Bloom - Capstone Project
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Project Outline
Project Type: Solo | Capstone Project
The project focuses on creating a beauty product management app designed to empower users to track product expiration dates, reduce waste, and promote safer beauty practices. By offering intuitive tools and sustainable guidance, the app helps users build confidence in managing their beauty routines.
Project Category: UX Design / UX Research
Time Frame: 10 weeks
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Method Used
For my Capstone project, I followed the Design Thinking Method to take a user-centered approach throughout the process.
Responsibilities:
For my Capstone project, I:
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Conducted UX research and facilitated user interviews.
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Organized findings through affinity diagrams and experience mapping.
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Created wireframes, prototypes, and design concepts.
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Conducted user testing and iterative design refinements.
Outcome
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Designed a working high-fidelity prototype for iOS.
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Created a marketing website for desktop and mobile platforms.
Tools
Figma, FigJam, Canva
Image source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/722687071488586017/
1. Empathize
I conducted user interviews, secondary research (FDA guidelines), and created an affinity map to identify user pain points and needs.
Project Background
Beauty and skincare products are designed to support our well-being and enhance self-care routines. However, ensuring these products are used safely and effectively can be challenging. This project explores how we can empower users to make informed choices for a better beauty experience.
Image source:https://images.app.goo.gl/V9ZL8qvgJLbA8xUt6
Problem Statement
Many beauty and skincare products have expiration dates that are often overlooked, leading users to unknowingly use expired products. According to the FDA, while some products have expiration dates, many do not, leaving consumers unaware of when they expire. This highlights the need for better awareness to track product expiration dates more effectively.
Design Challenge
How may we support beauty and skincare products users in managing beauty products expiration dates to avoid waste and ensure save usage?
Image source: https://images.app.goo.gl/ADCco15WZ93DwMVL9
Research Plan
To better understand the why behind user needs, I approached this research by creating a structured plan. I focused on Beauty and Skincare Enthusiasts – individuals who regularly use beauty and skincare products and are invested in maintaining their skin's health.
More specifically, I targeted:
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Young Adults (Ages 18–35): This group often adopts new beauty trends and products quickly but may overlook expiration dates due to a focus on product performance and aesthetics.
To gain deeper insights into their Pain Points, Goals, and Motivations, I conducted 3 interviews:
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2 out of 3 were in-person interviews.
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1 out of 3 were conducted via phone calls after meeting participants in public spaces.
This research provided valuable insights into user behaviors and challenges, helping to shape the direction and goals of Bloom.
Secondary research
These findings highlighted a significant gap in how beauty products are managed and an opportunity to improve awareness and organization.
Image source: https://images.app.goo.gl/ZU3G5aLe31zW28aE7
FDA - FDA Guidelines on Cosmetic Safety
The FDA highlights that while some beauty products have expiration dates, they are often overlooked, and many products lack clear expiry information, leading consumers to use items beyond their intended shelf life.
NIH Investigation - National Library of Medicine
According to the results obtained, 97.9% (43/44) of participants reported that they use or have previously used make-up after the expiration date, with mascara being the most frequently mentioned product.
The New York Times - Is it time to Toss my SkinCare Products?
Once opened, skin care products can degrade and become overrun with microorganisms, depending how they're used or stored said Elisabeth Anderson.
Image source: https://images.app.goo.gl/4VRoNPGgcfPmzQ487
Image source: https://images.app.goo.gl/j91WB1B28vyXf7uu8
Hypothesis
Consumers struggle to track beauty product expiration dates effectively, leading to waste and potential safety risks. While some users attempt to manage their products through memory or ad-hoc methods, these strategies are insufficient. A dedicated app that tracks expiration dates, sends reminders, and provides disposal guidance will empower users to manage their beauty products more efficiently and sustainably.
2. Define
Used insights from research to narrow the focus to key problems, such as tracking expiration dates and managing waste.
Based on these insights, I created a user persona, Sara, to represent beauty and skincare enthusiasts who are mindful of expiration dates and the financial cost of wasted products. Sara guided my design decisions, ensuring the solutions address her motivations, pain points, and goals effectively.
“Knowing what side effects happen from using expired products would motivate me to pay more attention to expiration dates.”
"If it didn’t cause any reaction, I would still keep using it. I know that’s bad."
"It feels like a waste of my money! It’s frustrating to buy something expensive that expires in 6 months."
“I just throw them out when I feel like they are gross.”
“Knowing what side effects happen from using expired products would motivate me to pay more attention to expiration dates.”
"If it didn’t cause any reaction, I would still keep using it. I know that’s bad."
"It feels like a waste of my money! It’s frustrating to buy something expensive that expires in 6 months."
“I just throw them out when I feel like they are gross.”
Experience Map
Opportunities for design
This exercise allowed me to empathize with the user's struggles and prioritize opportunities to address their needs. A significant insight was how users often feel guilty and frustrated when wasting high-value products due to expired dates. This pointed to a lack of accessible tools for tracking and managing expiration timelines.
By focusing on these pain points, I developed solutions like personalized expiration reminders, an “Expiring Soon” section, and tips for sustainable disposal, helping users confidently manage their beauty products.
Persona
User Stories
These user stories capture key insights and needs.
I’ve organized the beauty product user stories into 3 epics:
1.Expiration Tracking and Reminders (Functional)
2.Maximizing Product Lifespan and Value (Thematic)
3.Clear Expiration and Safety Information (Thematic and Functional)
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As a beauty product user, I want to be able to scan product barcodes so that I can instantly log the expiration dates for easier tracking.
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As a beauty product user, I want to view a list of all products with their expiration dates in one place so that I can keep track of what I have.
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As a beauty product user, I want something to notify me when a product is close to expiring so that I can prioritize using it.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have safety alerts about using expired products so that I can avoid potential skin issues.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have a clear display of each product’s expiration timeline so that I can make informed decisions on purchase frequency.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have the ability to set my own reminder for each product so that I can match my usage habits.
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As a beauty product user, I want to know suggested donation options for products I won’t use but haven’t expired so that I can avoid waste.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have suggestion tips for maximizing product usage so that I can use them better before expiring.
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As a beauty product user, I want to receive reminders for high-value products closer to expiration so that I can avoid discarding them prematurely.
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As a beauty product user, I want to be able to enter when I opened each product so that I can get accurate reminders based on actual usage.
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As a beauty product user, I want a visual expiration tracker on each product page so that I can instantly see which products are nearing expiration.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have information about product shelf life after opening so that I can make informed choices about safe usage.
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As a beauty product user, I want to know which types of products I can keep using past their expiration so that I feel less pressure to discard them prematurely.
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As a beauty product user, I want to find a way to highlight products that expire soon so that I can prioritize those in my routine.
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As a beauty product user, I want to replace my high-value products when expired so that I can maintain my skincare routine.
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As a beauty product user, I want to learn about the risks of using expired products so that I can balance safety and financial value.
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As a beauty product user, I want to share expiration information with friends so that I can encourage responsible product sharing.
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As a beauty product user, I want suggestions on recycling or repurposing expired products so that I can reduce environmental impact.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have some sort of countdown timer for each product so that I can be prepared for expected expiration after opening.
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As a beauty product user, I want to be able to sort products by expiration date so that I can know which items to use first.
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As a beauty product user, I want to be able to filter my products by type so that I can see which categories I need to monitor more closely.
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As a beauty product user, I want to know how frequent my product usage is so that I can set reminders for expiration.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have a way to know when it’s time to recheck the expiration date so that I can know that I haven’t used a product in a while.
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As a beauty product user, I want to be able to have an easy way to input new purchases quickly so that I can update my inventory with accurate expiration dates.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have clear, visually accessible expiration dates on products so that I can avoid the hassle of checking them frequently.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have the ability to keep in tack with products I throw away so that I can analyze my spending.
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As a beauty product user, I want product recommendations that last longer so that I feel confident in my purchase decisions.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have information on average usage duration for different products so that I can anticipate their expiration.
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As a beauty product user, I want to receive cost-saving tips so that I can maintain product safety until their expiration.
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Epic 1: Expiration Tracking and Reminders
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As a beauty product user, I want to receive expiration reminders so that I can safely use products without worrying about their effectiveness.
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As a beauty product user, I want to be able to scan product barcodes so that I can instantly log the expiration dates for easier tracking.
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As a beauty product user, I want to view a list of all products with their expiration dates in one place so that I can keep track of what I have.
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As a beauty product user, I want something to notify me when a product is close to expiring so that I can prioritize using it.
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As a beauty product user, I want to set my own reminder frequency for each product so that I can match my usage habits.
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As a beauty product user, I want to receive reminders for high-value products closer to expiration so that I can avoid discarding them prematurely.
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As a beauty product user, I want to scan a product and set a reminder for its expiration so that I can track its usage and avoid wasting it.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have a countdown timer for each product so that I can be prepared for expected expiration after opening.
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As a beauty product user, I want to know when it’s time to recheck the expiration date if I haven’t used a product in a while so that I can stay informed.
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As a beauty product user, I want to input new purchases quickly so that I can update my inventory with accurate expiration dates.
Epic 2: Maximizing Product Lifespan and Value
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As a beauty product user, I want to have suggested donation options for products I won’t use but haven’t expired so that I can avoid waste.
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As a beauty product user, I want tips for maximizing product usage so that I can use them better before expiring.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have a way to highlight products that expire soon so that I can prioritize those in my routine.
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As a beauty product user, I want to replace my high-value products when expired so that I can maintain my skincare routine.
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As a beauty product user, I want to know which types of products I can keep using past their expiration so that I feel less pressure to discard them prematurely.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to be able to sort products by expiration date so that I can know which items to use first.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to filter my products by type so that I can see which categories I need to monitor more closely.
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As a beauty product user, I want to track how frequently I use each product so that I can set effective reminders for expiration.
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As a beauty product user, I want to keep track of products that I throw away so that I can analyze my spending and usage habits.
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As a beauty product user, I want product recommendations that last longer so that I feel confident in my purchase decisions.
Epic 3: Clear Expiration and Safety Information
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As a beauty product user, I want to have safety alerts about using expired products so that I can avoid potential skin issues.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have a clear display of each product’s expiration timeline so that I can make informed decisions on purchase frequency.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to have a visual expiration tracker on each product page so that I can instantly see which products are nearing expiration.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to have information about product shelf life after opening so that I can make informed choices about safe usage.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to know the risks of using expired products so that I can balance safety and financial value.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to share expiration information with friends so that I can encourage responsible product sharing.
-
As a beauty product user, I want suggestions on recycling or repurposing expired products so that I can reduce environmental impact.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to have clear, visually accessible expiration dates on products so that I can avoid the hassle of checking them frequently.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to have information on average usage duration for different products so that I can anticipate their expiration.
-
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As a beauty product user, I want to receive expiration reminders, so that I can safely use products without worrying about their effectiveness.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to be able to scan product barcodes, so that I can instantly log the expiration dates for easier tracking.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to view a list of all products with their expiration dates in one place, so that I can keep track of what I have.
-
As a beauty product user, I want something to notify me when a product is close to expiring, so that I can prioritize using it.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to set my own reminder frequency for each product, so that I can match my usage habits.
-
As a beauty product user, I want to receive reminders for high-value products closer to expiration, so that I can avoid discarding them prematurely.
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As a beauty product user, I want to scan a product and set a reminder for its expiration, so that I can track its usage and avoid wasting it.
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As a beauty product user, I want to have a countdown timer for each product, so that I can be prepared for expected expiration after opening.
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As a beauty product user, I want to know when it’s time to recheck the expiration date if I haven’t used a product in a while, so that I can stay informed.
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As a beauty product user, I want to input new purchases quickly, so that I can update my inventory with accurate expiration dates.
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Task Selection:
I focused on a key user task: scanning a beauty product to set an expiration alert. This task was selected based on user pain points around tracking expiration dates and avoiding waste. The flow showcases how users can quickly input product details, receive reminders, and confidently manage their beauty items.
I’ve chosen Epic 1:Expiration Tracking and Reminders
Users like Sarah Parker can manage their beauty products more effectively by receiving personalized reminders, tracking expiration dates, and minimizing waste. This aligns with Sarah's goals to prioritize safety, maximize value, and avoid financial loss while ensuring her skincare routine remains consistent and cost-effective.
3. Ideate
Developed potential solutions through brainstorming, UI Inspiration board, sketching, and creating low-fidelity wireframes.
UI Inspiration Board
To see my full UI board click here.
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Sketches
Home Screen
Modals
Layouts
Buttons/CTA
4. Prototype
Built Mid-Fi Wireframes to translate research findings into an intuitive app design.
Greyscale Wireframes
To begin the design process, I created low-fidelity wireframes in grayscale. These wireframes focused on the app's core functionality, such as scanning products, setting expiration alerts, and organizing beauty items. Keeping the designs simple at this stage allowed me to focus on layout, spacing, and user flow without the distraction of color or intricate details.
5. Test
Conducted 2 rounds of user testing to refine the app's features and interface based on feedback.
The Importance Of Testing
The project highlighted the critical importance of testing and iterative design processes in project development. Early testing was found to be essential for validating assumptions, identifying usability issues, and gathering valuable feedback for design improvements. Prioritizing testing facilitated faster validation of ideas, enabling more effective iterations and enhancing the overall project quality. This process emphasized the necessity of integrating testing early and consistently in the design process to ensure a successful and user-centered outcome.
Key learnings from the testing highlight the need to simplify notifications with concise text and icons, improve navigation with labels and tooltips, and make the “Expiring Soon” section more visible through prominent filters or home screen notifications. Consistent design will reduce confusion, while expanding the “Me” section with personalized features can boost engagemen
Key learnings:
Next, I will focus on transforming the wireframes into a high-fidelity prototype with a strong brand identity. This includes designing a unique wordmark, app icon, and defining a color palette. I will refine the UI with interactive elements, consistent layouts, and detailed transitions. Additionally, I will build a UI library to organize all design components for a polished and cohesive final product.
6. Branding
Brand development for this project focuses on establishing a strong and cohesive identity that resonates with the target audience. This includes crafting a memorable name, designing an elegant logo and wordmark, and selecting a sophisticated color palette that reflects freshness, empowerment, and modernity.
MOODBOARD
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility is incredibly important to my brand and to me. To ensure my chosen color palette and typography were used in a manner that is accessible to as many possible, I used the Github Accessible Color Palette Builder prior to designing my UI.
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WORDMARK
A wordmark symbolizes the identity and essence of a brand through typography. It is a visual representation of the brand's name, combining design and meaning to create an immediate and lasting impression. A well-crafted wordmark communicates the brand's personality, values, and tone, acting as a bridge between the brand and its audience.
Elegant, Grudged, Clean, Modern, Empowering, Timeless
A to B
More Elegant then Flashy
More Grudged then Polished
More Clean then Cluttered
More Fresh then Stale
More Modern then Traditional
More Empowering then Overwhelming
More Timeless then Trendy
For the project, I utilized the Comfortaa font family to establish a clean and approachable style that complements the product’s modern aesthetic.
This typeface ensures readability while reflecting elegance and simplicity.
Each typography level—headings, subheadings, body text, and buttons—was carefully chosen with specific font sizes, weights, and line heights to create visual hierarchy and seamless usability.
This typography mood board is a celebration of bold, expressive, and sophisticated typefaces that capture the essence of modern elegance with a touch of artistic edge. Each typeface conveys a unique personality, from the timeless and clean lines of "Vogue" and "Piano," to the playful yet refined curves of "Kilo Type" and "Goop."
High - Fidelity Mockups
Organisms
Template
Marketing Website
To create what might be the first point of contact with my users, I designed a Responsive Marketing Website for Bloom.
Designing for Desktop first and then moving to Mobile, I focused on:
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Branding and Messaging: Showcasing Bloom’s mission of helping beauty enthusiasts stay organized, reduce waste, and maximize product usage.
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The value proposition of my app: providing an intuitive platform to track expiration dates, organize products, and maintain a sustainable beauty routine.
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My audience of beauty-conscious individuals, ensuring the content feels fresh, approachable, and visually engaging with a modern aesthetic.
Development -
Marketing Website
Alternative Platform Device
As part of the project, after creating the Bloom application, I explored what alternative device platforms could most benefit my target users. Reflecting on the insights gathered from my interviews, I noticed how many beauty and skincare enthusiasts emphasized the need for convenience, accessibility, and reminders while on the go.
To address this, I crafted additional user stories based on these findings:
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As a busy beauty enthusiast, I want the ability to track my product expirations anytime and anywhere so that I can stay organized and minimize product waste.
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As a user with a hectic schedule, I need quick and easy access to expiration reminders and product insights so that I can manage my beauty routine seamlessly.
After analyzing various possibilities, I explored alternative platforms and determined that wearables (like smartwatches) would be the most beneficial solution. Wearables can provide on-the-go notifications, quick expiry updates, and timely reminders, allowing users to stay connected to their beauty management routine effortlessly, wherever they are.
This approach aligns with Bloom’s goal of promoting efficiency and sustainability for users with busy lifestyles.
If the expiration tracking data is inaccurate or notifications fail to appear, users might stop trusting Bloom to manage their beauty products effectively.
Future Thinking
Bloom could become the go-to platform for beauty organization, reducing waste globally and encouraging sustainable beauty habits on a massive scale.
Beauty enthusiasts without Bloom may miss product expirations, waste products, and overspend, leading to a disorganized and unsustainable beauty routine.
Tech Tarots images “BrainStation"
HIGH-FIDELITY PROTOTYPES Desktop & Mobile
Key Project Learnings:
This project taught me the importance of truly understanding user needs and designing with empathy. Through research, I discovered how small pain points, like forgetting expiration dates, can lead to bigger frustrations, such as wasted money and unsafe practices.
I learned the value of user testing early and often, which helped me refine features like notifications and navigation. Simplifying the interface and focusing on clear, intuitive design made a huge difference in how users interacted with the app.
Most importantly, I realized how design can have a lasting impact—not just by solving problems, but by inspiring better habits and creating a more sustainable future.
Next Steps:
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Incorporate AI Features: Introduce AI-driven features such as smart product recommendations, usage predictions, and personalized beauty insights to enhance user experience.
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Expand Community Engagement: Develop a platform for users to share beauty tips, product reviews, and sustainable practices to foster a supportive community.
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Conduct Further User Testing: Gather insights from a broader audience to refine features, ensuring the app evolves to meet real user needs.
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Explore New Features: Test integrations like product scanning enhancements, partnerships with beauty brands, and tailored sustainability reports to expand Bloom’s impact.
Typography Moodboard
Project Goal
To create a digital solution that empowers beauty enthusiasts to organize and manage their beauty products effectively by tracking expiration dates and reducing waste. Bloom aims to simplify beauty routines, promote sustainability, and help users make the most of their products while encouraging mindful consumption.
