Noting which features users particularly liked and disliked from each of these apps, we took inspiration and integrated specific features into our own design. Some key findings were that users wanted ease of use when uploading their wardrobes, better outfit suggestions, and different tags/categories to sort their clothes.

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Online research

We also looked at articles online and Reddit to gather more insight about the different ways people categorize and organize their wardrobes

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One Vogue Business article (How the Notes app became Gen Z’s Clueless outfit generator) discussed how young people use the Notes app for outfit planning. They highlighted how using the Notes app allowed users to have a high level of customization and organize outfits visually without needing a specialized app. Additionally, the Notes app is free and doesn't push the user to shop, allowing users to save money and focus on personal style and reuse/remix their existing wardrobe items. Notes even has a photo-sticker feature that allows users to easily remove the background from clothing images.

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​​On the subReddit r/femalefashionadvice, users mentioned several different applications they use to categorize their clothes and plan outfits. These included photo apps (i.e. Apple or Google Photos), Airtable, Pinterest, Notion, and Freeform, among others. All of these applications provide a grid/table-like layout that is highly customizable, allowing users to have custom albums or categories. User can also freely move pictures/items around as they please. The main appeal of these custom approaches to wardrobe management is customization, the ability to create tags, and sort by different features as the user pleases. ​

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Interviews and Surveys

We conducted interviews and surveys with other students at our college. Some of the questions we asked inclueded:

• Have you ever used a wardrobe app before? Why or why not?

• Do you plan your outfits; if so, how do you do it? Can you walk me through your process?

• Do you have any difficulties when planning outfits?

• Approximately how many clothing items do you estimate you own?

• What percentage of your closet do you estimate your wear regularly? 

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Findings from this portion of user research revealed that users:

• look online for outfit inspiration

  • use apps like Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration 

• want ways to be more experimental with their fashion

• want to see how clothes look on an actual body before wearing/purchasing

• want outfit suggestions, suggestions on where to buy clothes

• consider weather, situation, and occassion when styling outfits

• want to visualize their clothes better

• want ease of use from a wardrobe app

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Key Findings:​

• 83% of young adults prefer personalized outfit recommendations tailored to their existing wardrobe, weather, and events.

• 60% of wardrobe items are worn less than twice a year, resulting in underutilized clothing and wardrobe clutter.

• 75% of college students struggle with indecision about daily outfits, leading to stress and wasted time.

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Pain Points

1. Need for Inspiration: Users often struggle with indecision or lack of inspiration when choosing outfits. They want to see how outfits look when styled on real bodies (similar to Pinterest or Instagram).

2. Customization and Freedom: Many users want a high degree of customization and freedom when cataloging their wardrobe and planning outfits, and feel stifled by the rigidity of existing platforms. 

3. Wardrobe Organization: Tracking and organizing clothes, especially with a growing wardrobe, is challenging. Many people wear only a small percentage of their clothing on a regular basis (50% or less).

4. Lack of Time or Energy: The time and effort required to style outfits can be draining, leading to repetitive choices and wardrobe stagnation.

 

Design Objectives:

1. Inspiration & Personalization: Provide users with personalized outfit suggestions based on their wardrobe, preferences, and context (e.g., weather, events).

2. Efficient Wardrobe Management: Help users catalog their clothing easily, categorize by brand, color, occasion, etc., and view insights about their most worn or least worn items.

3. Minimal Effort: Reduce the effort required for users to plan outfits through suggestions or automation, enabling them to style outfits quickly with minimal input.

4. Social & Community Features: Integrate social aspects, allowing users to share looks, save posts, and follow others for inspiration, creating a more interactive and engaging experience.