SecondKid
A Sustainable Marketplace for Baby Gear
#GoogleUX #Sustainability #UXDesign #Research #CircularEconomy #DigitalProduct
Role: Product Designer
Deliverable: E-commerce Application, 2021
Owner: GlowPlay
Team member: Sasicha May Thongkhaoaon (solo project from Google UX Certificate Course)
Overview
Where can parents buy and sell used baby gear easily?
SecondKid is an app designed to connect parents seeking to buy or sell second-hand baby gear. It enables buyers to find high-quality, reasonably priced items while helping sellers recoup costs from baby gear that is still in good condition. The platform promotes sustainability through a circular economy approach, reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of baby products.
Bridging the Gap in Baby Gear Accessibility
Challenges Faced by Parents
Cost
Setting up a nursery requires numerous essentials, creating a significant financial burden for parents, even though many items are only used briefly.
Time
Babies outgrow their belongings quickly, leaving parents with the need to frequently replace items that are often still in excellent condition.
Platform
Although many parents want to save money by buying second-hand items or earn money by selling gently used gear, they face a lack of convenient platforms tailored to these needs.
Understanding the Parent Experience
To design a solution that truly meets user needs, I developed a detailed persona and journey map. These tools helped me empathize with parents’ challenges, from navigating expensive baby gear to balancing time and resources, guiding the design process toward creating a practical and user-friendly platform.
What makes parents frustrated?
Parents want to save money by purchasing used baby items in good condition, but they struggle to find reliable options online. The process of buying second-hand items is often cluttered and disorganized, adding to their frustration.
Based on this insight, parents need a solution that helps them quickly find their desired items while providing the confidence that these products are safe and suitable for their beloved children.
From Paper to Prototype
Begin with Paper
To ensure the app screens addressed user pain points effectively, I started with paper sketches of each screen. This approach allowed me to iterate quickly, focusing on categorizing items on the home screen to help users find second-hand baby gear easily and efficiently.
From Drawing to Digital
During the transition to digital wireframes, I incorporated feedback and insights from user research. The low-fidelity prototype connected the primary user flow: finding desired baby gear and completing the checkout process. This prototype became the foundation for usability testing.
Test it with the real parents
Participants
Profile: 5 participants, all parents with full-time or part-time jobs.
Age Range: 24–40 years old, with children or planning to purchase baby gear.
Methodology
Type: Unmoderated usability study
Duration: 25–30 minutes per participant
User Research Findings
I conducted two rounds of usability testing to refine the app. The first round guided the evolution from wireframes to mockups, while the second round used a high-fidelity prototype to identify further improvements.
Round 1 Findings
1. Users need a fast, efficient way to locate items.
2. Navigation bar icons require clearer cues for better understanding.
3. Users want a comparison tool to evaluate items for the best deals.
Quick Search
- Moved the search tab to a more prominent location on the home screen.
- Added a filter to the search tab and resized category buttons for better usability.
Round 2 Findings
1. The payment confirmation pop-up needs improvement for enhanced security.
2. Users require options to select item variations and quantities before checkout.
3. Users want to add a shipping method option for more flexibility.
Enhancing Security
In response to concerns about the payment confirmation pop-up, I replaced facial/fingerprint recognition with a PIN-based system. This change provided users with a more secure and efficient experience.
Refining the design
To create a welcoming experience, I designed SecondKid with inclusivity in mind, ensuring the app felt accessible and appealing to both parents and children of all genders.
Design System
The design system focused on the idea of being a family-friendly platform while emphasizing environmental consciousness.
Using green as the dominant color not only reinforced the eco-friendly ethos of second-hand shopping but also aligned with the app's commitment to reducing waste.
Demonstrate in the Mock Up
High-Fidelity Prototype
The final high-fidelity prototype streamlined the user flow for purchasing and selling second-hand baby gear. It provided a seamless experience, addressing users' needs for affordable, high-quality baby items while enabling sellers to give new life to no-longer-needed gear.
Accessibility Considerations
1. Intuitive Navigation
Icons and detailed imagery were implemented to aid navigation, particularly for users who may not be fluent in English.
2. Enhanced Contrast Ratio
Text and button contrasts were designed above the 3:1 standard, ensuring better visibility and correcting visual hierarchy.
3. Link Indicators
A combination of color and underlines was used to highlight links, catering to users who may have difficulty with motion gestures, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all.
Going Forward
Impact
SecondKid has successfully resonated with users, providing a solution that feels tailored to their needs as parents. One piece of feedback captured this sentiment perfectly:
"The app is easy to use and meets all of my needs. It makes me feel better about taking care of my children when I have the proper baby gear."
What I Learned
Designing SecondKid was a transformative experience—it marked my first end-to-end User Experience design project. This journey introduced me to tools like Figma, Sketch, and Miro, which were instrumental in bringing the app to life. Stepping into the roles of researcher and interviewer expanded my perspective, pushing me out of my comfort zone and revealing fascinating insights about users.
I also learned that an app’s initial concept is just the tip of the iceberg. Usability studies and peer feedback played a critical role in refining SecondKid’s design. Each iteration was an opportunity to better align the app with users' evolving needs.
Next Steps
1. Conduct Further Research: Identify new opportunities for improvement through additional user feedback.
2. Iterate with Usability Testing: Perform another round of testing to ensure all pain points are addressed effectively.
3. Enhance UI Inclusivity: Continue improving the app's UI to promote a more inclusive and equitable user experience for all.
