Designers
Designers
Designers
1st Finds
Accessible luxury, curated for the emerging collector
Key Words
Designers
Priya Quinn
Zoë Claywell
Elissa Dziersk
SUMMARY
1stFinds began by identifying a key tension: 1stDibs is powerful, but not approachable—especially for emerging collectors. We analyzed user behavior and mapped a shift from search-driven browsing to discovery-led engagement. In response, we developed 1stFinds as a sub-brand centered on accessible luxury, introducing curated bundles, “Framed Finds,” and a discovery-first UX. Through prototyping and campaign design, we created a system that builds audience, drives engagement, and increases purchase frequency—reframing collecting as intuitive, social, and exploratory.
challenge
We identified that younger users are interested in 1stDibs but often feel overwhelmed by its search-heavy, high-price environment and don’t know where to start. Through user journey mapping, we saw a clear drop-off between browsing and buying—people scroll but rarely convert. This revealed a gap in how the platform supports emerging collectors, and an opportunity to shift from search to discovery, lower the barrier to entry, and create a more intuitive, engaging path into collecting.
Outcome
The project took shape as 1stFinds, a discovery-led sub-brand of 1stDibs designed for emerging collectors. We developed a system of curated bundles, “Framed Finds” editorial boards, and a discovery-first UX that replaces search with guided exploration. Supported by social and real-world activations, the platform builds engagement before conversion. This directly addresses user overwhelm by making collecting more intuitive, lowers the barrier to entry, and increases purchase frequency through inspiration-driven browsing.
MEET THE Designers:
Priya Quinn
Zoë Claywell
Elissa Dziersk