Don8
An app that connects and encourages users to live sustainably
Made the donation process more accessible—giving people clear, location-specific guidance.
Team Members
4 months
Sep 2022 - Dec 2022
In SMAD 317, we were tasked with choosing one of 12 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and creating an app using high-fidelity prototyping and UX research. Collaborating with three other teammates, we were able to create the app Don8
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns Our team decided to tackle the twelfth goal of the sustainable development goals:
KEY METRIC
Users were able to complete key flows within 10–20 seconds per task.
With guidance from our instructor, our team transformed an initial concept into a practical app that simplifies the donation process.
Through online and in-person user and stakeholder interviews, we identified key pain points and designed features such as let users find nearby donation sites, see accepted items, prepare donations, schedule pickups or drop-offs, and discover or promote local yard and estate sales with proximity-based filters.
We analyzed the competition and found a void. Most tools focus on the 'how' of donating, but none address the root problems we’re solving.
interview quotes
AFFINITY MAPPING
Pain points
Through affinity mapping, we identified three core findings: convenient scheduling drives action, clear standards reduce friction, and centralized discovery expands impact, helping donors give more efficiently, avoid rejections, and find the best nearby donation options.
Donors abandon gifts when they can’t easily schedule a convenient pickup or drop-off.
Items get turned away because donors lack clear info on quality standards and prep instructions—frustrating donors and staff.
Users can’t easily compare donation options. If one store is full, they don’t know where else to go.
site map
From the three pain points we identified, here are the site maps for the app’s three main features—making donations easier and more convenient while also creating an online space for the yard sale community.
Users receive real-time updates on store hours, item needs, and availability.
Users can filter to see only stores currently accepting items and book a convenient time.
Users can create and share their own events on the app.
The Ideations
Login - Welcome Landing
Feature 01: Schedule Pickup/Drop-off
Instead of navigating individual thrift store pages, users can simply select a donation date to see available pickup and drop-off options. Improved filtering helps users quickly find stores that best match their needs.
Feature 02: Set Up Notifications
To close the information gap, users can follow favorite stores and receive custom notifications for updates, special events, and schedule changes. This keeps donors informed in real time, making the donation process easier, faster, and more convenient.
Feature 03: Yard Sales
This feature empowers the community by allowing users to create and share events directly in the app. Users can add event details and images to spread awareness and keep the community informed.
Other features: Search Filtering & Maping
IMPACT
REFLECTIONS
This project taught me the value of designing for the entire ecosystem, not just the end user. By listening to both donors and thrift store managers, I learned how information gaps create friction and waste. Turning those insights into clear, confidence-building UX reinforced my belief that strong design removes uncertainty and makes sustainable actions easier.
