Shop the World

Overview

As part of a collaborative pitch between eBay and Google, I designed the UI for a proposed mobile web app inspired by eBay’s 2014 Shop the World campaign. The concept aimed to combine eBay’s extensive global inventory with Google’s scalable mapping and imaging services to create a shopping experience driven by exploration and discovery.
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The Challenge

At the time, eBay’s mobile web experience existed separately from its core site, presenting an opportunity to add value with a mobile-first design. The goal was to envision how two technology leaders could merge their platforms into a seamless, engaging experience that encouraged repeat visits. The design needed to balance the practical utility of eBay’s e-commerce system with the aspirational, exploratory appeal of Google Maps—transforming shopping into a journey rather than a transaction.

The Approach

I developed the interface with a mobile-first mindset, ensuring usability and engagement on smaller screens before scaling to desktop. The experience was anchored by a world map, with destinations pinned to highlight shoppable eBay Collections inspired by each region. Users could tap to zoom in through Google Mapping, where dynamic images and local context paired with curated products. A “Spin the Globe” feature added an element of gamification, sending shoppers to new destinations with every spin. The design emphasized intuitive navigation and visual storytelling to make discovery feel effortless and rewarding.
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The Outcome

Though the concept was developed for a pitch and not fully realized, it demonstrated the potential of blending e-commerce and mapping technology to create a dynamic, adventure-driven shopping experience. The project showcased my ability to approach UI/UX design strategically, using mobile-first thinking to elevate brand storytelling and enhance user engagement.