Digital + Toxicity in Skincare and Body Care
Keywords
My Role
UX/UI & UXR
Personalized skincare app
Duration
Tools
2 Weeks Challenge
Figma, Flourish, Midjourney
komorebi
Project Context
Komorebi offers professional skincare testing and guidance. We analyze Skin type, create personalized
skincare products, and design a customized skin management program. With features like a skincare diary
and photo comparison, we track the effectiveness of your skincare journey. We aim to seamlessly integrate healthy and efficient skincare into your daily life, serving as your trusted partner in personalized skincare.
What is Komorebi?
Practice agile thinking + speed
🌹 SHOUT-OUT TO
Prof. Ian (BCG X Experience Design Principal）& Prof. Sally (BCG X Experience Design Lead) for creating this design challenge
that really inspired us to think and challenge ourselves.
The Solution Overview
Key Features
If you look at the ingredients list of our moisturizer that we put on everyday, how many ingredients can we recognize?
🤔 HOW DID I GET HERE？
OVERVIEW
Toxicity in skincare and body care is largely unknown to the average consumer and the normalized ignorance on this topic is dangerous as prolonged use of harmful ingredients can lead to detrimental health concerns such as but not limited to various diseases and cancers. Consumers fail to realize that skincare and body care are chemically formalized and should be used with caution and knowledge.
Widespread ignorance
1
Potential health risks
2
Chemical formulation ignorance
Problem Statement
There is a need for a digital product that provides deep explanations of skincare and body care ingredients that is easy for users to understand.
DESIGN PROCESS
SPRINT 1
SPRINT 2
SPRINT 3
SPRINT 4
SPRINT 5
Analyze Context
Ideation & Prototyping
Refine Features and Interactions
UI / Visual Design
Usability Testing
Refine and Check
SPRINT 1
Persona, user interview
Flows, information architecture, layout
Cross -team collaboration, interaction design
Responsiveness, component library
Testing, iteration
Edge, case, accessibility
💚 Let’s start here
1. AI Personalized Skin Scanner
Utilizes AI to provide personalized skin analysis based on the user's skin type
and needs. By scanning a user's skin, the technology identifies skin types, issues, and needs to customize a personalized skincare regimen.
2. Product Recommendations
We use AI algorithms to analyze user preferences, needs, and purchase history
to suggest products that align with their preferences. This enhances user experience, simplifying the process of finding and
buying products that cater to their needs.
3. Ask AI / Expert
Users can ask questions to an AI system or a professional expert for advice on skincare, cosmetics, or other related topics. This feature allows users to get personalized professional advice to help them make more informed decisions.
4. Post-Usage Effects Comparison
Enables users to compare the effects of various products on post-usage. The system generates comparison reports by gathering feedback, aiding others in informed purchasing decisions.
Initial Assumptions
Background research
Consumers use a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products that contain many chemicals, especially women in the United States, who use an average of 12 products containing 168 different chemicals daily. Men use an average of 6 products containing 85 different chemicals. These products come into direct contact with the skin, which is the largest organ and can absorb the ingredients directly.
Studies have found that some products contain harmful substances such as mercury, hair dyes, and straighteners that may be linked to cancer, and scents in soaps and shampoos may be linked to fertility problems. Children are also often exposed to toxic chemicals, which
can lead to learning and developmental disabilities, obesity, and asthma.
skin care
Cosmetics
Fragrances
Online Perfume & Cosmetic Sales in the US
Products & Services Segmentation
Industry revenue broken down by key product and services lines.
The industry has grown significantly over the past five years, largely because of companies entering the online cosmetic space to cater to consumers' specific tastes and preferences.
👂 Get In Touch with Market & Users
👤 Public Demands Stricter Rules on Cosmetic Chemicals
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has found cosmetics contaminated with bacteria, but current laws are more limited in regulating chemicals in cosmetics.
The United States is lagging in the regulation of cosmetics compared to other countries, and more than 40 countries have taken steps to ban or restrict more
than 1,400 chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and neurological damage.
Most consumers strongly favor federal regulation of cosmetic chemicals. A 2016 poll by American Viewpoint and the Mellman Group revealed that two-thirds believe the FDA already reviews these chemicals. Across age, race, and party lines, three-fourths of consumers support increased oversight, with nearly 90% deeming stricter rules highly important.
Research
Every day, we use soaps, lotions, deodorants, hair products and cosmetics on various parts of our bodies. But in recent years, an increasing number of reports have raised concerns about many of them.
However, some companies do not support FDA review and
oversight. Many companies often embellish their labels with words like "naturally derived," "non-toxic," and "clean. " These words sound good, but they're just marketing jargon. How should the average consumer categorize which chemicals may harm them?
key insights
Secondary Research
Skincare Industry Growth Driven by Online Expansion
Consumer Concerns: Chemical Risks in Products
The cosmetics industry has surged over the last five years, with companies entering online markets to meet individual consumer needs and preferences.
Consumers, especially American women, often use cosmetics containing various chemicals. Children may also be exposed to harmful chemicals, impacting development and health.
Based on our market research, we find 3 key insights.
What I have learned?
Public Urgent Call for Stricter Oversight on Cosmetics
The States lags behind other countries in regulation, and users increasingly recognize regulatory gaps and call for stricter laws, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive oversight.
📈
🧪
However, some companies do not support FDA review and
oversight. Many companies often embellish their labels with words like "naturally derived," "non-toxic," and "clean. " These words sound good, but they're just marketing jargon. How should the average consumer categorize which chemicals may harm them?
User research
Beginners
👶
💄
💊
🧏
Enthusiastic users
keen on cosmetics
and skincare, eager
to explore product ingredients for informed
purchasing decisions.
Novices in cosmetics and skincare seek easy-to-understand information on product ingredients to make informed choices.
Users whose skin is prone to allergies or sensitive to certain ingredients want
to find skincare and body care products that are gentler on the skin.
Health-conscious and ingredient-sensitive users who want to
avoid the health effects of potentially harmful ingredients.
Users are accustomed to using digital platforms to access information, make purchases, and seek convenient ways
to learn more about product ingredients.
📲
Cosmetics Enthusiasts
Health Conscious
Sensitive Skin Users
Digital Consumers
Users are accustomed
to using digital platforms to access information,
make purchases, and seek convenient ways
to learn more about product ingredients.
General Consumer Analysis
To Personalized Pam emphasizes the need for individualized information, while Budget-Conscious Blake highlights the importance of cost considerations in skincare decisions
Multi - User Journey Map
User Value
To Personalized Pam emphasizes the need for individualized information, while Budget-Conscious Blake highlights the importance of cost considerations in skincare decisions
01
Health and Safety
⛑️
02
Boost ingredient knowledge
🧑🔬
03
Personalized Advice
🤖
04
Cost-effectiveness
🫰
Market Opportunity
Market research
Direct Competitor’s product
2nd Competitor’s product
APPS
FEATURES
Knowledge Community
Product Scanning/Search
Product Shopping
Ask AI / Expert
AI Smart Skin Detection
Product Compare
Customized Skin Care
Competitive Analysis
Individual
Networking
AI Customization
Traditional
POSITIONING OUR SERVICES
✨My main problem solving users
(Personalized) Pam
AI personalized skincare scan
Perform a personalized skincare quiz (Can be skipped)
Customized product recommendations are generated based on skin conditions
Learn about ingredients to avoid and ingredients for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Simplifies the decision-making process for his online shopping experience. The platform may offer exclusive discounts or promotions for budget-conscious shoppers
Clearly track your skin condition, compare before and after to analyze the condition better
& Identify user skin triggers.
Browses a section that provides a transparent breakdown of skincare ingredients.
Blake went straight into the budget-friendly skincare product-focused section.
(Budget-Conscious) Jamal
ONBOARDING
EDUCATION ON INGREDIENTS
BUDGET PLANNING
POST-PURCHASE GUIDANCE
RECOMMENDATION EXPLORATION
Entry Point
AI Personalized
Skin Scanner
Product Recommendations
Product Recommendations
(Ingredient Education Section)
Review Section
Post-Purchase Guidance
Search for Budget-Friendly Products
Ingredient Transparency
Comparison Tool
Checkout & Confirmation
Personalized Skincare Quiz
Post-usage effects comparison
to determine her skin type, health conditions, and preferences.
AI filters products according to sensitive and acne-prone skin, ensuring a personalized choice.
took her skincare goals into account while recommending cost-effective alternatives.
Jamal uses the Product Comparison feature to categorize products based on their economics and potential efficacy.
Jamal can seamlessly jump to the brand or e-commerce site that sells the appropriate product, depending on his desires.
Jamal went straight to the budget-friendly skincare product-focused section.
Pam consider personalized recommendations and budget constraints to make informed buying decisions.
After purchasing, she is given guidance on incorporating the new products into her daily skincare routine.
Upon purchase, he will be instructed
to incorporate the new product into his daily skincare routine. Comparisons can be made before and after use.
✨
(Personalized) Pam
(Budget-Conscious) Jamal
Pam is a 32-year-old with a history
of skin sensitivity and acne-prone
skin. She values personalized recommendations aligning with her
skin type and health conditions.
Jamal, a 28-year-old recent graduate, is budget-conscious but recognizes the importance of skincare. He is concerned about making informed choices without breaking the bank.
Seeking a personalized skincare routine that caters to her individual needs, avoiding harmful ingredients and understanding product affordability.
Understand the correlation between product effectiveness, ingredients, and cost. Wants to make thoughtful purchases within a reasonable budget.
Worries about potential health risks associated with skincare products due to her sensitive skin.
Balancing the desire for effective skincare with limited financial resources.
Actively researches product ingredients, looks for user reviews, and desires a platform that simplifies the complex language of skincare.
Shops online, reads product reviews, and seeks cost-effective alternatives. Appreciates clear information on product affordability and ingredient effectiveness.
✊ Behavior
✊ Behavior
🎯 Goal & Needs
🎯 Goal & Needs
⚠️ Concerns
⚠️ Concerns
💸
To Personalized Pam emphasizes the need for individualized information, while Budget-Conscious Blake highlights the importance of cost considerations in skincare decisions
User Persona
Interview & Observation
Ideation
WHAT I HEARD FROM USERS
Subsequent
Key Feature
Mission Statement
Ask AI / Expert
Prior
Users can ask questions to an AI system or
a professional expert for advice on skincare, cosmetics, or other related topics. This feature allows users to get personalized professional
advice to help them make more informed decisions.
Product Scanning/Search
Users can use the product scanning or search function to obtain product ingredient information
by taking pictures or scanning the product barcode.
Subsequent
Product Shopping
Provide users with targeted recommendations for the appropriate products, and the purchase link will jump directly to the official website of the appropriate company or brand.
Once the primary market was identified, I started framing several initial solutions.
Product Recommendations
We use AI algorithms to analyze user preferences, needs, and purchase history to suggest products that align with their preferences. This enhances user experience, simplifying the process of finding and buying products that cater to their needs.
Prior
AI Personalized Skin Scanner
Prior
Post-Usage Effects Comparison
Enables users to compare the post-usage effects of various products. The system generates comparison reports by gathering feedback,
aiding others in informed purchasing decisions.
Prior
Brand Goals
Inspire people to embrace the beauty of natural, healthy skin by providing personalized digital skincare solutions rooted in health and cleanliness.
Brand Value
Fresh, Natural, Healthy Ingredients derived,
AI & Customized.
Habitat for the user's body, mind, and skin.
Brand Purpose
Protecting the user's body and product use with in-depth explanations of skincare and body care ingredients that are easy for the user to understand.
Utilizes AI to provide personalized skin analysis based on the user's skin type and needs.
By scanning a user's skin, the technology identifies skin types, issues, and needs to customize a personalized skincare regimen.
Design System
komorebi
komorebi
komorebi
20 px
18 px
16 px
14 px
24 px
28 px
24 px
22 px
Heading 1
Body - Large
Body - Regular
Body - Small
Aa
Poppins
Bold
Aa
Helvetica Neue
Medium
Aa
Open Sans
SemiBold
komorebi
Type your question here
See most asked questions
Komorebi is a Japanese word that refers to the dappled light effect of the sunlight cast on the ground through the leaves of the trees. It gives a fresh, natural feeling and is suitable for an atmosphere related to skin care products.
The word "Komorebi" is often used to describe the tranquility and peace that comes from being in the midst of nature and health, as well as the feeling of being in harmony with nature. This aligns with our brand's message of being healthy, naturally derived, and a habitat for the mind and skin.
DEsign
Final Design
REFLECTION
Reflections & Next Steps
Is it possible to analyze partial pictures for users who don't want to take pictures/tests of their full faces?
Test the Figma prototype to confirm success and find targeted ways to enhance user retention and more interesting points.
Get more granular to track daily records and details of skin management and think about how customized coaching can help users fundamentally solve their problems.
Design
🧩
Research
Conducted user interviews, surveys, and broader primary research to gain additional insights. Consider what skin and body care products want from users of different ages and genders. Can help me define clearer and more diverse customer/user personas.
Learn more about third-party apps' functionality and
the technological viability of current AI products.
🔬
If given additional 4-6 weeks along with small team...
Designed with 💙 BR!TTAN¥
Copyright @ Brittany Liu 2024. All rights reserved.