HACKATHON
1st Place
DURATION
5 Days
TOOLS
Figma
Problem Space (Shopify Design Sprint)
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, retailers have been compelled to either shutter their physical stores or reduce their hours of operation to help contain the spread of the virus. Consequently, there is an urgent need to discover innovative ways for brick-and-mortar businesses to adapt to the evolving consumer expectations surrounding in-person shopping experiences worldwide, while also leveraging their unique in-store advantages in the online sphere.
Secondary Research
Before we embarked on formulating an "HMW" (How Might We) statement, our team identified a pervasive challenge faced by online shoppers, namely the difficulty of finding clothing that fits well. To corroborate our findings, we conducted thorough secondary research by gathering relevant data, written studies, reports, and articles.
What did we discover?
Through primary and secondary research as well as interviews, I sought to explore the physical impact of extended desk work on young professionals and confirm the viability of a possible solution.
Shopify's Design Challenge
Design Challenge Reframed
Primary Research
Our aim in conducting 15 interviews is to gain insights into the perspectives of online shoppers. Our objective is to listen to their goals and challenges, enabling us to develop an effective and streamlined solution that could revolutionize the way people shop online. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a deep sense of empathy with the users we are designing for.
Participant Criteria
Millennial:
Ages 22 – 38
Located in Canada
Interview Insights
Hypothesis
We believe that giving customers their accurate sizing will make them happier with their purchase and lower return rates. We will know we are right when we see positive reviews around sizing, decreased returns, and increased conversion.
Assumptions
The Persona
Based on our research findings, we have crafted a Primary Persona who is diligent in trying to determine the best fit for themselves based on the brand and region. However, this individual still encounters a significant pain point in the form of the lack of standardized sizing across brands. As we design our solution, we have remained steadfast in prioritizing the user's needs and expectations in order to enhance the online shopping experience, ultimately driving customer satisfaction and reducing return rates.
Experience Map
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the problem space at hand, I created an experience map to illustrate the user journey of purchasing clothing in its current state. Through this visualization, we were able to identify the various peaks and valleys of the journey, pinpointing key moments where our solution could significantly enhance the user's shopping experience.
Our team's primary research revealed that interviewees frequently encounter the challenge of locating their ideal size when shopping for clothing, a frustration stemming from inconsistent sizing practices across different brands and countries.
Ideation + Sketches
Using the Crazy 8's Method, our team generated a diverse range of sketches exploring various iterations and layouts that our solution could adopt, encompassing everything from app-based designs to browser plug-ins and 3D scanning. To determine the most promising ideas to pursue further as we moved towards prototyping, we engaged in thoughtful discussion, critique, and voting, utilizing the dot voting method.
Competetive Analysis
Kiwi Sizing is a leading size recommender tool on Shopify, enabling users to input their custom sizes for optimal accuracy. While the plug-in currently necessitates multiple manual measuring and data entry steps, it remains the top sizing solution on the platform. To optimize the user experience, we believe there are ample opportunities to streamline the process by integrating LiDAR technology.
Solution + Prototyping (V1 vs V2)
Initially, Prototype V1 (on the left) adopted a traditional approach, which upon further examination, was found to be lacking in user-friendliness. We also discovered that Shopify predominantly emphasizes plug-in solutions over app-based designs. This prompted us to make a critical pivot towards a browser-based plug-in and incorporate the advanced 3D scanning technology provided by the latest iPhone 12, known as LiDAR. As you can see in Prototype V2 (on the right), our solution has undergone a significant shift as a result of this pivot.
Mid-Fi Wireframes
Hi-fi Prototype
Browser Plug-in Integration
Goal: Easily Accessible
We have integrated a button, named "Custom Syze," into the customer shopping experience available on various e-commerce websites. This button enables users to create personalized profiles that can be accessed across multiple shopping platforms, ensuring seamless and convenient sizing checks. It was a paramount consideration for us to make this feature accessible to the general user.
3D Body Scan
Goal: Lose The Measuretape
We have integrated a button, named "Custom Syze," into the customer shopping experience available on various e-commerce websites. This button enables users to create personalized profiles that can be accessed across multiple shopping platforms, ensuring seamless and convenient sizing checks. It was a paramount consideration for us to make this feature accessible to the general user.
Size Recommendation
Goal: Best Fit Matching
We have integrated a button, named "Custom Syze," into the customer shopping experience available on various e-commerce websites. This button enables users to create personalized profiles that can be accessed across multiple shopping platforms, ensuring seamless and convenient sizing checks. It was a paramount consideration for us to make this feature accessible to the general user.
Success Metrics
Increased sales conversions
Decreased return rates in regards to fit + sizing issues
Increase in positive customer reviews + ratings
Next Steps
Allowing this technology to be available for Android users as well
Increase the integration of the Syze plug-in into a variety of Shopify apparel merchants
Continue testing the plug-in feature, obtain user/merchant feedback, iterate and improve
Key Learnings
What did I learn?
Through the process of ideating and conceptualizing various solutions, I have come to realize my passion for designing with the intention of enhancing efficiency and reducing anxiety for users. It's an exhilarating feeling to know that my design choices can positively impact people's lives.
While designing, it can be tempting to incorporate numerous features into the solution, but this approach often leads to unsatisfactory results. Therefore, it's crucial to focus on a single task and execute it to the best of our abilities to create a meaningful impact.
What would I do differently?
Given more time, I would have relished the opportunity to explore additional iterations and variations of the user interface. While I am satisfied with the end result, I believe that there is always potential for further refinement. Regrettably, due to unforeseen complications and shifts in the project scope, we were unable to undertake thorough usability testing. Nonetheless, we were fortunate to have received valuable guidance and support from our Shopify mentors throughout the development process.