KURATE
KURATE
The only fashion app you'll ever need.
The only fashion app you'll ever need.
OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
KURATE is a fashion app that is designed to bridge the gap between the marketplace and the abundance of information for fashion inspiration that one can find via digital media (a.k.a the internet).
KURATE is a fashion app that is designed to bridge the gap between the marketplace and the abundance of information for fashion inspiration that one can find via digital media (a.k.a the internet).
Role
Role
UI/UX Designer
UI/UX Designer
UI/UX Designer
Team
Team
Nathaniel Laksana (Solo)
Nathaniel Laksana (Solo)
Nathaniel Laksana (Solo)
Timeline
Timeline
May 2024 - Jul 2024
May 2024 - Jul 2024
May 2024 - Jul 2024
Tools
Figma
Tools
Tools
Figma
Figma
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
Fun - but confusing and time consuming.
Fun - but confusing and time consuming.
Browsing the internet to research on clothes and fashion advice can be so time consuming and requires a huge amount of effort to do.
What to purchase, where to purchase, how to style, and who to follow for inspiration can often be confusing.
Browsing the internet to research on clothes and fashion advice can be so time consuming and requires a huge amount of effort to do.
What to purchase, where to purchase, how to style, and who to follow for inspiration can often be confusing.
RESEARCH
RESEARCH
ONLINE SURVEYS
ONLINE SURVEYS
Respondents
27
Use Fashion
Apps
82%
Regular Users
55%
Social Media for
inspiration
93%
Most used app:
Instagram
96%
Respondents
27
Use Fashion
Apps
82%
Regular Users
55%
Social Media for
inspiration
93%
Most used app:
Instagram
96%
4X USER INTERVIEWS
4X USER INTERVIEWS
It'd be great if I can get suggestions on how to style items together
without having to jump on Pinterest, or Google Images loll
It'd be great if I can get suggestions on how to style items together
without having to jump on Pinterest, or Google Images loll
How do other users style items that I like?
How do other users style items that I like?
I need more accurate item suggestions
I need more accurate item suggestions
Filters are kinda mid ngl
Filters are kinda mid ngl
I hate having to input my address again and again
I hate having to input my address again and again
I hate myself for spending more than 30 minutes researching
stuff that I'm not even going to buy sometimes.
I hate myself for spending more than 30 minutes researching
stuff that I'm not even going to buy sometimes.
I gotchu.
I gotchu.
KEY INSIGHTS
KEY INSIGHTS
Seeing too many items in one screen can be too overwhelming
Seeing too many items in one screen can be too overwhelming
Users want outfit suggestions without switching between platforms
Users want outfit suggestions without switching between platforms
Filtering and sorting are key features to prioritize.
Filtering and sorting are key features to prioritize.
HMW
HMW
Package the app to encompass the major aspects of fashion?
Package the app to encompass the major aspects of fashion?
Ensure that the app is intuitive and forgiving for the users?
Ensure that the app is intuitive and forgiving for the users?
Expedite the shopping process for users to save their precious time?
Expedite the shopping process for users to save their precious time?
SYNTHESIZE
SYNTHESIZE
AFFINITY MAP & EMPATHY MAP
AFFINITY MAP & EMPATHY MAP
I created an affinity map to synthesize all of my research findings.
Data from qualitative research enabled me to achieve a deeper understanding of the users’ experience within the user journey.
And data from quantitative research enabled me to understand the broader population and quantify the data.
I created an affinity map to synthesize all of my research findings.
Data from qualitative research enabled me to achieve a deeper understanding of the users’ experience within the user journey.
And data from quantitative research enabled me to understand the broader population and quantify the data.
Empathy mapping helped with expanding the understanding of the users needs, wants, and pain points when using fashion apps.
USER PERSONAS
USER PERSONAS
Two personas were created from the synthesis, from which the "Fashion Newbie" persona was chosen to be the primary target audience due to covering a broader spectrum of issues.
Two personas were created from the synthesis, from which the "Fashion Newbie" persona was chosen to be the primary target audience due to covering a broader spectrum of issues.
THE FASHION ENTHUSIAST
THE FASHION ENTHUSIAST
Location: Sydney
Location: Sydney
Occupation: Videographer
Occupation: Videographer
Age:
27
Age: 27
"I love fashion, but these days I’ve had less and less time to actually take my time browsing for clothes. I’d love to keep up with the trends, but it’s been quite a challenge for me, considering how busy I am nowadays."
"I love fashion, but these days I’ve had less and less time to actually take my time browsing for clothes. I’d love to keep up with the trends, but it’s been quite a challenge for me, considering how busy I am nowadays."
Bio:
I work full-time as a videographer for an independent produciton house in Sydney. As a person who appreciates the arts, I appreciate the beauty and complexity of expressing oneself through fashion. And as a person who works within the creative field, I do feel the need to keep up with the trends, and present myself in an exciting and expressive way. Fashion is a part of my identity both on and off the field.
Bio:
I work full-time as a videographer for an independent produciton house in Sydney. As a person who appreciates the arts, I appreciate the beauty and complexity of expressing oneself through fashion. And as a person who works within the creative field, I do feel the need to keep up with the trends, and present myself in an exciting and expressive way. Fashion is a part of my identity both on and off the field.
Frustrations:
Pre-occupied with work most of the time, with irregular hours due to the nature of the occupation.
Loves fashion, but struggles to keep up with the trends, having little to no time to properly shop for clothes that they like.
Does not have the time and energy to do research on different brands, so they just end up buying basic and essential clothing these days.
Frustrations:
Pre-occupied with work most of the time, with irregular hours due to the nature of the occupation.
Loves fashion, but struggles to keep up with the trends, having little to no time to properly shop for clothes that they like.
Does not have the time and energy to do research on different brands, so they just end up buying basic and essential clothing these days.
Needs:
Personalised and tailored clothing suggestions based on personal preference and physical attributes.
A platform where they can find like-minded people, since platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are too broad. They would appreciate being able to connect with users who share similar fashion interests
Needs:
Personalised and tailored clothing suggestions based on personal preference and physical attributes.
A platform where they can find like-minded people, since platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are too broad. They would appreciate being able to connect with users who share similar fashion interests
THE FASHION NEWBIE
THE FASHION NEWBIE
Location: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Age:
30
Age: 30
"As an entrepreneur, I feel the need to look presentable whenever I meet with business partners. Somehow, I feel like the clothes I've been buying don't really go well with each other."
"As an entrepreneur, I feel the need to look presentable whenever I meet with business partners. Somehow, I feel like the clothes I've been buying don't really go well with each other."
Bio:
I own multiple businesses across Australia as a result of hard work from the days when I was younger. Now, I have an abundance of free time, since my businesses are now basically on 'autopilot'. I have recently taken the time to take better care of myself in terms of appearance, so I've just recently started exploring the world of fashion.
Bio:
I own multiple businesses across Australia as a result of hard work from the days when I was younger. Now, I have an abundance of free time, since my businesses are now basically on 'autopilot'. I have recently taken the time to take better care of myself in terms of appearance, so I've just recently started exploring the world of fashion.
Frustrations:
They have multiple networking and social events to attend to within a standard week, and need to look presentable. However, they feel stuck using the same old outfits, but I have not idea if I should try new styles.
They have the time to do research on fashion, but the amount of different information is overwhelming. They are often unsure on what approach they should take on styling.
Frustrations:
They have multiple networking and social events to attend to within a standard week, and need to look presentable. However, they feel stuck using the same old outfits, but I have not idea if I should try new styles.
They have the time to do research on fashion, but the amount of different information is overwhelming. They are often unsure on what approach they should take on styling.
Needs:
Someone to guide them through the different styles and types of clothing, whilst giving them tailored recommendations to help slowly build their wardrobe
Recommendations on how to style certain items together
A tool where they can simulate or picture themselves wearing a piece of clothing
A platform where they can easily get inspiration based on the things they have previously shown interest in
Needs:
Someone to guide them through the different styles and types of clothing, whilst giving them tailored recommendations to help slowly build their wardrobe
Recommendations on how to style certain items together
A tool where they can simulate or picture themselves wearing a piece of clothing
A platform where they can easily get inspiration based on the things they have previously shown interest in
USER JOURNEY
USER JOURNEY
The purpose of creating the customer journey map is to isolate each stage of the customer journey and investigate the emotions that are felt and linked to each step of the journey.
It became apparent at this stage, that one of the main features to work on would be the “curation” of item and brand suggestions.
The purpose of creating the customer journey map is to isolate each stage of the customer journey and investigate the emotions that are felt and linked to each step of the journey.
It became apparent at this stage, that one of the main features to work on would be the “curation” of item and brand suggestions.
IDEATE
IDEATE
STORYBOARDING
STORYBOARDING
Storyboarding was the initial step in the ideation phase. The storyboarding process helped to put context behind each step of the user journey.
Storyboarding was the initial step in the ideation phase. The storyboarding process helped to put context behind each step of the user journey.
CRAZY 8'S
CRAZY 8'S
By sketching my ideas on sheets of paper, I allocated a set amount of time to spend on each paper, and came up with a few sketches, the one below being the one that I resonated the most with.
By sketching my ideas on sheets of paper, I allocated a set amount of time to spend on each paper, and came up with a few sketches, the one below being the one that I resonated the most with.
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE & USER FLOW
INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE & USER FLOW
An open card sort was conducted to then create an Information Architecture and a User Flow chart based on the user's expected outcomes.
An open card sort was conducted to then create an Information Architecture and a User Flow chart based on the user's expected outcomes.
MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT
MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT
Finally, for the ideate phase, I created a minimum viable product (MVP) chart to better prioritise features that are to be designed and implemented. Features that are less important are categorised as either Bells and Whistles (might implement later on) or Useless Features (will not implement at all).
Finally, for the ideate phase, I created a minimum viable product (MVP) chart to better prioritise features that are to be designed and implemented. Features that are less important are categorised as either Bells and Whistles (might implement later on) or Useless Features (will not implement at all).
Phase 2
AI assistant
Personal wardrobe
Personal avatar
Help page
Community forum
Quick Wins
Search bar
Filters for listings
Wish list
Item recommendations
Bells and Whistles
Direct messaging
Currency and location
Hide wardrobe option
Share listings with friends
Useless Features
Monthly newsletter
Paid ads slot
Dark mode
Phase 2
AI assistant
Personal wardrobe
Personal avatar
Help page
Community forum
Quick Wins
Search bar
Filters for listings
Wish list
Item recommendations
Bells and Whistles
Direct messaging
Currency and location
Hide wardrobe option
Share listings with friends
Useless Features
Monthly newsletter
Paid ads slot
Dark mode
DELIVER
DELIVER
LO-FI WIREFRAMES
LO-FI WIREFRAMES
I designed the lo-fidelity wireframes for the various screens and designs, and conducted user testing to acquire feedback on some of the designs.
DESIGN SYSTEM
DESIGN SYSTEM
This is personally my favourite part of the project. I started building out the design system for the app as a first step towards creating hi-fidelity wireframes and prototyping.
I carefully selected the font and colours and paired them with a design language that suits the product's identity.
This is personally my favourite part of the project. I started building out the design system for the app as a first step towards creating hi-fidelity wireframes and prototyping.
I carefully selected the font and colours and paired them with a design language that suits the product's identity.
Colour Palette
#F4F4F4
Primary
#D9D9D9
Primary 2
#FFFFFF
Primary 3
#000000
Secondary
#0066FF
Accent
Colour Palette
#F4F4F4
Primary
#D9D9D9
Primary 2
#FFFFFF
Primary 3
#000000
Secondary
#0066FF
Accent
Icons
Buttons
Black Button
White Button
Blue Button
Search
Search bar
Navigation Bar
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
Buttons
Black Button
White Button
Blue Button
Search
Search bar
Navigation Bar
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
Messages
Buy/Sell
Home
Discover
Profile
TYPOGRAPHY
TYPOGRAPHY
USABILITY TESTING
USABILITY TESTING
Using the prototype, I conducted a usability test with 5 users to get actionable feedback, and to determine the usability of the app.
Using the prototype, I conducted a usability test with 5 users to get actionable feedback, and to determine the usability of the app.
Consistent issues and pain points:
| Home page layout is ineffective and too confusing to navigate
| Users often used search function to find items they want, instead of going to the "Buy/Sell" section
| Labelling on the search bar and the sell page needs to be clearer
Consistent issues and pain points:
| Home page layout is ineffective and too confusing to navigate
| Users often used search function to find items they want, instead of going to the "Buy/Sell" section
| Labelling on the search bar and the sell page needs to be clearer
ACTIONING FEEDBACK
ACTIONING FEEDBACK
The home page was completely reconstructed to accommodate the feedback from the majority of users, where they felt they needed a search bar that is accessible from the home page to perform a global search.
The layout was also redesigned to accommodate more outfit suggestions within the screen.
I also fixed some of the other consistent issues with labelling
The home page was completely reconstructed to accommodate the feedback from the majority of users, where they felt they needed a search bar that is accessible from the home page to perform a global search.
The layout was also redesigned to accommodate more outfit suggestions within the screen.
I also fixed some of the other consistent issues with labelling
SEAMLESS SWITCHING
SEAMLESS SWITCHING
SEAMLESS SWITCHING
Our platform allows users to seamlessly switch between their recommended "Looks" and "Items", because sometimes you might just be tired of seeing people.
Our platform allows users to seamlessly switch between their recommended "Looks" and "Items", because sometimes you might just be tired of seeing people.
NO NEED TO GOOGLE "BLUE STRIPED SKATE PANTS"
NO NEED TO GOOGLE "BLUE STRIPED SKATE PANTS"
Find the information you need within the same app. No need to ask Google and spend time browsing through Google Images to find the name of an item that catches your eye.
Find the information you need within the same app. No need to ask Google and spend time browsing through Google Images to find the name of an item that catches your eye.
BUY IT HERE AND NOW
BUY IT HERE AND NOW
Like those pair of pants you saw earlier? You don't need to jump ship to another app
and buy it somewhere else, it's here waiting for you here.
Like those pair of pants you saw earlier? You don't need to jump ship to another app
and buy it somewhere else, it's here waiting for you here.
IT'S LIKE WIKIPEDIA, BUT FOR FASHION
IT'S LIKE WIKIPEDIA, BUT FOR FASHION
Information on your favourite brands, styles, along with a curated feed and shop recommendations within the same app.
Information on your favourite brands, styles, along with a curated feed and shop recommendations within the same app.