manimood
User Experience Design Case Study
Mobile App Design to Find a Nail Color Based on a User's Mood
My role
I conducted this project because I was curious as to how to solve a problem. I acted as the primary user researcher, conducting interviews, surveys, observing users in the space, as well as prototyping and wireframing each screen of the application and applying visual design to the MVP.
the base coat: hypothesis & problem
Hypothesis:
As a woman, I know the frustrations of choosing the perfect outfit with the perfect shoes, the perfect lipstick, handbag, and more specifically, a nail polish color to act as the final accessory. As someone who frequents nail salons often, I've realized my frustrations are similar to girls standing next to me in front of that "giant wall of color," unsure which color will complete their “look" when time is of the essence.
Problem:
When getting a manicure, there are too many colors to choose from at a salon. Users need a way to easily select a color based on their mood and how they feel.
The Process: Research, discovery, design
Research
Conducted qualitative research using various research methodologies to help determine users' purpose when it comes to getting a manicure. I found the most success came from affinity mapping user interview key findings and observing users through paper prototype testing and ethnographic observation of being in the salon while they choose a color.
Usability Testing and Competitive Research were also collected.
USER Research GOALS & QUESTIONS
- Location
- Tell me about your salon preference and how you choose where to get your nails done.
- Color Selection
- How do you decide on a nail polish color?
- What brands of nail polish do you prefer?
- Are there time when you feel rushed when choosing a color at a salon?
- How do you feel about salons’ color assortments? Too much? Too little?
- So I’m hearing you say you have a hard time choosing a color based on so many options. Would you say you are an indecisive person?
- Tell me about the last time you were choosing a color at a salon.
- What factors do you consider before selecting a color?
- How important is it to see the color on your nails before committing to it?
- Purpose
- Tell me about the last time you decided to get your nails done at a salon.
- Tell me about the last time you decided to paint your own nails.
- Do you need a reason to get your nails done?
- Frequency
- What types of things influence your nail color selection?
- If you already have a color in mind, tell me what types of factors help make that decision.
- So I’m hearing you say you use _______ to explore options. Do you consider Instagram as a discovery resource?
- Influence
- How often do you get your nails painted?
- Do you go to a salon?
- Do you do your own nails at home?
- How would you go about making an appointment? Walk-in?
- How often do you get your nails painted?
Discovery
KEY FINDINGS
Purpose // generally for special occasion; 1 user for routine upkeep/personal maintenance
Frequency // 1x/wk or 1x/mo., usually a weekend-only activity, 1 user schedules appointments, others were walk-ins
Influence // If a girlfriend has a color on that she likes, will want to know the name and brand to choose for herself next time
Location // convenience or nearby salons was most important
Color Selection //
- Seasonal influence
- Color depends on user’s current mood
- Choose color based on what they know they already like
- Not all are brand-loyal to polish colors
- 50/50 wanted to try on color before committing
- Most prefer a large selection of colors to choose from
- Never strays too far from usual color preference
- Almost always has a color range in mind
- Choose certain colors for certain occasions. Not all colors are appropriate for every situation
Discovery phase resulted in understanding that users had the most difficulty finding validation in their color selection process. I chose to explore this route further.
Key Persona
“It all depends on how I’m feeling. If the time is right and I have a reason to ‘treat myself,’ I’ll get a manicure.”
INITIAL DESIGN IDEATION AND USER FLOWS
Initial sketches included a layout that allowed users to explore their color search via three different filter options.
Design Iteration 1 - Sketching/storyboarding how a user filters their nail color selection. Designed screens that allowed users to filter by "color", "nail color brand", or "what's trending".
User Flow of Design Iteration 1 - After user testing with paper prototypes, I designed screens with UI applied to Design Iteration 1 sketches.
Design Pivot
After testing this prototype and layout with users, I realized there were too many options for the user to take on the home screen. They were confused and indecisive about which option to filter first (by color, by brand, by what's trending). I started paying close attention to their reactions and listening to their self-reasoning while interacting with the prototype. I found that even by having these options to filter towards a recommended color, the users were still basing their selections on what kind of day they had had, how they felt in that moment, were they in a good mood or bad mood and did that reflect a bright, neutral or dark color? I focused on this observation for my next design iteration.
“It depends on what mood I’m in and if the color I’m considering makes me feel the way I want it to make me feel.”
Redefined User flow and FEATURE PRIORITIZATION FOR MVP
DESIGN
I designed lo-fidelity sketches and greyscale wireframes to conduct more user testing prior to creating hi-fidelity designs that include UI elements with Manimood's look-and-feel.
And for the top coat...
I'm currently working on building out Manimood officially to submit to the App Store.