01/ This Project
01.01/ Aim
The aim of this project is to design a platform that embraces a co-dependency of luxury and sustainability through rental and resale models. It strives to go beyond a platform by creating a net of like-minded individuals who share a passion for designer items, granting them access to the wardrobe of fashion enthusiasts and influencers. This application will also allow users to lend, sell and swap their items with other consumers in addition to sharing and discovering styles they love.
01.02/ Methodology
This project follows the robust methodology of design thinking which is a process that puts the user at the centre of the design aiming to come up with innovative solutions to solve complex problems.
01.03/ Prototype
01.03.01/ List an item:
The research highlighted the need for a platform which allows users to view their listings (rentals and resales) separately, in a straightforward way. This was the rationale for the decision design for the segmented picker at the top of the ‘listings’ screen.
The sequence of screens for the user listing an item aim to allow the user to provide maximum information to help aid potential buyers/renters to make an informed decision.
In addition, users have expressed that they would like an app that is “knowledgeable” of the luxury market. Therefore, Garage Luxe has a built-in database of products which will semi-automate the process of inputting descriptive information of the product they are selling/renting. The app suggests models based on the information they have input to identify the product. Once the user picks the image, which correlates to the product they own, the app will fill in the missing fields and present various sizes, therefore the user won’t have to manually measure the item.
The screens have been reviewed at all stages in order to create a flow that was coherent and user friendly for the user listing an item, taking into account the cognitive load.
The user will have the option to preview their listing before submitting it and make any necessary changes.
The application aims to leverage the notion of luxury and in some ways replicate the in store experience: providing in-depth description of products. The data gathered as part of this process also enables the user to filter through products in a highly specific way and provides them all the necessary information to help them buy/rent with confidence, whilst cutting out unnecessary product related questions between users.
In addition to this, users who possess high ticket items will have the option to opt out for concierge service by the platform. The concierge service will take responsibility for:
· Shipping
· Handling returns
· Arranging professional photoshoots
· Dry cleaning/refurbishment of the product
· Customer support
Both in the surveys and the interviews conducted, users raised various points on why they were reluctant to use rental services, and those who had used these services have expressed how complicated renting a luxury item can be.
Some main points mentioned were:
· Hygiene of the product in question
· Lack of communication with the lender
· Lack reviews about the item or the lender
· Concerns regarding authenticity of the product
· Fear of damaging the product whilst in their possession
· No indication as to availability of product for any given time
Garage Luxe aims to provide a solution making the process easier and safer.
The profile is split into three sections: Wardrobe, Likes and Reviews.
The home screen also includes a segmented picker which allows the user to decide whether they want to explore various styles, categories, trends etc or go to the feed where they could discover other users and the content they are posting.
Users are able to like and/or comment on other users posts, and even message them by clicking on the relevant icon under the post. These actions are intentionally simplified to promote engagement across the app. Users will also be able to visit a user’s profile and discover information, such as liked items, reviews they have given, reviews they have received, items they are selling/renting, number of people they are following and the number of people they are being followed by, which are all viewable.
