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Beautitem (beauty-taem) is a combination of the Koreanized word for beauty "뷰티" and the shortened version for the word item "아이템".
In Korea I have frequently used apps such as Memebox and Glow Pick to find highly reviewed Korean Beauty products. The most innovative app I've ever used is Hwahae. It lists all of the potential toxic ingredients, allergens or high amounts of fragrances. I decided to combine all three apps so it's a one-stop price comparer, reviewer and recommendation application. |
ICON CATEGORIES
Makeup
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USER RESEARCH
After downloading multiple Korean beauty-based applications (Memebox, Hwahae and Glow Pick). I quickly realized I could only find two English-friendly applications called Althea and Amino. Althea is a shopping application exclusively for their brand. Any reviews are only based on the products they carry. Amino is a community-based application, so K-Beauty is just a category in a much bigger app.
I concluded that an English-friendly Korean review application doesn't exist yet. I read some reviews on the Korean apps and the primary complaints were based on the language barrier. Therefore, my primary objectives were to: 1. Create a clean, user-friendly interface 2. Make product ingredient lists and reviews available in English 3. Create a community for Korean beauty lovers globally |
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SKETCHES
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My first step was to create a basic layout as far as the functionality of the application is concerned. I knew I would be creating a log in screen, so I mostly sketched out the paths of the application. My sketches differ quite a bit from the final product, I originally had the nav bar at the top of the screen (which was to remain static), but I changed my mind and went with a drop down menu.
Key elements of my design include the "My Pouch" page, where users can upload their everyday makeup/skincare items. I also wanted to delight the user by including a micro-animated mascot called "Dr. Gomin". These are very early sketches and a lot has changed since then. 
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LOG IN SCREEN
I started my design with a log in screen. Users have the option of saving their log in information for future use.
If you look below, when registering for the first time you can connect with other applications such as Facebook or Gmail. 
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LAYOUT OVERVIEW
I used a lot of icons to keep the user interface readable and clean. Below are more detailed screens.
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DROP DOWN MENU
I created a drop down menu with several categories. I found that most beauty apps I've used before had the menu on the side bar to make it easier to access.
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Dr. Gomin: Skin Care Troubles & The Foundation Finder
Gomin "고민" means worry or concern in Korean. I created this cute little creature based on the story of the nine-tailed fox.
Here, the user can select their various skin care concerns. Dr. Gomin will direct you to several recommendations based on user reviews. |
You can scroll through Doctor Gomin's recommendations and select each product to read reviews posted by other users.
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You can also ask Dr. Gomin to filter various foundations based on the finish you like, the coverage level and your skin tone.
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MY CALENDAR
Users can earn points by checking in everyday. Points can be used to download coupons for associated retailers to save money on K-Beauty products.
Additionally, there is a monthly raffle. If users check in everyday, they get an entry for the contest. This promotes users to log in and check the application at least once per day. |
MY POUCH
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I came up with this idea because I often see popular Korean Bloggers/Youtubers uploading what they carry around with them everyday in their makeup pouches. These function as their "Holy Grail" products. I wanted to create the opportunity for all users to share their favorite products with each other.
This is the main screen for the "My Pouch" page. On the top section of the screen I already added 4 of my favorite products. On the bottom screen are two random users that have already uploaded some of their products for other users like you to view. This way you can learn about new products, and other people can see yours. |
Here is the screen where the user can upload product photos from their gallery. When you click next, you can crop or edit the image and add it to the main page.
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TOP 10
Based on user reviews, the top-rated items are listed here. They can be sorted by Makeup, Skincare, Brand or Hair.
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Here is a product page for the #1 item on the Top 10 page. If you scroll down you can view allergens and toxic ingredients. Users can leave reviews and upload photos in the review section below.
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PRICE COMPARISON
This screen allows users to compare prices
across various websites with the tap of a
finger. Beneath the photo is the actual
retail price in Korea.
The app automatically ranks the websites
from cheapest to the most expensive, and
there is a built in calculator to estimate the
average shipping costs based on
your location.
Users can redeem coupons here (earned
from the Calendar function) to save
money on products or shipping costs.
across various websites with the tap of a
finger. Beneath the photo is the actual
retail price in Korea.
The app automatically ranks the websites
from cheapest to the most expensive, and
there is a built in calculator to estimate the
average shipping costs based on
your location.
Users can redeem coupons here (earned
from the Calendar function) to save
money on products or shipping costs.
PROTOTYPE
REFLECTIONS
I think this app is a great way to discover new products and to find out what we're actually putting on our skin.
A lot of people are sensitive to allergens or fragrances and are reluctant to try new products because of how it
will affect their individual skin conditions.
Many people are also unwilling to try K-Beauty products because they don't know what's in them, and directions
aren't always readily available in English.
Overall, this application will allow users connect around the world and hopefully resolve some of the issues
mentioned with other K-Beauty applications.
A lot of people are sensitive to allergens or fragrances and are reluctant to try new products because of how it
will affect their individual skin conditions.
Many people are also unwilling to try K-Beauty products because they don't know what's in them, and directions
aren't always readily available in English.
Overall, this application will allow users connect around the world and hopefully resolve some of the issues
mentioned with other K-Beauty applications.
Allison O'Brien © 2021 |
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