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BACKGROUND

Despite an estimated 16% of the world’s population having a disability, only 4% of beauty and personal care brands create products that cater for physical disabilities (Proctor & Gamble 2019)
Common problems faced by those with disabilities:

Handling components to access the product (e.g., twisting cap)
Sensory requirements to view and apply products

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PROBLEM

Lack of accessible products within the current beauty marketplace

Users are left to research and find products that accommodate to their needs based on trial-and-error

Barriers to shopping in-store and online due to inaccessible physical/digital store features

“Shopping in store is the only remaining option, but it can be extremely anxiety-inducing for those that can't see.

Shops aren’t set up [for blind people] to leisurely peruse, determine preferences or look for dupes, since you can’t go around sticking your fingers and nose into every tester.”

- Sassy Wyatt, blind beauty content creater

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How might we lower the amount of trial-and-error that disabled users currently face when buying beauty products?

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SOLUTION

Virtual Vanity is a virtual product testing studio app that allows users:

Search beauty and care products that accommodate to their needs

Explore products using 3D Model Technology

Rate products and contribute to the product’s accessibility score

Share product experience with others

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IMPACT OF SOLUTION

Virtual Vanity is a scalable solution that can be deployed globally or as needed:

Mobile app compatible with Android & iOS
Does not require additional technologies outside what is native to app or system
Language accommodations for global deployment
May be used by all beauty enthusiasts regardless of disability

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Understand the impact of disability on the beauty experience.

Identify pain points for people with disabilities when shopping for beauty products.

Identify pain points for people with disabilities when using beauty products/tools.

RESEARCH GOALS

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6 users, ages 25-44 years

4 female
1 male
1 non-binary

Identified disabilities:

Mobility
Visual
Neurodivergence

User Surveys

User Interviews

Competitive Analysis

Recruited from social media interest groups

14 respondents ranging from 18 - 44 years
Beauty/Personal care enthusiasts

Identified competitors utilizing assistive technology for users with disabilities:

Features/Solution
Target market
Opportunities

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

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How do you shop for beauty products?*

75% in store
92% online
17% personal shopper
8% subscription box

USER SURVEY RESULTS

What issues do you face when shopping for beauty products?

What influences your beauty purchases?*

83% online research
83% recommendations (friends, family, professionals, social media groups)
25% media advertisements/influencers
8% in store testing/samples

*Survey respondents selected all options that applied

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USER INTERVIEWS

“I wish there was more options for samples or a way to test out exactly how the product is opened and are applied to make sure that you know it will work for you”

“Stores tend to be really messy & it becomes overwhelming trying to read all the things so I like to look at stuff online to get an idea of what I might be looking for”

“I can’t drive anymore… So I find it easier with the internet. I can look up reviews more readily and compare multiple products”

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COMPETITOR ANALYSIS

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TARGET USER

GOALS/MOTIVATIONS

Wants to try new products
Wishes to be independent when shopping
Does not want to spend too much money
Wants to find products that work well with them

FRUSTRATIONS

Can’t easily shop in-person
Has to buy products to experience them when online shopping
Limited variety of products
Some products hard to open/use
Can’t return products easily

BACKGROUND

Mobility impaired since 10 years ago, impacts upper extremity use and uses assistive technology to complete daily tasks. Cannot drive due to impairment. They like to try new things, eager to explore. Loves to spend time with friends/family and indulge in hobbies.

Name: Jordan (she/they)

Age: 28

Occupation: Manager

Life: Married, Mom of Two

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USER JOURNEY

Inspired to try a new look

Mobility impaired user is looking for an eyeshadow to replicate a makeup look they found online

Overwhelmed navigating online stores

Inquisitive about specific products

Eager to try, but finds application difficult

Dejected - no accessible return option

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Feature Overview

Implementation

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FEATURE OVERVIEW

Letter rating representing degree of universal design�
Accessibility-related pros and cons spotlighted on each product

See product from all angles�
Animations detailing how a product is opened

Review product based on accessibility-related features and criterias

Better understand if a product will work for your abilities

Share experience with others

Accessibility Rating System

3D Product Models

Product Review

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React Native

App Interface

Vectary 3D

3D Modeling

Github, Visual Studio Code, Expo

Additional Tools/Software

DEVELOPMENT DETAILS

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FUTURE DIRECTIONS

UPC/Barcode Scanner to allow users to upload and review products they own

Add AR to expand product testing capabilities

Continue usability testing to improve app accessibility

Add “expert reviews” for products from accessibility specialists

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How to access Virtual Vanity

Feel free to access the Virtual Vanity app & explore the features it has to offer!

Download the EXPO GO app on the iTunes store or Google PlayStore
Scan the QR Code to the right
EXPO GO will prompt app to open
Discover the features of the app

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Nanako Ito

Product Manager/UX

Sana Parija

UX Research/Design

Morgan Gralla

UX/Disability Specialist

MEET THE TEAM: Design

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Ramzi Osta

Full-stack Developer

Michael Inso

Back-end Developer

Cameron Abbott