Personalized SHOPPING service FOR consignment mvp
DURATION:
90 hours
PROJECT YEAR:
2021
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
User Research
Information Architecture
Visual Design
Wireframing
Prototype
Usability Testing
ORIGINAL PROJECT OVERVIEW
Scope and Focus: An iOS-based personalized service MVP integrated into a consignment store app like Grailed, Depop, Mercari, ThredUp, etc. This MVP is designed for users who consciously avoid fast fashion stores, prioritizing environmental sustainability. The integrated personalized service enables users to efficiently search the app's inventory by scanning images of their preferred outfits. Connecting this MVP to a consignment app provides a practical business purpose, distinguishing it from a mere source of inspiration for users.
Phase 1: obtaining insight into users’ needs
USER INTERVIEWS:
Prior to designing, I aimed to understand my target audience, originally targeting teens to college students. Struggling to find suitable interviewees in this age range, I initially approached colleagues, but their connections showed no interest. Adapting, I shifted focus to individuals aged mid-20s to mid-30s. Exploring fashion inspiration sources within this group, including celebrity emulation and sustainability attitudes, aimed to validate the MVP design's viability.
Who did I interview?
I pulled users for this interview who have general knowledge of online shopping and are knowledgeable of the latest fashion trends.
Ages 25-35 who are full-time employees and have a steady income.
Interview findings:
of the participants said they could see themselves using this personalized service fashion app as a tool to browse through but wouldn’t use it as a shopping tool.
of the participants use Instagram as their main social media tool for inspiration.
of the participants view sustainability as being very important but they don’t trust the companies when they say they’re being sustainable. All participants don’t think that brands are doing enough to be truly sustainable.
of the participants have mentioned that they also like to look to the “real world” for inspiration; not just through a screen.
“I think the fashion industry has a lot of work to do when it comes to sustainability, But I also think that fashion will never be fully sustainable because trends are nonstop. however, I do think that incorporating thrift into current trends is one of the better ways that fashion can be sustainable.”
— Sue Smith, Participant 3
Phase 2: CONCEPTualize HOW TO ORGANIZE THE APP
Information Architecture:
I analyzed second-hand clothing apps like Mercari, Depop, and Grailed, emphasizing interface structures over visual design. The goal was not to create a consignment store app but to understand page layout, navigation, and flow. Despite different visual styles, these apps shared similar functionality. For enhanced accessibility, I integrated the new camera tool into the navigation alongside shop, account, and cart icons. After importing a photo, the camera icon transforms into a scan button, allowing users to highlight and scan the clothing item for AI detection.
Create a Task Flow:
While evaluating the new tool's user experience and functionality, I identified an accessibility challenge with the app's camera feature. To address potential delays in loading and accessing the camera, especially for capturing moving targets, I proposed two solutions. Users can either utilize their smartphone's native camera and import the image into the app or access a dedicated camera tool integrated into the app's navigation. Despite providing multiple access methods, I assumed users would prefer the convenience of the native camera, aligning with research indicating users draw fashion inspiration from the real world. This approach allows for quicker photo capture compared to using the app's camera.
PHase 3: design interface based on research findings
TOUCHPOINTS:
What features need to be designed and what puzzle pieces need to fit together for this solution to come to life. For this feature, it’s the ability to import an image through the photo library, the scan feature, and the AI that would give this tool the ability to search the app’s inventory.
1. Highlighting user actions with red boxes for clarity, I focused on access via the smartphone camera, using iOS as the reference. Imagine a user on their way to work, spotting an outfit they like but can’t locate. They quickly capture a photo to search for a similar hoodie on the consignment app. The slides show the photo highlighted in red within their library.
2. After selecting an image, users see the chosen photo and options for importing it. Scrolling reveals the consignment store app icon. The final slide confirms the photo for import.
3. The next slides show the process after importing a photo into the consignment app. First, the captured photo appears with an inactive scan button. Users must highlight the clothing item by touch and drag to activate it. The final slides showcase the AI scanning, gathering data, and displaying matching inventory items.
4. These slides outline the final checkout steps. Post-scan, the AI organizes similar items in a carousel. Selecting a hoodie leads to a detail page with consignment info, reviews, and an offer button for price negotiation. After agreeing, users verify details on the cart page and proceed to the checkout to complete the purchase.
NEXT PHASE: MVP Launch
Upcoming steps involve a usability test for insights, guiding iterative updates to enhance performance and user satisfaction. The app's roadmap prioritizes strategic initiatives, emphasizing user feedback, regular updates, and feature enhancements for sustained competitiveness.
We aim to implement a strategic marketing campaign pivotal for the app's successful launch, creating awareness and driving user engagement. Careful planning across platforms will showcase unique features and address user pain points for effective market penetration.
Looking forward, I plan to integrate innovative features and leverage emerging technologies. The inclusion of user-generated content and expanded social features will contribute to a vibrant user community. Our journey, from conceptualization to ongoing refinement, reflects our dedication to user satisfaction. Success is measured by initial reception and the app's ability to evolve.