Become Fashion Forward without the Hassle: The AR Mirror
AR mirrors are a part of the ever growing medium of platforms that partake in Augmented Reality. Through the use of a mirror, AR is able to step out of a handheld device and into a large display to further immerse a user in an experience.
The introduction of AR mirrors has expanded the fashion and make up industry experience, especially during COVID-19. Cosmetic stores frequently invite the public to freely try on make up before a purchase has to be made. But as the pandemic creates a hindrance to the customer experience, businesses are now relying on AR mirrors for customers to safely try on the make up.
AR mirrors have also become beneficial for stores with strict rules on trying on the items. For example, Sneakerheads often cannot try on the expensive sneakers they would like to purchase in a store. Most Sneakerheads need to see the shoe on their foot before they can buy. AR mirrors allow the gap between trying on a product and seeing it on a shelf to connect through a digital landscape that makes the customer happy and does not sacrifice the state of the product. Also, the affordances of the AR mirror doesn’t just add value to the beauty and fashion industry.
Skoda, a Czech car company, ran a campaign in 2015 where they placed an AR mirror in a railway station in London. Passersby were invited to sit in a chair with a green screen behind them. When they sat in the chair, a giant screen or “mirror” depicted them driving in the car. They could customize the color and see how they look when they are inside the driver’s seat in the car of their choosing.
Some companies have also dedicated their time to building the mirrors and the experience. Total Immersion created the first augmented reality mirror for the iPad 2, showcasing how friends and family can change their appearance within the experience. Holition created a physical stand up mirror in partnership with Charlotte Tilbury where users can see how different kinds of cosmetic styles work with the vanity lighting. As for ModiFace, they partnered with Sephora so users can try on the products they find on Sephora’s online store through augmented reality straight from home.
While most brands have moved forward on AR make up, AR in fashion is seeing an increase in usage. With the increase in online shopping, physical stores want to make the in-person shopping experience as seamless as possible.
Wanna Kicks, is an augmented reality app that displays sneakers on your feet in order to see what shoes would look like on you before you buy them. It allows Sneakerheads to browse, “try on,” and purchase sneakers through the app.
Discoverability
When entering the app, the user will be asked to allow the Wanna Kicks to access the phone camera for the app’s basic function. After granting access, an animated gif will display the motion directions so the user can try on the shoes that they wouldn’t be able to otherwise. The user is able to swipe through different shoe options that are presented as the most popular shoes at the time. With the back button on the top left corner, you are able to pick and choose other shoes that do not show up in the default popular list. If there are any shoes you particularly like seeing on your feet, you can favorite and save them to return to later.
Affordance
With three buttons on the bottom bar, there are limited opportunities to get lost within the app. This design provides clarity and organization that allows a seamless experience.
On the discover page, the user is able to check out sneakers that are currently trending and will drop sometime in the near future. The Try-On page is where users can try on the shoes they select, and the search page allows users to search for sneakers that are not on the discover page. The user may search by name or brand.
Comprehensibility
Besides the names of the sneakers, the language on this app is very succinct and clear what each page and feature offers. I had no confusion navigating the app, and there was no confusing jargon that was difficult to comprehend.
Responsive Feedback
The app responded quickly when I was searching for different types of sneakers and after I clicked on a sneaker page for more info. When I wanted to try on the sneakers, the wait time was minimal after the camera was able to properly recognize my foot. Once Wanna Kicks has recognized your foot, there is nearly no wait time between clicking on different shoes on the Try On page.
Predictability
Every time I clicked on a sneaker or page, the app preformed how I expected it to react. I was not confused by any features, but I was pleasantly surprised that when I clicked on a sneaker page for more info, I could try on the sneaker directly from that page within the app.
Efficiency
The layout of the app is clear and concise. I enjoyed that every page had a specific purpose. It is heavily focus on sneakers, but is efficient in touching on the main points of searching for the sneakers, trying them on, and finding out more about them and where to buy them.
Forgiveness
Sometimes the app is not able to portray the sneakers without a clear view of your foot. Certain angles that the user might hold up their foot will cause the sneakers to disappear, but it will try to recalibrate to their foot. If not, by moving the foot slightly it should cause the camera to recognize the foot and continue to display the AR sneaker.
Explorability
I personally had fun exploring the different shoes I could try on. The ability to favorite shoes that I liked help me search through sneakers with ease by not having to worry about not being able to find this sneaker again. Overall, the navigation through the app was painless, and Sneakerheads will truly enjoy the features that come with the app and be able to use it to its full potential.
Conclusion
I am not a Sneakerhead, personally. I have seen cool sneakers online, but never actually considered buying them. However, after downloading this app, I have recognized the power behind having to see the sneakers on you before you buy. I ended up finding some sneakers that I thought looked cool, and now that I have seen them on my feet I am even more convinced that I just might be a Sneakerhead now.
