Design an app for renting RVs.

The interviewer is asking you to conceptualize, plan, and design an application meant for renting recreational vehicles (RVs). The question tests your understanding of user experience, technical problem-solving skills, design thinking, as well as your creativity. Here's how you can approach answering this question:

1. Understand the problem: Explain who the app's users might be and what their needs and pain points likely are.
2. Propose a solution: Describe how the app could meet the user's needs.
3. Define the user journey: Explain how users would interact with the app from start to finish.
4. Discuss the technical concerns: You should briefly discuss how you'll handle data, security, payment system, etc.
5. Improvisation: Mention potential for future extensions of the app, like new features or functionalities that could be added later.

Understanding the need to simplify the RV rental process, I propose an application called "RVentures". The app will offer a platform for RV owners to list their vehicles and for customers to easily browse, book, and pay for rentals.

The user journey would begin with signup/login – potentially using social media accounts for simplicity. Users can choose to sign up as either a renter or rentee. Renters would list their RVs with details like make, model, year, amenities, rental price, location, and collection details. Rentees would be presented with a simple, clean interface to search and filter through available RVs, based on various factors like price, size, location, etc.

For the technical aspect, secure data handling would be key as the app will be storing sensitive user information. Payment can be done via PayPal or credit card – providing a secure and familiar method of paying for the users. We would also ensure that renter and rentee communication occurs within the app to maintain user safety and retain control over the rental process.

Potential future extensions could include a rating system for both renters and rentees, a recommendation algorithm based on user history, integration with mapping software for journey planning, and a service for pre-stocking the RV with supplies.

The app, which I would call "Roameasy", is designed to connect RV owners with potential renters in a seamless and secure way.

Users would be prompted to sign up as an RV owner or a renter during the initial setup. Owners would give details about their RVs including model, year, amenities, location, and price per day/week/month. Renters can then search for and book RVs using filter options like location, price range, and specific amenities.

To protect user data, secure encryptions would be used, especially when handling payment and personal information. An in-app messaging function allows renters and owners to communicate without sharing personal contact information.

For payments, options such as all major credit cards, PayPal, and Venmo would be offered for user convenience. The payment would be held in escrow until after the RV has been successfully picked up – mitigating chances of fraudulent listings.

In terms of potential improvements, features like user feedback and rating system, integration with GPS apps for easy route planning, push notifications on deals, and a favorite list of preferred RVs could be considered.