ROLE
Product Designer, Developer
TOOLS
Figma
YEAR
2025
Introduction
Mite is a Relationship-driven Local SNS Marketplace designed to connect neighbours through trust, moving beyond simple transactions. We explored how design can transform the act of trading into a warm, connective experience.
The Booming Second-Hand Scene
The second-hand market is no longer a niche; it's a dominant force in Australian commerce. This incredible growth signals a massive opportunity to serve a mainstream audience seeking better ways to engage in the circular economy.
Security Issue
The data reveals a critical paradox: while total financial losses have recently declined, the number of scam reports remains alarmingly high, indicating a tactical shift towards "smaller amounts, more often." This constant, low-level threat erodes user confidence and confirms a massive need for a platform built not for scale, but for safety.
Interview Result
Our interviews revealed a fundamental shift in what matters to users: the focus is moving from what is being sold to who is selling. This change is driven by a desire to 'browse' a seller's taste rather than just search for items, and a deep need for trust that is primarily built through the safety of 'local' meetups and the seller's authentic 'vibe'.
Shared Interests to Trusted Transactions
Mite introduces 'Threads,' Users can subscribe to categories that reflect their passions, allowing them to both discover items from like-minded sellers and build genuine connections. This transforms the marketplace into a social space, where transactions are a natural outcome of trust built upon shared interests.
Your Verified Local Marketplace
We require mandatory GPS authentication, meaning users can only trade within their confirmed neighbourhood. This hyper-local model eliminates remote scams and ensures every interaction is with a genuine neighbour.
Yellow card
When a user is reported, they receive a temporary 'Yellow Card' that is visibly displayed on their profile and in chats. The card activates a probationary period, offering a chance to rebuild trust. However, a second report during this time results in removal, ensuring the long-term safety and integrity of the Mite ecosystem.
