Vanity
A social media platform for cosmetics enthusiasts.
UX design, Product design
Primary and secondary research, concept direction, information architecture, low-mid-high fidelity prototyping, wireframing, visual design
kick-off
For this side project, I set out to challenge myself by venturing into a new field without prior expertise and starting from the ground up. Although I had limited knowledge of the beauty industry, I embraced this as an opportunity to approach problems with a fresh perspective. Leveraging this approach, I was able to lay a strong foundation for the design and incorporate a user-centric experience. As there were no predefined rules to follow, I had the freedom to explore various design possibilities and develop a unique solution.
In today's information-heavy world, it can be challenging for people to distinguish between what is true and false. As a result, individuals often find themselves uncertain about the accuracy of the information they come across. This is particularly true regarding cosmetics, as people are often curious about the makeup products used by their favourite celebrities, influencers, and acquaintances.
To address this issue, I aim to develop a platform to provide users with reliable information about cosmetics and makeup. By helping users understand the specific products used by the individuals they admire and tailoring recommendations to their preferences, I hope to assist them in creating a makeup look that they are happy with.
setting
challenge
In today's society, cosmetics have become more than just a beauty trend but a means of self-expression and confidence-building for people of all ages and genders. However, with the overwhelming amount of online information, it can be difficultc for individuals to find the right products that fit their needs and preferences. It often requires extensive research or consulting with professionals, which can be time-consuming and frustrating. Additionally, the validity of the information available is not always apparent.
For the design process, my goal is to create a platform that simplifies the process of discovering and selecting cosmetics products by providing accurate and personalized recommendations. By utilizing user preferences and other data, this platform will assist users in finding the right cosmetics for them quickly and easily.
solution
Vanity is an innovative solution that aims to simplify choosing cosmetics and makeovers by connecting people who use them through a comprehensive community platform. Our platform provides a forum for users to share valuable information about their cosmetics and makeup techniques, enabling them to make informed decisions.
With Vanity, users can save their favourite products and create presets for future use. This feature provides a personalized experience that matches the user's preferences, making it easier for them to achieve their desired look. Vanity's community-driven approach also allows users to connect with others who share similar interests and learn from their experiences.
Our platform is designed to be user-friendly, providing a seamless experience that is easy to navigate. By utilizing Vanity, users can save time, avoid the frustration of sifting through massive amounts of information online and have access to credible and trustworthy information from fellow users.
target
Vanity is a platform for individuals who use cosmetics, including skincare and beauty products, seeking reliable information and recommendations. It is especially beneficial for those looking to expand their knowledge of makeup or who want to connect with others who share the same interests.
Mockup
Home Page
Design homepage to feature popular product and celebrity ads and feeds.
Searching Tab
Effortlessly search for makeup and skincare products using keywords, with additional keyword suggestions to assist in finding desired items.
Social Network
Try Out
Final Prototype : Vanity
process
secondary research
The global beauty industry is estimated to hit $716.6 billion by 2025.
The worldwide skincare products market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.69% by 2026.
The organic and natural beauty product market is estimated to hit $54 billion in 2027.
31% of women aged 18 to 29 apply makeup every day.
75% of customers are more likely to buy personalized products.
Consumers are 40% more willing to try new beauty products.
71% of beauty buyers claim Instagram helps them connect with content creators and beauty brands.
As the global cosmetic market grows, it is expected that the ingredients and functions of products that consumers demand will increase. The market will respond to this and satisfy their needs, which will confuse the number of products for beginners in the cosmetics industry and users who are already using cosmetics.
opportunity
A platform that addresses users' needs without the need to search through social media or beauty brands represents an excellent design opportunity.
primary research
I interviewed 20 people from 14 to 53 years old (cosmopolitan commuting to work daily) to gather their opinions on cosmetics.
pain points
Based on interviews and conversations with a diverse group of people, I analyzed their feedback and used it to guide the design of the Vanity project. The next step was translating their needs into the project's core design elements.
essence
Referring to the project's original direction and the insightful data gathered from the interviews, the Vanity project's design essence was formulated.
Emotional desire of user
Personalization
Efficiency
Curiousity
Connection
Being torn
Easy to use
Approachable
Design essence
Adaptive
Informative
Communication
Community
Seamless
Minimal
Accessible
market research
In analyzing the competition, I categorized them into primary and secondary competitors and evaluated their strengths and weaknesses based on functionality.
The secondary competitors, Make up plus, Skincare routine, and Beautylish, are all in the beauty industry but focus on different aspects such as cosmetic testing, skincare, and makeup. I tried Makeup plus and found that the cosmetic testing photo it produces looks unnatural and untrustworthy. Although the Skincare routine had a great concept, it fell short by not providing the whole ingredients list of the cosmetics. Lastly, Beautylish offers pro tips and tutorials, but I felt the information provided was nothing new and easily found on Youtube.
By examining existing products in the market, I identified the best area of opportunity for Vanity and confirmed its unique identity. While it may not be possible to incorporate all of the advantages and eliminate all of the disadvantages of competing products, these are crucial points that Vanity should consider during the design process.
synthesis
This project's concept was developed by combining in-depth research insights with critical thinking.
information architecture
I simplified and refined the project by removing unnecessary content and irrelevant features during development. Then, I created a wireframe iteration to visualize the flow. However, to ensure the infrastructure was flawless, I conducted user testing.
low-fidelity
Following the information architecture, I created a low-fidelity prototype to serve as the foundation of the final design. This prototype will be used for user testing.
user testing
Before conducting user testing, I categorized the testers into two groups: beginners (those who had not used a beauty app before) and experienced users (those who had used a beauty app more than once). This allowed me to gain insights into the convenience of all testers, identify pain points that were felt differently by each group, and examine ways to address diverse responses.
mid-fidelity
I developed a mid-fidelity prototype by incorporating insights from user testing on the low-fidelity prototype. The prototype focused on an advanced system design that would be user-friendly. Additionally, I created visuals for the UI to get a brief idea of what the final design of Vanity would look like.
high-fidelity
A high-fidelity prototype was created with a focus on detailed design and dynamic flow tests between pages. The critical points emphasized by users were systematically integrated into the Vanity project, aiming for a successful design.
visual singularity
I drew inspiration for the Vanity project UI from the palette used in painting. Makeup is essentially an art form using cosmetics as the paint and the face as the canvas. With this in mind, I used achromatic colours, particularly grayscale, in the project to enhance the impact of cosmetics and makeup. Since the primary target audience will likely be interested in aesthetics, I adopted a minimalist design approach for icons and fonts that may interest users.
the next chapter of Vanity
The following steps for Vanity involve thoroughly finalizing and testing the design to ensure it meets the target audience's needs. This includes making necessary changes based on feedback from user testing and incorporating new features as needed.
Additionally, the project team will focus on branding and marketing efforts to promote the app and reach potential users. This may involve creating a website, social media accounts, and advertising campaigns.
Overall, the goal for Vanity is to create a user-friendly and visually appealing app that helps individuals in the beauty industry with their daily routines and decision-making processes. The project team is committed to continuous improvement and welcomes user feedback to ensure the app remains relevant and valuable.