Mini-Me

Virtual Avatar

This fictional project took place in China at Shanghai University Tech during the Summer Acadamy HES-SO in 2019. It was a group innovation project and I was responsible more specifically for the UX / UI part.

Theme: New retail concept

In China, 90% of the population buy online and mostly clothes. However, 20% of the online purchase is returned because it was the wrong size, it did not meet the expectations or the shape was not adapted.
In order to minimize these pains, Mini-Me was invented. The purpose of it is to create the exact 3D reproduction of oneself allowing the customer to have a perfect 360° visualization during online shopping. More than a size reference,

Mini-Me will be a tool usable on several e-shops. With this innovative application, customers will be able to virtually try clothes and see entirely if it matches their expectations. No more disappointment at the delivery, no need to take time to return, a better client satisfaction because Mini-Me is a personal and virtual fitting room always accessible. Plus, all the purchases are listed in the personal virtual wardrobe and allows us to create hundreds of different looks from different brands.

Goals

Exact measurements

Perfect matching with the body

Possibility to try underwear

Look at oneself entirely

More efficient tried

The Design process

01

Analysis

We first started looking at what we have today in China, what could be improved? What is already good? How could the avatar system be implemented in virtual clothing stores? Is there anything on the experience that could be better? So I started pointing out some things that I think could be improved.

02

Askci. (2018). 2018年“双十一”网购大数据分析报告（附全文）. [online] Available at: http://www.askci.com/news/chanye/20181116/1139281136843.shtml [Accessed 3 Jul. 2019].

Personas & Journeys

Conclusion

After the analysis and planning, we've discovered that 92% of the people interviewed buy clothes online.
These peoples are afraid to buy clothes online from stores that they don't know because they never know if the size will match or not.
The other big problem that we discovered is that 80% of the people interviewed return a lot of clothes online because the size was bigger or smaller.

03

Mini-Me Concept

As previously said, Mini-Me is innovative application customers will be able to virtually try clothes and see entirely if it matches their expectations.

The technology behind Mini-Me is a 3D measurement analyzer that creates 3D models with pictures only. The customer creates their personalized avatar when they subscribe and it can be used for every e-shop partner. The customers can try the clothes directly on their avatar and try different combinations. 3D modelling technology can also model the clothes to show the exact look.

The Mini-Me avatar is free to create and use and, thanks to publicity on the application and partnerships with e-shops, it can be financially successful. Mini-Me would be directly integrated into the online clothing site via a plug-in. To obtain this service, the e-shops will have to pay a subscription fee which will vary according to the number of monthly orders.

The value proposition

Business Model Canvas

FUNCTIONS

•  Perfect body measurements
•  Adapted to every clothes
•  Compatible various e-shops
•  Accessible from everywhere

GAINS/BENEFICES

•  Exact measurements
•  Perfect body matching 
•  Possibility to try underwear
•  Look at oneself entirely
•  More efficient tried

VALUES

• Personalization  
• Unique  
• Diversity   
• Satisfaction

SELLING PROPOSITION

A perfect 3D avatar modelization of oneself allowing the customers to find the perfect fit and look therefore extend their virtual wardrobe.

03

Information Architecture

First I've designed the app Mini-Me where it would be possible to create your avatar. The system, composed of augmented virtual reality, could scan the individual's body with the exact size so that it finally connects in the partner stores.

Wireframes

04

Visual Design

Design Language System

Human Body Measuring

Time-saving and cost-reducing measurement software that helps you quickly and accurately measure your customers

Size and Fit Recommendations

Size and fit recommendation software which eliminates the guesswork of finding the right size for your customers helping to reduce returns

3D Model Generation

3D body model generation software which powers virtual dressing for your product design and development teams as well as engaging end-customer solutions

What I have learned from this project?

• Simplicity is strength. As a designer, we are often lured by attractive, trendy, and out of the box designs. But, We must always remember the ‘why’. The primary goal is to understand the user, their problems, and then come up with a design that solves it.

• The process is essential. For a vast project, it gives you a roadmap to navigate through what can be a foggy route. This is especially useful when you’re starting.

Kevinpanchaud@gmail.com

- 2024