Sherry: A Peer-to-Peer Tool Sharing Platform

Helping communities embrace a circular economy by making tool sharing easy, accessible, and trustworthy.

Role
UX Designer

Location
Malmö, Sweden

Duration
6 Months

Collaboration
Kirseberg Library, local community members, and Drevet

Focus Areas
UX Research, Interaction Design, Service Design, Community Engagement

About

In the heart of Kirseberg, Malmö, Sweden, I set out to design a peer-to-peer tool-sharing platform that empowers residents to lend and borrow tools, reducing unnecessary purchases and strengthening community bonds. By leveraging existing sharing initiatives and global inspiration, I crafted a service that meets local needs while encouraging sustainable consumption.

Project Overview

💭 Problem Statement

How might we expand the library's role as a community sharing space to support additional needs like tool lending?

🔬 Fieldwork Research & Insights

To deeply understand the needs of Kirseberg residents, I conducted surveys, interviews, and co-design workshops at the Kirseberg Library.

Key Insights:

  • Tools are infrequently used yet expensive – Many residents own tools but rarely use them.

  • People are open to sharing, but trust is a challenge – Borrowers worry about tool condition and return reliability.

  • The library is a trusted community space – Residents already associate it with sharing and lending.

  • A physical drop-off location simplifies exchanges – A structured pick-up & return system reduces friction.

To deeply understand the needs of Kirseberg residents, I conducted surveys, interviews, and co-design workshops at the Kirseberg Library.

Key Insights:

  • Tools are infrequently used yet expensive – Many residents own tools but rarely use them.

  • People are open to sharing, but trust is a challenge – Borrowers worry about tool condition and return reliability.

  • The library is a trusted community space – Residents already associate it with sharing and lending.

  • A physical drop-off location simplifies exchanges – A structured pick-up & return system reduces friction.

To deeply understand the needs of Kirseberg residents, I conducted surveys, interviews, and co-design workshops at the Kirseberg Library.

Key Insights:

  • Tools are infrequently used yet expensive – Many residents own tools but rarely use them.

  • People are open to sharing, but trust is a challenge – Borrowers worry about tool condition and return reliability.

  • The library is a trusted community space – Residents already associate it with sharing and lending.

  • A physical drop-off location simplifies exchanges – A structured pick-up & return system reduces friction.

Inspirations & Competitive Research

I analyzed existing sharing models both locally and globally to shape a service that fits Kirseberg’s community.

  • Libraries & Community Sharing Initiatives – Studied how libraries facilitate public lending systems.

  • Instabox & Locker Systems – Explored how self-service pick-up points simplify borrowing logistics.

  • Sharing Economy Apps – Evaluated how platforms like Swinga & tool-sharing startups establish trust & accessibility.

Solution: The Sherry System

🍒 The 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.

User Journey & Process

🗺️ Mapping the Experience

I visualized how a borrower and lender navigate the system from tool discovery to return.

🔁 Wireframing & Iteration

Starting with low-fidelity sketches, I rapidly prototyped solutions based on community feedback before moving to high-fidelity UI designs in Figma.

Final Design: A Seamless Borrowing Experience

The final UI focuses on clarity, ease of use, and community trust-building.

  • Home Page: Browse available tools, search by category, and view tool details.

  • Lending & Borrowing Flows: Users can easily request tools and confirm lending terms.

  • Sherry Box Integration: Simple instructions for pick-up and return at the library.

Challenges & Solutions

  • 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.

Final Prototype & Demo

What I Learned

  • 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.

Special Thanks

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.