NXTMODE
Recipient of IYA Ignite Grant 2023
At USC, I had the opportunity to delve into the exciting world of prototyping with a project called NXTMODE. This innovative venture aimed to revolutionize the fashion industry by creating a dynamic marketplace where customers could explore and engage with emerging small designers.
Through NXTMODE, we embarked on a journey to blend creativity with technology, offering a platform that not only showcased cutting-edge designs but also fostered a community passionate about discovering new trends and supporting budding talents in the fashion realm. This experience not only honed my prototyping skills but also helped me understand the power of user research and iteration.
Timeline
3 months
Team Members
Diego Maclas-Ferreira, Lizzie Siy, Andre Billups, Liyi Tong, Misha Mahmood
Role
UX Designer/Prototyping
Tools
Figma
What is NXTMODE?
NXTMODE is a fashion marketplace app that revolutionizes the fashion industry by connecting customers with emerging small designers. Our platform merges creativity and technology to showcase cutting-edge designs and foster a vibrant community of trendsetters. Discover new and upcoming talents, explore the latest trends, and support the future of fashion with the NXTMODE app.
“A marketplace to discover tomorrow’s hottest designers before anyone else.”
Defining the Problem
NXTMODE identified a critical gap in the fashion market, recognizing the challenge of discovering small, high-end, and up-and-coming designers. To bridge this gap, we developed a dynamic platform that connects fashion enthusiasts with new and innovative designers, revolutionizing how customers discover and engage with emerging talents in the industry. With NXTMODE, we aim to empower both designers and consumers, fostering a community that celebrates creativity, diversity, and the future of fashion.
Competitive Analysis
We conducted a competitive analysis to better understand who our competitors were and also look for what is and is not typically offered in a fashion marketplace.
We discovered through our analysis that the biggest gap in the fashion marketplace sector was a platform that allowed users to find, discuss, and explore up and coming designers. We wanted to make sure to create a platform that focused on designers to be able to showcase themselves, as well as users to be able to discuss and explore these designers
Target Audience
User Research
To better understand our potential users, our team conducted user research through a survey. We focused our research people ages 21-55 years old to have a broad understanding of what different potential user interests would be. We sent out a series of questions alongside images of our wireframes and prototype to gauge user interest as well as usability of our interface.
We asked a series of questions which included:
Based on this description of what NXTMode aims to do, how interested would you be in this service on a scale of 0-10. (0 = not interested in at all 10 = very interested)
When shopping for clothing, do you typically use a website or an app?
Which of the items listed below were hardest to find in the above image?
Which of the items listed below were hardest to find in the above image?
If you could move one element on this page, what would you move, and where?
Wireframes
Initially, NXTMODE was envisioned as a web-based marketplace, but through thorough user research, we realized the potential for a more dynamic and accessible experience through a mobile app. Leveraging the elements from our web wireframe, we seamlessly transitioned to crafting an app prototype, enhancing user engagement and convenience while maintaining our vision of connecting fashion enthusiasts with emerging designers.
User Responses
Distinct Buyer and Seller Interface
Feedback: Users reported confusion regarding the display of the marketplace menu and products during the sign-up process for buyers.
Corrective action: To address this issue, a decision was made to distinctly separate the marketplace and sign-up elements.
Filter
Feedback: Users reported wanting a filter tool to seamlessly filter through the many garments available.
Corrective action: Adding a filter button to shopping section so buyers can easily filter different categories, such as trending, high/low cost, garment options, color, etc.
Designer Oriented
Feedback: Users reported wanting to learn more about our designers listed and being able to shop by designer
Corrective action: To address this issue, we created a discovery page that spotlights all our incredible designers.
App Demand
Feedback: Our research uncovered a strong preference among users for shopping via apps rather than through the web on a computer.
Corrective action: This insight guided our decision to prioritize the development of an app prototype to align with user preferences and enhancing overall user satisfaction.
Design System
Our design system; with a comprehensive set of guidelines, principles, and reusable components that ensure consistency and cohesiveness across all aspects of the user interface.
Colors
Neutrals
50
#FBFBFC
100
#f3f3f5
200
#e8e8ea
300
#dcdce0
900
#161618
800
#2B2B30
#161618
#FBFBF
On Neutrals
50
#C2D9F7
Primary
300
#579DF7
500
#2882F7
700 - Main
#1877F2
900
#183BF2
#1877F2
On Primary
500
#B2B2BA
400
#d1d1d6
600
#A0A0B0
700
#565660
#ffffff
Typescale
Logo
Images
References & Inspiration
Drawing from our user research, wireframes, and a wealth of references and inspiration, we meticulously crafted our final prototype for NXTMODE. This iterative process ensured that our design not only met user expectations but also reflected the innovative spirit and vision of our fashion marketplace.