Oona
ROLE
UI/UX
User research
Visual identity
UI/UX
User research
Visual identity
TEAM
Solo project
Solo project
TOOLS
Figma
Zoom
Figma
Zoom
DATE
Jan—May 2023
Jan—May 2023
INTRODUCTION
Oona is designed to assist users in managing their skincare products effectively. By logging their skincare products, users can easily compare and analyze the similarities between past and present product usage. This feature enables Oona to provide valuable insights into the effects of different products, identifying both beneficial and adverse symptoms.
This project was selected to be featured as exemplary work on the Parsons School of Design website.
This project was selected to be featured as exemplary work on the Parsons School of Design website.
Problem
SKINCARE
I picked skincare as my topic because I've struggled with sensitive skin and finding the right products. I wanted to explore if there's a digital solution to tackle this issue. I established a set of questions to guide my investigation:
I picked skincare as my topic because I've struggled with sensitive skin and finding the right products. I wanted to explore if there's a digital solution to tackle this issue. I established a set of questions to guide my investigation:
- What drives individuals to pursue skincare?
- What influences product purchasing decisions?
- Where do people obtain information and advice?
- How do people know what’s in their products?
Process
INDUSTRY AUDIT
I engaged in thorough market research to examine the prevailing digital solutions within this industry. My objective was to identify any existing gaps that I could address and determine the areas where I could potentially develop my own innovative solution.
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USER RESEARCH
I conducted a series of research interviews with five individuals to gain deeper insights into their experiences and challenges with skincare.
The interviews encompassed various aspects, such as their daily skincare routines, interactions with medical professionals regarding skin concerns, factors influencing their purchasing decisions, and their engagement with skincare-related content on social media.
![]()
META INSIGHTS
By synthesizing the user feedback, I formulated meta insights and identified the "how might we" challenges to guide my design process. After careful consideration, I chose to concentrate on simplifying the research and ingredient selection process as the primary focus of my design efforts.
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LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPES
I developed five different prototypes to explore different approaches to simplify the research process for users. These prototypes were tested with a diverse group of five participants with varying levels of interest in skincare.
![Concept 1 — On-the-go comparison]()
![Concept 2 — Ingredient list scanner]()
![Concept 3 — Skincare AI chatbot]()
![Concept 4 — Tracking and logging]()
![Concept 5 — Interactive web lab]()
Based on the user feedback, the "On the go comparison" concept was chosen to proceed into mid-fidelity prototyping as it received the most positive responses during user testing.
Additionally, the "Tracking and logging" concept was also selected, considering its potential despite generating mixed reactions. Further refinement was necessary for this concept.
MID-FIDELITY PROTOTYPES
I developed two mid-fidelity prototypes: "Compare," featuring a comparison product feature to improve the efficiency of product purchase decisions, and "Log," which includes a logging feature that unveils similar traits and symptoms based on the recorded product history.
![Prototype 1 — 'Compare']()
![Prototype 2 — 'Log']()
Although both prototypes received positive feedback, I made the decision to advance with the ‘Log’ prototype into high fidelity as the user feedback I received was more compelling, as it was perceived as more personalized and bespoke to individual users.
SCOPING THE MVP
To prioritize the key features for my minimum viable product (MVP), I utilized the MSCW framework. By applying this framework, I prioritized the key features for my MVP based on their importance and feasibility, ensuring that the product delivers the core functionality while providing a valuable user experience.
![]()
SYSTEM MAP
proceeded to create a system map to visualize the key screens required and to gain an understanding of how users might navigate through my proposed app. This mapping exercise helped me outline the user flow and anticipate the user's journey.
![]()
VISUAL IDENTITY
To emphasize the vibrant nature of the products, I adopted a monochromatic and minimal design approach. The wordmark logo subtly incorporates a Venn diagram to represent the value proposition of product comparison. The feminine name "Oona" (pronounced OO-nuh) was chosen to convey a sense of being a skincare coach.
![]()
I engaged in thorough market research to examine the prevailing digital solutions within this industry. My objective was to identify any existing gaps that I could address and determine the areas where I could potentially develop my own innovative solution.
USER RESEARCH
I conducted a series of research interviews with five individuals to gain deeper insights into their experiences and challenges with skincare.
The interviews encompassed various aspects, such as their daily skincare routines, interactions with medical professionals regarding skin concerns, factors influencing their purchasing decisions, and their engagement with skincare-related content on social media.
META INSIGHTS
By synthesizing the user feedback, I formulated meta insights and identified the "how might we" challenges to guide my design process. After careful consideration, I chose to concentrate on simplifying the research and ingredient selection process as the primary focus of my design efforts.
LOW-FIDELITY PROTOTYPES
I developed five different prototypes to explore different approaches to simplify the research process for users. These prototypes were tested with a diverse group of five participants with varying levels of interest in skincare.
Based on the user feedback, the "On the go comparison" concept was chosen to proceed into mid-fidelity prototyping as it received the most positive responses during user testing.
Additionally, the "Tracking and logging" concept was also selected, considering its potential despite generating mixed reactions. Further refinement was necessary for this concept.
MID-FIDELITY PROTOTYPES
I developed two mid-fidelity prototypes: "Compare," featuring a comparison product feature to improve the efficiency of product purchase decisions, and "Log," which includes a logging feature that unveils similar traits and symptoms based on the recorded product history.
Although both prototypes received positive feedback, I made the decision to advance with the ‘Log’ prototype into high fidelity as the user feedback I received was more compelling, as it was perceived as more personalized and bespoke to individual users.
SCOPING THE MVP
To prioritize the key features for my minimum viable product (MVP), I utilized the MSCW framework. By applying this framework, I prioritized the key features for my MVP based on their importance and feasibility, ensuring that the product delivers the core functionality while providing a valuable user experience.
SYSTEM MAP
proceeded to create a system map to visualize the key screens required and to gain an understanding of how users might navigate through my proposed app. This mapping exercise helped me outline the user flow and anticipate the user's journey.
VISUAL IDENTITY
To emphasize the vibrant nature of the products, I adopted a monochromatic and minimal design approach. The wordmark logo subtly incorporates a Venn diagram to represent the value proposition of product comparison. The feminine name "Oona" (pronounced OO-nuh) was chosen to convey a sense of being a skincare coach.
Final outcome
USER FLOW & USE CASE
The end result is an app that utilizes the user's inputted data on previously tried products to identify associated positive and negative symptoms for each product. This enables the app to offer personalized recommendations and warnings, streamlining the research process for users when making decisions about which skincare products to purchase.
The end result is an app that utilizes the user's inputted data on previously tried products to identify associated positive and negative symptoms for each product. This enables the app to offer personalized recommendations and warnings, streamlining the research process for users when making decisions about which skincare products to purchase.