Nutume (“new to me”) Marketplace and App Prototype
Nutume (“new to me”) Marketplace and App Prototype
Joshua Shephard
2024
Summary
About nutume: nutume is a revolutionary app designed to foster the give-and-take of unwanted items within local communities, allowing users to share and acquire goods for free. Developed through Warwick Enterprise, nutume aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability by connecting people with shared needs and interests.
Focus Group Insights: Recently, we conducted a focus group with University of Warwick students to gather feedback on the design and concept of the nutume app. Although in-person meetings were not feasible due to term-end scheduling conflicts, we adapted by sending out a detailed presentation of the app prototype via email, inviting participants to share their thoughts.
What We Learned:
· Visual Appeal: The app’s design received high praise for its appealing visuals, user-friendly colour scheme, and minimalistic style. The use of cartoon-style imagery and the easy-to-read fonts were well-received, though some participants suggested that the imagery could better reflect our mission of reducing waste.
· User Interface: The app’s intuitive design, with tabs located at the bottom and a search bar at the top, was seen as easy to navigate. The unique language used within the app, such as “nu” instead of “new,” was appreciated as a way to reinforce the brand. The community-centered focus and features like the map and forum were highlighted as particularly valuable.
· Areas for Improvement: Participants suggested that the app’s homepage could be simplified, with clearer distinctions between “Listings” and “Wanted” items. They also recommended enhancements such as a comment section for listings, more interaction opportunities via the forum, and specific notifications for desired items.
Potential and Challenges: The feedback confirmed that nutume is well-suited for use in tight-knit communities, especially on university campuses. However, concerns were raised about the initial adoption of the app, particularly the challenge of populating it with listings. Additionally, the presence of established competitors and the high cost of app development were noted as potential hurdles.
The Journey So Far: Building nutume as a student entrepreneur has been both rewarding and challenging. The freedom to shape a business from the ground up is exciting, but it also demands significant time, effort, and perseverance. While support for startups at Warwick could be improved, the experience has been invaluable, providing essential skills and opportunities for growth.
Looking Ahead: With the valuable insights gained from our focus group, nutume is poised to refine its design and continue its journey towards becoming a key platform for sustainable living and community connection. We are grateful for the support received and look forward to further developing nutume into a tool that empowers communities to reduce waste and share resources.