INnovative makeup device

myer

Designing for 2031, Myer, an iconic Australian department store since 1900, aims to redefine the in-store experience. As retail evolves with the rise of convenient online shopping, Myer envisions creating physical spaces that captivate and excite customers, staying at the forefront of innovation.

CONTRIBUTIONS

UX/UI Designer
researcher
Interviews
Prototyping
photo/video editor
‍pitch presenter

Skills

Figma
adobe photoshop
ethnographic research
User interviews
microsoft powerpoint
imovie/canva

Challenge

Develop a futuristic in-store experience with an accompanying aspect for Myer that engages, mesmerises, and encourages customers wanting more.

Considerations

01 What problem does our design solve?

02 How do we create a memorable and impactful experience for new and existing customers?
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03 What specific moment in the customer journey will your design focus on?

04 How can we leverage new technologies in the retail space?

ethnographic
research FINDINGS

Our research revealed that makeup application, particularly contouring and highlighting, poses significant challenges for many women aged 20-40, Myer’s primary demographic. This dilemma is common among women, whether they use makeup daily or occasionally. This problem is essentially characterised by two main aspects:

First, the difficulty of recognising the correct colour match, and second, the conspicuous lack of personalised guidelines based on people‘s unique facial features.

Preventing user frustration also requires precise skin analysis and step-by-step tutorials in an interactive environment.

FUTURISTIC TECH
INFLUENCES

MIT's AlterEgo project uses brain-computer interfaces to assist communication through EMG signals. We planned to incorporate similar technology into our contour booth to improve accessibility for users with verbal communication challenges by using sensors to read EMG signals, providing discreet feedback through bone conduction audio. The result is an inclusive, efficient, and user-friendly makeup experience in the booth at Myer.
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Project Illuminate captures human movement in real-time, translating it into interactive, augmented visual displays that merge the physical and digital worlds. we aim to incorporate similar VR technology into our contour booth to enhance accessibility for users with mobility challenges. By tracking user movements, the booth will create an immersive, personalised experience where the physical and digital realms merge, allowing for diverse ways to interact with the system. This fusion will not only enhance the sensory experience but also offer a unique and expressive way for customers to engage with makeup application.

view full research pdf

design rationale

The Sculpt Pod is a interactive makeup experience designed to simplify and personalise the contouring process. Upon entering the booth, facial scanning and a guided voice assistant create a seamless and engaging experience, starting with a customisable, palette creation and transitioning to a tailored tutorial. Both the booth and smart compact with brush integrates spatial interaction, facial tracking, and pressure-sensitive tools, ensuring precise guidance while maintaining a calming and intuitive user experience.

I designed the experience of the smart compact to mimic the in-store experience. With tutorials accessible in a portable compact and motion recognition in the smart brush, the Sculpt Pod ensures users have continued support and encourages their confidence in mastering contouring techniques.

watch sculpt pod presentation

impacts

Increases foot traffic to stores by drawing customers back to physical locations, offering a unique in-store experience and refills.

Boosts customer confidence and skills by helping users gain expertise in makeup application, making them feel more empowered. The motion sensors in the brush and visual guides in the compact mirror guide the user and aids in correcting and preventing mistakes

Positions Myer as a leader in retail innovation as it demonstrates Myer's commitment to technology-driven, customer-centric retail experiences.

reflection

It’s been incredibly exciting to learn about the emerging technologies shaping the future of design. It’s fascinating to see how technology is allowing people to do more, enhancing experiences in ways I hadn’t imagined before. If I were to develop this concept further, I’d love to explore using AR to simulate the booth or smart compact experience, allowing for more extensive user testing and feedback. This would give us the chance to refine the design and ensure it truly resonates with users before implementing it in the real world.