The Intention behind Rent-to-Use

Initially, I wanted to play an instrument for fun without buying it since it was a fleeting interest. Researching different options, I explored solutions and connected with people who had similar experiences like me. Short-term use involved borrowing products for one-time events. Things like weddings, vacations, parties.

It didn’t make sense to buy something and never use it again.

Understanding with clarity

When I interviewed borrowers, I discovered that they rented for a specific event. Borrowed items fulfilled a particular purpose within a set time frame.

The user flow was understood once they mentioned that there were two people involved – the renter themselves and the shop or lender.

Usability & Flow

There are two core users and three major use cases – the renter wanting to rent an item, the lender wanting to lend an item, and finally the lender listing an item available on the platform.

The renter gets what they want by searching for a specific item, and lenders get to repurpose and reuse products that aren’t being used.

Testing the Screens

The paper prototype showed good ideas, but some users found it difficult to follow and understand. The important of headings, learning to remove elements / limit space, and emphasizing hierarchy with size, color, and placement proved important.

The interviews also revealed that concepts can be easy to understand, but difficult when performing it. Communicating the task is equally as important as the design itself.

Subtle things like the color, or contrast highlighted insights that suggested if users wanted to use the platform or not complete any tasks.

Evaluating Results & KPI’s

Six individuals were tested with a 66% success rate of completing the 3 main tasks acting as both lender, listing and lending an item, and renter, searching and renting an item. This project proved to be an experience itself in fulfilling the roles of UX Researcher and Product Designer

Ideas, Thoughts & Reflections

I found all stages equally interesting, with keen interest on the impact visual design has when creating a digital product. The initial concept resonated with me and it was important to connect with the subject. I chose a topic related to saving money the environment, and people. The light green theme purposefully represents those qualities so it was an idea I could get behind.

With the inception of the 2 personas, I found it difficult to focus on both, and more so on the renter persona. The lender persona’s role is more of an altruistic character who hopes to help someone by lending their things and reducing waste. Sure, they can focus on monetary gains, but its interesting to think about the logistics when someone borrows from you and that person doesn’t want to know their customers. Maybe they purposely meet somewhere aside from their residence to pickup the item – It creates a compelling discussion on building community and neighboring relationships.