Exchange a Book With Another Reader
Design a book exchange that helps readers find the right edition, agree on condition, and arrange a safe handoff.
The brief
Understand the problem
Background
Books that share a title can differ by edition, language, format, and condition. A peer exchange also requires both people to agree on delivery and communicate without exposing unnecessary personal details.
User context
Farah has finished a paperback novel and wants to exchange it for a specific translated edition from someone nearby.
Product problem
A generic listing can lead to edition mistakes and disputes about damage. The product needs enough structure for trust while keeping a casual exchange lightweight.
Objective
Create the discovery, offer, and handoff flow for exchanging physical books between readers.
What to design
Define the experience
Required experience
- Book search by edition and format
- Copy detail with condition evidence
- Exchange offer and negotiation
- Safe pickup or tracked shipping plan
Screens and states
- Book search
- Copy detail
- Exchange offer
- Handoff plan
- Completion review
Core user flow
Follow the critical path
- 01
Farah searches by title and filters for language and format
- 02
She checks edition details and photos of one copy
- 03
She proposes one of her available books in exchange
- 04
The other reader accepts and they choose a public pickup location
- 05
Both confirm the handoff and update their libraries
Product rules
Requirements and constraints
Requirements
- Keep work-level information separate from edition and copy details
- Use a consistent condition scale with room for specific notes
- Limit personal contact details until an exchange is accepted
- Support both local pickup and tracked shipping
- Provide a dispute path for a materially misrepresented copy
Constraints
- Many older books lack a scannable identifier
- Shipping cost may exceed the value of the book
- Condition descriptions are subjective
Reality check
States worth considering
Finish line
What to deliver
- Create five mobile screens from edition search through exchange completion.
Optional direction
Visual resources
Use these as a starting constraint if you want one. They are not part of the required solution.