BACKGROUND
For my field project during my study abroad in Kirseberg Malmö, Sweden, I focused on researching and designing a real life use case of a circular economy through tool lending. I partnered with the local Kirseberg Library to explore approaches to expanding the library's role as a shared community space. As a result, I designed a peer-to-peer tool sharing platform called Sherry to strengthen community bonds and encourage sustainable consumption.
PROBLEM
How do we implement a real life use case of a circular economy through tool lending within a shared community space such as a Library. How do we build trust and engagement among the community, and build a sustainable circular economy.
OUTCOME
I worked directly with the Kirseberg Library to design a proof-of-concept tool sharing platform. A high fidelity prototype alongside research was presented as part of my field project.
PROMOTING A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY
How can I best design a sustainable ecosystem for community residents to share tools as part of a circular economy,
USER GOAL
I want to borrow tools that I don't have, and connect with local members of my community to foster a stronger bond.
LIBRARY GOAL
Extend the library's use case as a shared communal space to provide residents with useful platforms, and tighten the community bond.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
What are the characteristics of a successful circular economy and how do we…
Encourage community engagement within the platform?
Gain community trust to use the platform?
Effectively utilize a shared community space to encourage communal bonding?
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
I used a three pronged approach to gathering researching and insights:
Literature review on circular economies.
Finding inspirations and conducting competitive research.
Fieldwork Research directly with Kirseberg residents.
UNDERSTANDING CIRCULAR ECONOMIES
To begin, I researched characteristics of successful implementations circular economies. I based the foundation of my project based on key insights from a literature review.
1
Main Motivations
The main motivations for circular economy are resource scarcity, economic benefit, and environmental impact [1].
2
Changes in Attitude
Circular economy has potential to change the attitude of society towards remanufactured products, while also encourages development of durable products, a symbiotic relationship between consumers and producers [1].
3
The Consumer
The consumer is at the core of any circular economy, and it is crucial to promote consumer responsibility of shared goods [2].
FINDING INSPIRATION
COMPETITIVE RESEARCH
I analyzed existing sharing models both locally and globally to shape a service that fits Kirseberg’s community.
Competitive research of existing sharing models
MAPPING THE USER JOURNEY
KEY USERS
I visualized how a borrower and lender navigate the system from tool discovery to return.
User journey for lenders and borrows
🍒 SHERRY APP: A DIGITAL LENDING PLATFORM
To create an intuitive tool-sharing experience, I designed the Sherry App, which allows residents to:
Easily list and borrow tools – Users can browse available tools, check borrower profiles, and request items.
Establish trust – Verified users, ratings, and reviews ensure reliability.
Control their lending preferences – Lenders set pick-up times, conditions, and lending duration.
📮 THE SHERRY BOX: LIBRARY BASED DROP OFF SHELF
To overcome trust and logistical barriers, I introduced the Sherry Box, a library-integrated exchange station where users can safely drop off and pick up tools.
Borrowers & lenders can exchange tools securely within the library.
Library staff provide oversight, reinforcing accountability.
Encourages community-driven sharing with minimal friction.
Accessing the Sherry Tool
THE RESULT
A SEAMLESS BORROWING EXPERIENCE
With only a few months before the hackathon, I worked closely with developers to ensure Team Formation was able to ship smoothly. In the below flow, the lender and borrower flow is split side by side on each step.
SETUP
LENDING AND BORROWING
Users can easily request tools and confirm lending terms. Contracts and insurance ensure community buy in and trust.
EXECUTE
LOCATION AND PICKUP
Lenders select location, while borrowers can go during pick-up with a secure pin code to make sharing secure.
FEEDBACK
INCENTIVES AND VETTING
Lenders are motivated by badges and other incentives, while borrowers can rely on ratings to provide insight on lenders.
PICK-UP
INCREASING COMMUNITY BONDS
The conclusion of the circular economy not only promotes sustainable culture, but strengthens community bonds by encouraging people to meet and give back to the community.
VIDEO DEMO
OVERCOMMING CHALLENGES
Overcoming Trust Barriers → Introduced verified user profiles, lender ratings, and a library-based exchange model.
Encouraging Participation → Designed a frictionless borrowing process with clear incentives for lenders.
Ensuring Sustainability → Leveraged existing community resources (library, local organizations) to maintain the system.
REFLECTIONS & TAKEAWAYS
I learned a lot about sustainability and circular economies during this project. Creating a community centered design was extremely rewarding as well. Some other takeaways include:
Designing within time constraints – Conducting research, prototyping, and iterating in a short time frame reinforced rapid UX decision-making.
Merging digital & physical experiences – Creating a seamless interaction between an app and a real-world library system introduced unique UX challenges.
Community centered design – By working closely with residents, I ensured that the final solution was practical, trusted, and embraced by the community.
✨ Big thanks to Harald, Hannes, and the Kirseberg Library team for their invaluable support. Also, gratitude to Inna and Drevet for organizing workshops and providing insightful guidance throughout this journey.
