You’re scrolling through Vinted, and there it is. The perfect jacket. It’s your size. It’s such a deal. Before you know it, it’s in your cart—and maybe so are three other things you weren’t even looking for. But hey, they’re secondhand, so it’s fine… right?

Well, not exactly. Sustainable shopping isn’t just about what you buy. It’s about why you’re buying it in the first place. And an unnecessary purchase isn’t suddenly sustainable just because it’s second-hand.

This redesign introduces a Shopping Spree Alert. It’s a small delay that interrupts a potentially impulsive buy, prompting users to think twice about it: “Do I really need this?”.

It’s a purposeful pause. A moment to check in with yourself before you buy. This tiny delay can be all it takes to turn an impulsive decision into an intentional one.

The Behavioral Science Behind It

This uses Positive Friction—a well-timed speed bump that disrupts autopilot decisions. By slowing you down, it encourages reflection and promotes more mindful, intentional behaviors. When thoughtfully placed, it helps people stay true to their values—without the regret.

A Nuanced Take

Too much friction frustrates. But instead of always trying to get rid of friction in a journey, Positive Friction can be used to purposely slow you down for a good reason. In this case, it encourages mindful shopping over emotional spending. The goal isn’t to guilt anyone out of buying something they like, but to support intentional choices they’ll feel good about later.