can add books to their library in two ways:The original app presents several limitations that affect its ability to deliver a satisfying and efficient experience:
If the book already exists in the database:
- The user selects the title and its corresponding edition (publisher, year, etc.).
- They upload details about their specific copy, including its condition and real photos.
- Visually, the app always displays a generic cover associated with the title, ensuring that books are grouped under a single global entry.
- Reviews and discussion comments are linked to the general title, not to individual copies.
If the book does not exist in the database:
- The user can create a new title by entering the name, author, general cover, and categories.
- Then, on a second screen, they add details about their specific copy for exchange: edition, publisher, condition, and real photos.
This approach allows the platform to maintain an organized catalog, avoiding content fragmentation and ensuring that relevant information about each book (reviews, comments, and discussions) is centralized under a single entry.
Meanwhile, the details regarding the condition of the books available for exchange are managed within each user's personal library, facilitating negotiation between readers.Additionally, exchanged books are digitally transferred between users’ libraries, keeping a clear record of each movement within the platform.
MID-FIDELITY WIREFRAMES
To transform ideas into a tangible experience, 46 medium-fidelity wireframes were developed, establishing the app’s key structure and functionality before moving on to the prototyping phase. These wireframes made it possible to visualize the interaction between different screens and validate the information architecture, ensuring that the book exchange flow was intuitive and efficient. They later served as the foundation for the creation of the interactive prototype used in the second round of usability testing.
PROTOTYPING AND SECOND USABILITY TEST
Test Objective
After the initial redesign, we conducted testing with a medium-fidelity prototype to validate the new features. The objectives were to:
- Evaluate the ease of use of the user rating system.
- Measure improvements in exchange logistics.
- Analyze the impact of the new community section on user participation.
- Determine the effect of the ecological ranking and gamification on user motivation.
Assigned Tasks
- Search for a book and check its availability.
- Select a user, review their reputation, and request an exchange.
- Coordinate the meeting by setting the day, time, and place within the app.
- Use private messaging to manage the exchange.
- Complete the exchange and leave a rating.
- Explore the new community section:
- News: Updates from friends and the community.
- Trending Discussions: Active debates about books.
- Thematic Forums: Conversations on literary topics.
- Ranking: Compare ecological impact with other users.
Key Findings
- Increased sense of security: The user rating system boosted trust, but participants suggested a more detailed system including aspects like the condition of the book and user punctuality.
- More effective coordination: The ability to define meeting points within the app streamlined logistics. Users also appreciated the messaging and pre-meeting cancellation features.
- Greater community interaction: Thematic forums enabled broader conversations, not limited to individual books.
- Ecological ranking and badges as incentives: These motivated users to complete more exchanges, adding a playful element to the experience.
- Need for more spontaneous communication: Although forums and discussions were useful, users wanted a more agile way to interact with specific groups of friends.
- Pending exchanges: Some users raised concerns about what would happen if exchange requests remained pending indefinitely, i.e., if they failed to coordinate and the request was not canceled.
Implemented Improvements
Based on these results, we incorporated:
- Private chat groups, allowing users to create their own communities.
- A more detailed rating system, including aspects like punctuality and book condition.
- Exchange expiration dates, ensuring that requests do not remain pending indefinitely and encouraging users to complete exchanges within a set timeframe.
INSIGHTS FROM TESTING AND ITERATION
Third Iteration:
Incorporating Chat Groups and Improving the Rating System - Differentiating Between Forums and Chat Groups
After the second test, the importance of community within the app was confirmed, but the need for a more agile and flexible communication channel was also identified.
The thematic forums allowed users to initiate more structured discussions about genres, trends, or authors, but users wanted a more direct way to interact with others.
Therefore, chat groups were added, differentiated from forums in that:
- They are more immediate and dynamic, without the need to structure discussion threads.
- They facilitate the formation of smaller communities, like book clubs.
- They do not replace forums but complement them by offering a more spontaneous space for interaction.
Enhancing User Trust
During this iteration, I also improved the user rating system to strengthen trust within the platform.
Problem Identified:
Users mentioned that the overall rating did not fully reflect the exchange experience.
Implemented Solution:
A more detailed evaluation system was created with three categories:
- Book Condition: Was the book’s condition as advertised?
- Punctuality and Commitment: Did the user meet the agreed exchange terms?
- Exchange Experience: Was the communication and interaction positive?
Each category is rated separately with stars, and the overall rating is calculated as the average of these scores. This also changed how users add a new book to their collection. When doing so, they are now prompted to specify the book’s condition and upload real photos.
Exchange Expiration Date:
- A time limit was set to accept and complete an exchange.
- If the deadline expires without a response, the request is automatically canceled.
- This prevents unresolved transactions and encourages user commitment.
Handling Cancellations:
- If an exchange does not go through, users can indicate the reason.
- This does not directly affect the other user's rating.
- However, if a user accumulates multiple cancellations or repeated no-shows, a warning will appear on their profile to inform others.
Expected Impact:
- Greater transparency in user reputation.
- Incentives for responsible behavior within the platform.
- Increased trust in exchanges, boosting participation rates.
- More dynamic execution of exchanges, reducing indefinitely pending requests.
PROTOTYPE LOW-FIDELITY (LOW-FI)
4. DELIVER
The final phase focused on bringing the design to life with an accessible, consistent interface aligned with the app’s identity. A UI Kit was defined to ensure visual cohesion and an inclusive experience, and accessibility adjustments were made to improve readability and usability. Finally, the wireframes evolved into high-fidelity prototypes, consolidating the product’s visual and functional proposal.
UI KIT AND ACCESSIBILITY CHECK
The app’s UI design decisions prioritize clarity, accessibility, and consistency with its eco-conscious identity. Plus Jakarta Sans was chosen as the primary typeface for its modern and friendly style, ensuring comfortable reading across different screen sizes.
To reinforce the app’s sustainable focus, the color palette was reduced to a minimalist combination of white, black, gray, and green, conveying simplicity and a visual connection to nature. Additionally, an accessibility audit was conducted to optimize color contrasts, leading to adjustments in the color selection and the incorporation of new shades to improve readability. Typography weights were also fine-tuned to ensure an inclusive and user-friendly experience.
WIREFRAMES EN ALTA FIDELIDAD
DESKTOP VERSION
While the core experience was designed for mobile, we developed a complementary desktop version focusing on the the four main navigation screens: Home, Community, Messages, and Profile.
Selecting these specific screens allowed us to deliver a consistent cross-platform experience without expanding scope unnecessarily.
They represent the core of the product: discovering books, engaging with the community, managing exchanges, and maintaining user profiles.
For a book exchange app, this limited desktop version brings two key advantages:
- Context flexibility: Users can browse, manage conversations, and review community activity from a larger screen when planning exchanges at home, while still enjoying a mobile-first experience on the go.
- Task efficiency: Actions such as exploring collections, following threads in the community, or handling multiple message conversations benefit from the added space and multitasking capability of desktop.
From a product perspective, even a focused desktop interface reinforces the ecosystem. It demonstrates scalability, ensures accessibility across contexts, and lays the groundwork for future growth—whether through broader community engagement or potential integration with library networks and local book clubs.
KEY TAKEAWAYS AND POTENTIAL FUTURE TESTING
The BookSwap design process enabled the exploration of solutions to enhance user experience on exchange platforms. Throughout the iterations, key findings emerged that can serve as a foundation for future optimizations:
- Simplicity and clarity in navigation: Designing an intuitive and accessible structure from first use was a top priority for the project. Iterating through wireframes and usability tests reaffirmed the importance of a clear and efficient information architecture.
- Gamification and engagement: The possibility of incorporating incentives like badges or rewards was explored to encourage participation and recurring use. This approach could serve as a key differentiator for motivating continuous engagement.
- Sustainability as a core value: The premise of exchange as an eco-friendly practice creates opportunities to reinforce this message through elements like environmental impact indicators or personalized statistics on reused books.
- Optimization of the exchange system: One of the main areas for improvement identified was the search and connection between users with similar interests. Exploring recommendation algorithms could simplify and speed up the book-matching process.
To continue optimizing the platform, future tests are proposed to explore:
- Evaluation of user experience in real environments: Test the exchange flow with potential users to measure system effectiveness and uncover unforeseen friction points.
- Impact of the rating system: Assess whether the rating system improves decision-making and trust in exchanges.
- Evolution of community engagement: Measure participation in chat groups and thematic forums to identify optimization opportunities. Analyze the impact of a more active community through forums and virtual events within the app.
- Automation in exchange logistics: Test features like automatic reminders and smart meeting point suggestions to make coordination between users more efficient.
- Expansion of the gamification model: Explore new incentive mechanics, such as challenges or rewards based on the number of exchanges completed, to boost engagement.
- Impact of design on sustainability perception: Analyze whether the visual and textual communication of ecological impact motivates users to actively participate in the platform.
- Adjustments in the usability of the search system: Test prototypes that integrate advanced filters and automated suggestions to improve search efficiency.
PROTOTYPE HIGH FIDELITY (HI-FI)
FINAL REFLECTIONS
- This project was an opportunity to tackle the challenge of designing a digital experience that combines community, sustainability, and usability. One of the biggest lessons learned was the importance of constantly iterating based on real insights, even within a conceptual environment.
- The process reaffirmed that beyond aesthetics, design must focus on solving problems and facilitating meaningful interactions. Balancing clarity, motivation, and functionality is key to building engaging and accessible digital experiences.
- Additionally, working on this project allowed for a deeper exploration of trust systems within collaborative platforms, something crucial for the adoption and success of community-based initiatives.
- Although BookSwap did not reach the development phase, the exploration carried out provides a strong foundation for future iterations and opens the door to further research on how design can foster more sustainable practices in digital environments.
