- Digital Doll
A year of design thinking
Updated: Jun 10, 2019
Entry for Design @ The Open University's 2019 Annual Show.

I chose to develop my concept from the second assignment, my design proposal for an interactive wardrobe mirror. I felt it was one of my designs that had interesting potential as an integrated and innovative solution. This idea is something I would like to use myself. I also felt that my original prototyping and communication of the design during the assignment was one of my weaker pieces due to lack of experience and confidence. I was interested to see how applying the extra learning and experience I had gained from completing the rest of the module might help me to improve my design and what changes it might bring.
I came up with a concept to move from a physical device to an application and sketched out ideas to both develop and communicate the application, moving on to create a new proposal. Throughout this process I evaluated my decisions, helping to evolve the design. This new design retains the integration and innovation of my original idea and its functions, but has been simplified utilising a smartphone or tablet to perform the same functions as the original smart mirror.
Apparel
Turn your device into your own interactive mirror & virtual wardrobe:
• share clothes with your friends (& borrow theirs!)
• get outfit suggestions & inspiration
• try on online outfits from your favourite stores
• post selfies, ask advice & vote on your favourite
Design Improvements
Does not require a full size mirror with camera and computer that could be bulky or impractical for users.
Removes the environmental impact of producing, powering and servicing a mirror. Application uses existing technology that many people own already, making the design accessible and available.
The cost of the creating the design would be far less than a mirror and subsequently would cost less for users to obtain.
Using a device camera means the tool can be used anywhere, does not need to be tethered to the mirror. For example, users could scan themselves in outfits in a shop or at a friends house trying on their friends clothes.
There is an element of incompleteness to the design, if the user required a mount for their device to capture images a link could be included to a retailer that stocks these items. This could be a sponsored link to generate income for the application.
Communication Improvements
I feel I have created a clearer communication to detail my design proposal that looks like something you would see in an "app" store on a smart device. It looks like a real application and is something I would like to use.
I have been able to communicate the key features and selling points of the application without overcomplicating with too much information.