Swipe Your Fashion
Mobile Fashion App
2022
WTFRU Wearing is an app for people who need immediate fashion advice and for people who enjoy looking at and rating fashion.
A person posts a picture of their current outfit and sets a time for how long the picture will be available for viewing. Anyone using the app can swipe to vote yes/no on the outfit. The poster can see the vote tally and decide whether or not to wear the outfit.
People are constantly looking for validation and approval of their fashion choices on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. The challenge is when they are about to walk out the door and need feedback immediately, not days later.
Interviews were conducted both individually and in a group setting. Participants ranged from early 20s to early 50s. Most had a medium level of interest in fashion and how they presented themselves to the public.
They were asked about what occasions they dress up, and when and how they look for fashion advice or feedback.
Sample Questions
Do you ever give fashion advice or feedback?
To whom do you give advice or feedback?
What are your favorite apps to read for fashion?
What are your favorite apps to post on about fashion?
Which fashion influencers/blogs do you follow, if any?
Would you be interested in an app for fashion advice?
The survey advertisement called for fashionistas, but was not gender specific. Even so, 75% of the participants identified as women.
This may be the most telling indicator of a primary demographic. Almost everyone interviewed or surveyed expressed some interest in giving and receiving feedback. The overall response to the idea of the app was enthusiastic.
There were extensive discussions on whether or not to allow comments on photos. The majority agreed that fashion and body images are incredibly sensitive issues. While comments could be helpful, there’s not a pragmatic way to filter out insults or bullying. Therefore, at the least the early iterations of the app will not include comments. Further iterations could after friends and family groups are established.
Test participants identified two user stories that helped guide design.
From the user research, I developed personas based on a typical user of the app. These personas will further help identify and personalize user stories.
Keeps a finger on the pulse on popular culture. Enjoys going out with friends, dancing. Dates casually. Focused on building her career. Always wants to look professional.
F, 31
Social Media Manager
“Every interaction is a chance for a new opportunity. I have to look good.”
Brooklyn, NY
Colors
Brands
F, 31
Social Media Manager
Brooklyn, NY
Keeps a finger on the pulse on popular culture. Enjoys going out with friends, dancing. Dates casually. Focused on building her career. Always wants to look professional.
“Every interaction is a chance for a new opportunity. I have to look good.”
Colors
Brands
These popular social media and photo sharing apps were compared to consider similarities at a high business level, and a deep look into the design elements they may share with the app.
The key to success for all of these apps are intuitive design elements. A user can quickly understand how to use the app with a minimal amount of pain points. Using versions of these elements in a new app will allow users to adapt quickly.
WTFRU Wearing stands out because it provides the enhanced benefit of immediate feedback on a person’s choices.
Photofeeler is the closest competitor to WTFRU Wearing. The purpose of the app is for individuals to receive feedback on the quality of the photos they use for business, dating, and social media apps.
Aside from Photofeeler, all of these are multi-billion dollar companies offering similar photo sharing options.
After testing the flow of the sketches, wireframes were created in Figma to determine placement of the graphic elements and further refine the user flow. The goal here was to emulate other popular apps to simplify the learning curve and give an intuitive feel.
When created the high definition version, the color palette and design remained neutral in order to emphasize the photos of the outfit.
The app was tested through three iterations of Figma prototypes including wireframes and two versions of hi-def. Tests were both self-guided and during live interviews.
There were 20 participants – ages early 20s to 50s, multiple genders and levels of interest in fashion.
The app had an overwhelmingly positive response. Participants enjoyed the concept. They called the design “intuitive”, and the swipe function “relaxing”.
Carolyn
– Test Participant
Wendy N.
– Realtor
WTFRU Wearing is a fun social app that synthesizes the best parts of popular apps to create a friendly way to receive immediate feedback on fashion. Testing demonstrated the success of the simple and intuitive flow. Test participants are excited about the concept and would like to see the app become a reality.
In response to the enthusiasm for the app, I am going to pursue channels to start the creation process. If you’re interested in helping make this app a reality, contact me. WTFRU waiting for!