Inspiration
Through our secondary research, we are inspired by what the visual impairment group faces in their daily makeup routine. Seeing visually impaired people sharing how they find makeup products by sticking voice recording stickers to know which product is that and how they need others to help them access their makeup results, we wanted to help make the process easier by providing a more accessible solution. Thus, we came up with Glamour AI, combining the NFC technique stickers into Estée Lauder's product selling with the application scanning and analyzing the makeup results for visually impaired users.
What it does
The Glamour AI app does the following:
Differentiates make-up products: The app uses NFC technology to help visually impaired users differentiate between makeup products. The NFC tag inside the makeup product container stores important details about the product such as its type, color, and warranty information. This feature provides a solution for visually impaired individuals who often struggle to identify different makeup products, allowing them to confidently choose and use the right products for their needs.
Convenient input: The app allows users to conveniently input new products into the database by holding makeup products close to a mobile device. This feature makes it easier for visually impaired individuals to add new products to their collections and keep track of them.
Clear makeup instructions: For each makeup instruction step, the app provides clear instructions on the type of product needed and how to apply it before moving to the next step. This feature ensures that visually impaired users are able to apply makeup with confidence, knowing exactly what products to use and how to use them.
Overall makeup recommendations: The app provides overall makeup recommendations and stores profile as a future template for users. This feature makes it easier for visually impaired individuals to shop for makeup products and find the best products for their skin type and preferences.
Overall, the Glamour AI app empowers visually impaired individuals to confidently apply makeup step-by-step. With voice commands and audio instructions, the app guides users through each stage of the makeup application process, from prepping the skin to applying eyeshadow and lipstick. The app's features make it more accessible for visually impaired individuals to shop for and use makeup, providing them with the tools they need to express themselves and feel confident and beautiful.
How we built it
The Ideation of the Glamour AI app was a result of a thorough and iterative design process that encompassed deep background research and UX research.
Our team conducted extensive research to identify the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals when applying makeup. This research enabled us to identify key pain points, including selecting, applying, and storing makeup products. Based on our findings, we designed an app that prioritizes accessibility and ease of use, featuring NFC technology for differentiating between makeup products, an input feature for easily adding new products to the database, and audio and clear makeup instructions for each application step.
We also conducted extensive UX research with visually impaired individuals and makeup professionals, refining and improving our app features. We researched Android and iOS voice input and interface guidelines, allowing us to create a design that meets industry standards. Moreover, we aligned the app with Estée Lauder's branding and style guide to ensure its feasibility, integrability, and recognizability to users familiar with the brand. Our extensive research and attention to detail enabled us to develop an app that is both accessible and appealing, bridging the gap between beauty and accessibility.
Furthermore, we conducted extensive market research and developed a comprehensive business plan outlining our pricing strategy, target market, and marketing plan. We positioned our app as the go-to solution for the accessible makeup app market and developed future expansion plans, including new product markets.
Overall, the Glamour AI app was developed with a focus on accessibility, ease of use, and functionality, empowering users to feel confident and beautiful, regardless of their visual impairment.
Challenges we ran into
Designing for a diverse range of users: The needs and preferences of visually impaired users can vary widely. In addition, we wanted to make our design inclusive to also the general people, which made it challenging to design an interface that is accessible and user-friendly for all users.
Conveying visual information through non-visual means: Makeup application often involves visual cues, such as colors and shapes, which can be difficult to convey through a voice interface. Finding effective ways to describe these visual elements in a non-visual way was a challenge.
Testing with visually impaired users: Testing our app with visually impaired users was challenging, particularly because we did not have direct access to a community of visually impaired individuals. Ensuring that our testing process is accessible and inclusive can be a challenge in itself.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
The accomplishment of the Glamour AI app is that it successfully bridges the gap between beauty and accessibility, creating a solution that empowers visually impaired individuals to feel confident and beautiful while applying makeup. By implementing NFC technology, audio instructions, and clear makeup instructions for each step of the application process, the app overcomes the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals when selecting, applying, and storing makeup products. The app's focus on accessibility and ease of use allows visually impaired individuals to independently and confidently navigate the makeup application process, improving their quality of life and overall well-being. The app's success has not only provided a much-needed solution for visually impaired individuals but also sets an example for the beauty industry to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in their product designs.
What we learned
Understanding the needs of visually impaired users: Through our project, we gained a deeper understanding of the challenges visually impaired individuals face when it comes to doing makeup. This understanding can be valuable for this particular project and future projects that involve designing for users with disabilities.
The importance of clear and concise communication: When designing a voice interface app, it is crucial to communicate instructions and information clearly and concisely. This is particularly important when designing for visually impaired users, who rely heavily on auditory cues.
The importance of user testing: Testing our app with visually impaired users can help us identify any usability issues or areas for improvement. This helped us create a more effective and user-friendly app.
The potential of technology to improve accessibility: By designing an app that helps visually impaired users with a specific task, we are demonstrating the potential for technology to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. This can be a motivating factor for future projects that aim to improve accessibility through technology.
The value of collaboration: Through this collaboration, we learned the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and compromise in achieving our goals.
What's next for Glamour AI
Moving forward, the Glamour AI app has exciting plans for expansion and growth. Firstly, the app aims to integrate other makeup brands' products to provide users with a wider selection of products to choose from. This expansion requires conducting thorough research and collaboration with different makeup brands to ensure their compatibility with the app's technology.
Secondly, the app plans to include more recommended makeup templates for users. Based on the existing database, influencers, or famous people's makeup, the AI will suggest templates to users to experiment with different makeup looks and styles. By prioritizing accessibility and ease of use, visually impaired individuals can confidently use and enjoy the app.
Thirdly, the app aims to expand its functionality beyond makeup to include skincare and haircare products. This would provide users with a comprehensive beauty experience that caters to all their needs.
Fourthly, the app plans to explore partnerships with makeup brands to expand its database of products and offer more options for users. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology would personalize recommendations based on a user's skin type, preferences, and past purchases.
Finally, the app plans to continue conducting UX research and testing to ensure its intuitive and user-friendly interface for visually impaired individuals. By consistently improving and expanding the app's features, the Glamour AI app can provide an even better user experience and bridge the gap between beauty and accessibility.
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