Releaf
Timeline
Jan – Mar 2025
Role
Product Designer UX Researcher
Team
Dani Gibson Jungah Lim Siddharth Madaan Sneha Subramanyan Wentao Zhang
Tools
Figma · FigJam Photoshop · Premiere Pro
Recognition
Target Users
They want fashion to be
CuteAffordableTrendyPremiumSustainablePersonalGen Z's Happiness
Positive social connectionsDeeper purpose in life
The Problem
The Problem
Value ≠ Buying Behaviour
Gen Z is eco-conscious
but addicted to fast fashion.
(Source: Fashionunited)
1 in 3
Gen Z say they feel addicted to fast fashion.
72%
of college students bought fast fashion in the previous year.
Research
Key Insights
Key Insights
Based on our interviews, we identified some key insights.
Quality
Second-hand clothing stores and buyers both care about quality: stores work to provide well-maintained, high-quality pieces, while buyers look for second-hand items that still meet high standards.
Sustainable
Both second-hand stores and their customers care deeply about sustainability — it's something that matters a lot to them.
Packaging
Second-hand clothing stores usually either don't provide packaging or use eco-friendly materials. Customers appreciate this approach and often bring their own bags.
Key Insights
Based on our interviews, we identified some key insights.
Inventory
These stores usually don't have an online system due to challenges like clothing cataloging and electronic inventory management.
Style
People who buy second-hand clothes enjoy hunting through a variety of items — it's full of surprises, and they hope to find pieces that suit them well.
Collaboration
Second-hand clothing stores also collaborate with other eco-friendly businesses. They're promoting a sustainable lifestyle, and many customers embrace this concept.
Style Guide
Final Solution
Validating
Users were excited about the concept and appreciated the circular model.
Testing with 25 users who were passionate about sustainability and had previously shopped from sustainable companies and brands. Users were overall excited about the concept and appreciated the circular model.
Next Steps
Scope down to go deep.
Releaf — our circular thrift-swap app focused on sustainable wardrobe management. Through user research, prototyping, and usability testing, we developed key features like item listing for swaps, digital closet tools, and kiosk integration for easy drop-offs.
Scalability & Broader Impact
This model can be replicated in university towns, where student communities are ideal early adopters. Campus-based kiosks and local partnerships can help create a self-sustaining circular fashion network.
Expanded Use Cases
Besides swapping and the marketplace, the app also supports:
Closet management to track and organize wardrobe items
Community features for sharing style tips and organizing group swaps
Upcycling content with DIY ideas and repair guides