Lonely Items
Case Study / Mobile App / UI UX
A digital thrift store at hostels where GenZ backpackers can share, give away, or pick up free travel essentials from fellow travelers.
Time
5 weeks
Team
Min Htet Aung
Lika kadagishvili
Star
My role
UX Researcher
UI Design
Tools
Figma
Google Suits
Helping GenZ Backpackers stretch their budget—while staying true to their values
Lonely Planet has guided generations of travelers with its trusted recommendations and global insights. But with changing travel behaviors and values, there's a need to realign with a new audience: Gen Z. These young backpackers prioritize sustainability, community, and conscious consumption. Yet, many struggle with planning, often leading to unnecessary purchases and overconsumption. They seek ways to stretch their budget by reusing and sharing items while staying true to their values. The goal is to understand and support Gen Z’s desire for meaningful, budget-friendly, and eco-conscious travel.
An opportunity to digitize the analog in the backpacker experience
To identify key gaps and opportunities to better support modern travelers' evolving needs, we analyzed the Gen Z backpacker journey across pre-travel, during-travel, and post-travel phases, focusing on the tools and services used throughout by examining Lonely Planet within the broader travel ecosystem.


X(Twitter)
Calendar
TikTok
TikTok
Blogs
Books
Threads
Websites
Magazine
Friends/Family
Travel Agency
Influencers
Differenf artists
IG
TV
Movies
Songs
Youtube
Youtube
X(Twitter)
Ads
TikTok
TikTok
Books
Threads
Websites
IG
IG
Youtube
Google Map
Researching the weather
& cultural norms
ChatGPT
Friends/Family
Google Search
Travel Agency
Google Sheet
Google Docs
Tripadvisor
Passport
Notes
Insurance
Vaccination
Visa
Packing reusable
items
Buying secondhand
Renting travel gear
First aid kit
Budget Tracking Apps
Weather app
Hostel World
Bank apps
Discussion with Friends
Currency Changing
Language apps
City Guides
Hostel World
Booking.Com
Agoda.App
Contacting friends
Travel agency
Eco-friendly
hostels
sleeper trains
Tripadvisor app
Google Translate
Air.bnb
Couch.Surfing
Currency Changing
Restaurant
Public transport
Roaming Internet
Toilet
Friend/Family
Checking weather
Sim Card
Tour guide
Airport Wifi
Weather App
Bolt
Grab
TADA
Viabus
Metro Transit
Google Map
Google Translate
City Guides
Rent a transport
Public transport
Volunteering for sustainability
Other travellers
Viabus
Hotels
Eco-friendly Hostels
Thrift Stores
Eating
Grab
Google Map
Bolt
Checking weather
TADA
Metro Transit
QueQ
Food Panda
LINEMAN
Calendar
Weather App
Website
Books
Airbnb Experience
Meetup app
TADA
Grab
Google Translate
Metro Transit
Roadtrippers app
Google Map
Camera
Bolt
Destination Guides
Viabus
Taking photos & Videos
Interactive Maps
HostelWorld
Trying local food
Walking, biking, or using public transport
Adventure activities (e.g., hiking, diving)
Visiting landmarks, museums, and cultural sites
Volunteering for sustainability
Asking local
Portable Charger
Physical Tickets or Passes
Eco-friendly Hostels
Thrift Stores
Couchsurfing
iOverlander:
For discovering camping spots, fuel stations, and more
Komoot App:
For outdoor trails and hiking routes
Tinder
Grindr
World Tracker
Phrase Books
Google Translate
Strangers
Social events
Meetup app
Airbnb Experience
X(Twitter)
TikTok
Threads
Blogs
Family & Friends
Diary
Youtube
Blogs
Diary
Notes
Word of mouth
Photos
Youtube
Messaging Apps
Unpacking
Restocking for next trip
Swapping or donating
travel gear
Cleaning
Laundry
Settling the debt
Organizing souvenirs
Reselling items
that are no longer needed
Budget Tracking Apps
To-do list or planner apps
Banking apps
Fitness & wellness apps
Volunteering for sustainability
Lonely Planet Product
Digital Tools
Analog Tools & Activities
From ecosystem map, we found out that there are some phases where Lonely Planet’s services lack. Among them, we chose Micro Planning and Settling Phase as our opportunity area to digitalize the analog experience during the trip because, despite all the digital tools available, many backpackers still rely on offline methods. We want to help them as an essential tool that would be specifically needed for backpackers and the first thing they remembered on their trip.
No trusted, flexible way for backpackers to access gear on the go
We explored existing marketplaces to see how travelers access essentials. Physical options were often out of reach, and digital ones lacked trust and timing flexibility. While others focus on sustainability, no platform truly supports Gen Z backpackers looking for affordable, secure, and accessible gear on the go. That’s where we saw the gap—and the opportunity.
Criteria
Marketplace
Freecycle
Carousell
Hostels
Thrift
Stores
Lonely Items
Being safe from getting scammed
Not having to wait to get the item
Not having to wade through unnecessary items
Finding items within walking distance
Being able to reserve the item
The biggest struggle? Knowing what to pack and what you’ll actually need
We interviewed 22 backpackers including 11 male and 5 female travelers, from countries like UK, Belgium, Australia, France & Georgia. Some were traveling solo, others in groups, but most were on extended trips of at least 3 months, exploring Southeast Asia.
Our goal was to understand the real struggles Gen Z backpackers face throughout their journey. In the first round, we focused on broad questions—what challenges they encountered, how they prepared, and what surprised them. Many shared the same issue: figuring out what to bring and what they'd actually end up needing.
In the second round, we asked more targeted questions around packing, sharing, and item management. We noticed a pattern—many travelers left behind useful items they no longer needed, often unsure what to do with them.


From light packers to over-preparers, each reveals unique challenges and behaviors
After analyzing patterns from our interviews , we created three backpacker personas based on packing habits, budget strategies, and how they find essentials on the road. From light packers to over-preparers, each reveals unique challenges and behaviors—highlighting key opportunities to support Gen Z travelers.

Under-packed Uma
“I like traveling light affordably, so often I end up forgetting things I need”
Pain Points
I often forget essential items.
It’s hard to get all needed items and also stay sustainable.
Packing process is overwhelming and boring.
Workarounds
I ask hostels if there are any left-behind items.
I try to borrow or exchange, but sometimes I need to buy a new one.
I ask experienced travelers to make it easy.

Perfectly packed Pedro
“I always plan ahead, but unexpected situations arise during a trip, forcing me to find essential items.”
Pain Points
Despite planning, long trips require items I didn’t anticipate.
Based on my next destination, I often need to rearrange packing.
I struggle to balance packing light with having what I truly need.
Workarounds
I look for the needed items ungently.
I donate or give away what I don’t need for the next destination.
I bring multiple purposes items.

Over packed Oren
“I always pack too much and end up with things I don’t use.”
Pain Points
I overpack, and I realize I don’t need most of the items I bring.
I am afraid to not be prepared for emergency situations.
Carrying all the unnecessary gear makes traveling uncomfortable and tiring.
Workarounds
Sometimes I leave extra items at the hostels.
I pack everything I might need for any possible situation.
I end up spending money to ship items home.
Behind the counter: One keeps it green, the other keeps it running
We also identified two hostel staff personas from our interviews. These represent the people who manage left-behind items and interact daily with backpackers—making them essential players in the item-sharing ecosystem.

Sustainable Som
“We always have items left behind, and I’d love to make them useful again."
Pain Points
Wants to ensure the left-behind items don’t go to waste.
Needs something to make her hostel stand out.
When the left-behind items pile up, I have to go and donate them.
Workarounds
Tells new backpackers at the hostel that they can ask her to look for the items they need.
Promotes the hostel's sustainability efforts by offering left-behind items for free
Collaborates with local organizations to manage excess items efficiently.

Busy Bella
“With so many guests coming and going, we lack time to check the storage for items new backpackers might need.”
Pain Points
Not sure the owners will come back to pick up the items or not.
Doesn’t have time to give away the left-behind items to guests.
Can’t keep the left-behind items for long periods.
Workarounds
Contacts the owners and delivers to them if they request.
Only gives items to guests upon request but doesn’t promote this service.
Rotates storage by periodically donating older unclaimed items to the staffs and charity organization.
Hostels hold onto left-behind items—but there’s no system for reuse or sharing
We also spoke with hostel staffs from 8 hostels to understand their side of the story. Most confirmed that backpackers regularly leave items behind, and many hostels keep these things—sometimes for reuse, sometimes just piling up.



Lonely Items
A digital thrift store at hostels where GenZ backpackers can share, give away, or pick up free travel essentials from fellow travelers.
A system that lets backpackers pick up free items from hostels nearby
Hostels list left-behind items they’re willing to pass on.
Backpackers browse and reserve what they need before or during their stay.
They pick up the items directly at the hostel—no shipping, no waste.
Let’s see
how might Sustainable Som get rid of the left behind items at her hostel.

Sustainable
Som
Sustainable Som wants to list some left behind items so she opens the account firstly.


Sustainable
Som
Som starts listing items in the markplace.

Great !
Sustainable Som successfully listed the left behind items and they are now visible and can be reserved and picked up by anyone who needs them.
Now
How might Under packed Uma get a free power bank that is already listed at Sustainable Som’s Hostel and reduce e-waste.

Underpacked
Uma
Underpacked Uma needs a powerbank on the way and starts browsing. The app displays available items in nearby hostels, starting from the closest to the farthest, based on her current location.


Underpacked
Uma
Uma reserved the item and set out to the hotel to pick up.


Sustainable
Som
Som scans the QR code from Uma, views the reservation details and then confirms the pickup.


Sustainable
Som

Underpacked
Uma
Now Underpacked Uma successfully picks up the powerbank at the Sustainable Som Hostel.

Successful!
Now Under packed Uma gets a free power bank and gives it a sustainable second life and Sustainable Som can now get rid of the power bank instead of letting it pile up in storage.
The underlying structure of the app to guide users smoothly from search to pickup
There are two sitemaps for both backpackers and hostels.
Backpacker (18 pages)
Home/Items Nearby
0.0
Reservation
1.0
My Profile
3.0
Notification
2.0
Hostel Profile
4.0
Item’s Detail
4.1
Setting
3.2
Edit Profile
3.2.1
Switch Account
3.1
Confirm Reservation
4.1.1
Successful
4.1.1.1
Reservation Detail (QR)
4.1.1.1.1
Onboarding
A1
User Selection
B1
Create Account
B1.1.1
Forgot Password
B1.1.2
Login
B1.1
Terms & Conditions
B1.1.1.1
Hostel Operator (22 Pages)
Home/List
0.0
Reservation
1.0
My Profile
3.0
Notification
2.0
Add Item
0.1
Adding Confirmation
0.1.1
Successful
0.1.1.1
Backpacker’s Profile
1.3
Scan QR
1.2
Cancellation
1.1.1
Pickup Confirmation
1.2.1
Successful
1.2.1.1
Reservation Details
1.1
Setting
3.1
Switch Account
3.2
Edit Profile
3.1.1
Onboarding
A1
User Selection
B1
Create Account
B1.1.1
Forgot Password
B1.1.2
Login
B1.1
Terms & Conditions
B1.1.1.1
From listing to pickup: what the flow looks like for every user
For both sides, there are a total four user flows: listing item process, reservation process, picking up process and giving away item process.
Listing Process of the Hostel Operator
Picking Up Process of the Hostel Operator
Reservation Process of the Backpacker
Pick Up Process of the Backpacker
How we create UI Design
While creating UI design, we focused on creating a calm, utility-first experience. The goal was to keep the interface clean, clear, and easy to navigate, even in unpredictable environments. We drew inspiration from Lonely Planet’s brand palette, adapting its iconic blue, yellow, and green into a digital context:
#1D508D
#FEC83E
#1FC98D
#FFFFFF
#0D0D0D
Helvetica Neue
ABCDEFGHIJKLM
NOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklm
nopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890!@#$
From uncertainty to clarity—what this project revealed about process and people
This project helped me not only grow as a teammate and designer but also understand the core problem we set out to solve—how Gen Z backpackers can access essential travel items in a smarter, more sustainable way.
Through research, interviews, and concept development, I learned how to break down complex user journeys and translate real pain points into meaningful design opportunities. It also improved my time management, storytelling, and collaboration skills.
Working with a supportive and balanced team taught me how to contribute confidently, even outside my comfort zone, and reinforced how important clear communication and shared responsibility are to a successful outcome.


Get In Touch
@2025 Sandi Zaw Myint(Star)