Final Project Ideas
In my last critical making post, I did an overview of UX and technology as it manifests in the fashion and beauty industries. After my exploration, I narrowed it down to these possible projects ideas.
Below, you will find brief project descriptions, preliminary research and anticipated challenges for each project.
Smart Fitting Room
Last semester, I developed a prototype for a conversational interface in a dressing room using the Amazon Echo Look, an Alexa powdered camera specifically designed for fashion. The idea is that a customer could say. “These pants are a little tight, can I try another size?” and an alert would be sent to a sales associate to bring products to the customer.
Tech Used: RFID, Conversational Interfaces, Smart Mirror, Electronics, 3-D Modeling
How would a project work?: We have a smart mirror at the studio to play with, so I could probably set up a working demo at the studio. I think I could buy an Amazon Echo look, although they are expensive. I could also have a VR version of the model available on my portfolio.
Challenges: Some companies have already dove into this idea, which could be considered both a pro and a con. None of them were conversational, which would be my differentiator. I struggled with prototyping the skill last semester because it was so complex. I used Google Dialog as well as Bot Society, but neither of them allowed me to easily do what I wanted. I am also not sure how much customization I could do on the Amazon Echo Look as far as programming the skills.
Robotic Blow Drying Arm
Out of sheer laziness, I hate to blow dry my hair. I would love to have a robot arm that did it for me. This robot could function in one of two ways. The first idea is that it is just a blowdryer holder that moves around the head. The user would need to use a brush with his or her hands to achieve a blowout. The other idea would be a second robotic arm that brushes the hair at the same time for an entirely hands-free blowout. This would be useful for those who are lazy like me, but also for those with mobility issues. For me, accessible tech gets bonus points.
Tech Used: Electronics, Robotics, Programming, 3-D Modeling, 3-D Printing
How would a project work? I would most likely use a combination of a robotic arm kit, 3-D printing, and an Arduino or raspberry pi to accomplish this project. I would need to do some industrial design as well as UX work to determine the best way for it to work.
Challenges: There are two things holding me back from this project idea. The first is cost. From my initial research, a robotic arm kit that could accommodate the weight of a blow dryer could be anywhere from $200–$300. The second is a skill. I am horrible at electronic work as well as coding. It would be a huge technical challenge for me. Plus, I am not sure it would end up working.
Face Mapping + “Printing Makeup”
This is actually inspired by a project that ended up being a satirical piece, the Contour 8000. The idea was that a camera would take a 3-D scan of the user's face, and then airbrush makeup onto the user. I know it was a joke, but I think it is a cool idea. What if we could print make-up onto our faces?
Tech Used: 3D Modeling, Facial Scanning, and Mapping, Electronics
How might look: I would probably use an airbrushing makeup machine, some small robotic arms, and 3-D scanners.
Challenges: A huge challenge of this project would be making it work- period. This doesn't exist yet, it would be a mash-up of several other technologies and there is a big risk of failure. Beyond this, the cost would be high. An airbrush makeup system typically costs upwards of $200 dollars.s
AR/ VR Brand Pop-Up
I have a huge passion for blending physical and digital touchpoints. I am also interested in making AR and VR multisensory. Pop up experiences are becoming a widely used branding tactic in the industry. For example, Sephora Playhouse is an interactive experience that has life-sized exhibits such as a lipstick slide and palette trampoline.
Tech Used: AR/ VR, 3-D Modeling
How might look: I have always thought that perfume commercials were weird and wonderful, I could explore doing a VR version of a cool perfume commercial. It would be especially cool if this was done at perfume counters where you also could smell different scents from a brand. This Guerlain video is one example that would work nicely with VR.
Alternatively, it might be a cool way for people across the globe to explore brand pop-ups. For example, Benefit Cosmetics recently had a 50’s Themed Pink Diner pop up. It is an awesome branding opportunity. This could either be a VR experience about immersive visuals or it could be an AR experience that make use of existing spaces and brands them.
Challenges:
I don’t see any huge challenges here, except for choosing a topic. The other aspects that might become challenging are making it multisensory. I am not sure how that might work.
Other Tabled Ideas
These ideas are not rejected but have been tabled for now. I might explore them at a later date.
- AR Makeup Swatches
- Hygienic Sampling Methods
- Lipstick Packaging Customization from last semester
- Interactive Window Display
- VR Fashion Show
For now, I plan on exploring the Smart Fitting Room and Brand AR/VR pop-up. My next post will be a dive into AR and VR and playing around with how it works. Wish me luck!
