A solution to avoid cluttering the home with many toys.

Initial assumptions focused on parents swapping toys, but after user interviews I pivoted to a rental model, which better addressed convenience, trust, and cost concerns.

Pain points

Thanks to creating an affinity map, users' pain points became clearly visible.

Business Value

Main Takeaways from Market Comparison

From a UX perspective, I decided to separate OLX from other Polish rental platforms due to a key difference in how users interact with each. OLX is a peer-to-peer marketplace with minimal structure or guidance — low cost but high cognitive load and risk. In contrast, toy rental platforms offer curated, secure experiences with clear flows and support, leading to higher trust but also higher costs. This difference significantly impacts user expectations, usability, and perceived safety.

User Persona

Based on the information gathered from the research, I created two user personas — one representing a person listing a toy for rent and the other representing a person renting a toy through the platform.

Task flows

While creating the task flows, the user goes through the same steps that are currently required in the app to list a product for sale or to search for and purchase one. In the case of user flows, I anticipated the users' next steps after the rental period ends, as well as situations where the toy is returned damaged.

How other platforms do it

I compared Vinted’s UI with Amazon, OLX, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace, which all let users buy, sell, or rent items. This helped me spot UX gaps and best practices to inform my design decisions.

Following Vinted’s Design System

While working on the mid-fidelity wireframes, I also created the UI kit for the project. Since Vinted has an established design system, I researched its existing styles, typography, and components to ensure consistency. Using these insights, I carefully built the UI kit to support a cohesive and seamless integration of the new feature.

First drafts- low fidelity wireframes

While designing the initial wireframes, I had to keep in mind that I was introducing a new feature into an already well-known and widely used app . Therefore, I based my work on the existing patterns Vinted uses for buttons and item searches, adding and integrating the elements related to the new renting feature into the overall design. The main idea was to ensure that users would, first of all, notice the new feature, and secondly, be able to use it just as easily as they currently use the sell/buy functionalities.

Landing page
Considering it’s a new feature, should the informational box introducing it be made more visible to ensure user awareness?

Ad page
How to label a listing so it's clear that the item is for rent, not for sale?

Payment page
Should I keep Vinted’s original layout on the payment page (version 2)?

Key iterations

I initially didn’t design a full filtering option. However interviews showed users often browse toys without intent to buy, so filters are crucial to surface items that catch their interest.

Final design

The feature lets users rent or list second-hand toys for 3–6 weeks, giving parents affordable, flexible access without clutter.
Listings are simple and secure, with availability, fees, and deposits clearly set.
This extends toy lifespans, reduces waste, and adds a new revenue stream for Vinted while enhancing user retention.

Add an item

Search for an item

Takeaways

This was my first project involving the integration of a new feature into an existing product — in this case, the well-established and widely recognized Vinted app. I had to adapt my concept and vision to fit within Vinted’s existing design system and user expectations.

The choice to design a toy rental feature was inspired by both my own experience as a parent and the needs expressed by other parents, combined with the app’s strong presence in Poland. Although I began with a clear initial idea, research quickly challenged and reshaped it, showing me just how powerful user and market insights can be in influencing the direction of a project.

To propose a meaningful solution, I also needed to explore Vinted’s business model, along with similar platforms, to ensure the feature would bring value not just to users, but also to the business itself.

This project significantly contributed to my growth as a designer. It deepened my understanding of designing within real-world constraints — from adhering to an existing design system to aligning with business objectives. It also strengthened my ability to stay flexible, listen to users, and iterate with intention. More than anything, it taught me the importance of balancing creativity with strategy and how impactful user-centered thinking can be in shaping a valuable digital experience.

What I liked the most

Working on the Vinted toy rental feature was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve done — both creatively and strategically. Here’s what stood out:

1. Designing with Purpose
This feature directly responded to real user needs while promoting sustainable consumption. It felt meaningful to contribute to a solution that helps parents reduce clutter and encourages reuse over buying more.

2. Letting Research Shape the Direction
One of the most valuable takeaways was learning to pivot. My original idea was completely redefined through user interviews, showing me how essential research is in building the right thing — not just building it right.

3. Creating Within Real Constraints
Integrating a new feature into an existing product like Vinted required discipline. I had to align with their established design system, which taught me how to innovate while respecting brand consistency.

4. Balancing User & Business Goals
Beyond user experience, I explored the business side — including monetization, platform trust, and logistics. I aimed to design a feature that benefits both users and Vinted’s long-term strategy.

5. Iterating Based on Usability Testing
Seeing real users interact with the prototype brought the design to life. Their feedback directly shaped the final solution, and it was incredibly rewarding to implement improvements that made the product smoother and more intuitive.