< Back to ProjectsThe Style Me app is a personal project I created my first year as a UX student with the intention of helping people organize their clothing based on similarities, style, and occasion. I revisited the project for my senior design capstone to make improvements which were further vindicated through user and faculty feedback.
Previous research was conducted on this type of application, and based on reported user issues there was a demand for my application. My research included finding reviews of other closet organizers and applying that to my design and its content.
Some of the various issues found on similar style applications were:
For maximum scannability, I wanted to lay out all the information in a top to bottom fashion. The menu on the bottom of the screen includes icons next to the text options so that the user can easily navigate through each. By instituting icons, ie: closet icon for closet, the user easily recognizes what the icons are and what they mean. The use of colored buttons and fonts makes it easier for the user to see what and where they can tap. The user should not be required to think, but should be intuitive when navigating; one of the essential rules when designing for usability.
Based on user feedback, there were areas that could be improved in the original application. The homepage needed to be cleared of clutter in hopes of a creating a clean, presentable aesthetic. This was done by reducing layout of the main page for essential information only. Navigation on the bottom, available clothing options, and inclusion of a back button for the retracing of steps in the closet, profile, and calendar pages, are important changes implemented in the finalized application.
Another common issue for users was difficulty identifying what the icons represented; the solution was to provide captions for the icons to clear all confusion. The icons and pictures were reimagined to create a more intuitive user experience.
I used Open Sans font, a commonly used font for mobile devices, as the usage of this font increases readability and can scale much more easily when responsive design is used.
The color palette is minimal to keep attention focused on the content and imagery. The palette of pink, burgundy, and salmon relate to the core values of energy, creativity, and imagination. I additionally used the color scheme because the palette creates a cohesive design that is calming.
As this being the first product I’ve designed independently, there were some valuable lessons learned. I found that empathizing with my audience and designing for their needs and not my own was of upmost importance. I enjoyed the opportunity to further explore and devise multiple ways to solve unforeseen issues and understand why I made my prior design choices.
The visual layout is essential in conveying a personal message of the product in a nonverbal manner through color scheme, photo setup, and icon choice. Most importantly, the visual layout should not distract from the usability of the application; it should enhance it.
This project outlined how the decision process is constantly occurring before, during, and after completion of designing any product. At first glance, I believed I created a functional and usable product, but after much time and consideration, I realized there can always be improvements made to encapsulate an efficient and memorable product.
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