A Spa & Self Care Shopping App Concept

***Disclaimer: This was a concept app I designed based on a personal idea. I haven’t been able to come across an app that has this specific concept focused on the product categories I have included.

What’s Special About The Need Fifteen App?

The objective of this app is to create a one stop shop for self care spa essentials and aesthetic decor from established brands and small businesses, including branded app exclusives.

Everyone has different methods of relaxation. Many people like to have a bubble bath and others enjoy a clean space with minimal / aesthetic surroundings to keep their mind at ease like in a vacation home. Most times, people like both. So I've decided to include a catalog of items that range from aromatherapy, bath items, candles, spa decor, lighting, plants, skincare, storage, tea, tools and brushes, minis and travel, and gift bundles.

Why Did I Create The Need Fifteen App?

I couldn’t find an app that primarily focused on spa products that complimented each other. I know several brands of great quality that don’t get the marketing they deserve, and could be promoted and purchased in this app. While there are apps that have solely bath items, or decor, none of them have them all as one single concept, along with seasonal themes.

The name of the app comes from an individual needing a minimum of fifteen minutes for a relaxing bath, facial, or just taking a breather.

Problem Statement

The problem is a typically defined relaxation method usually means a spa or a massage. Not everyone prefers baths or facials to relax. Some people like drinking herbal tea, lighting candles, using massages tools, having plant decor, decorative storage assortment, etc. I can’t find an app or website that has more than one category for items that aid in relaxation. For example, Bath and Body Works, Lush Cosmetics, Sephora, At Home, TJ Maxx & HomeGoods, etc. are all known for various assorted items.

The Goal

The goal is to attract people who have different methods of relaxation to find a range of spa products in a user friendly environment . The app will have a variety of categories for them to select from and find other products they haven’t tried before that aid in relaxation. This app would also bring in products from other prestigious brands and small businesses who need a place to further promote their products.

Design Process

Qualitative Research

Interview Goals

I want to know the different products and methods of relaxation that both men and women have. Whether it’s a relaxing environment or activity, the more the better which can further be filtered based on popularity.

User interview Questions

What’s your idea of a relaxing/spa day?
Do you believe in “me time”? If so, how do you relax during this time?
Do you like to do your own facials or go to a professional?
Do you use any massage equipment? (i.e back roller, foot roller, massage guns, etc.)
What household items / surroundings make you feel at peace?
What household surroundings/decor make your house look aesthetic? (i.e. plants, figurines, storage baskets, etc.)
What product helps you relax? (i.e. candles, teas, face mask, etc.)
Are you able to relax in a cluttered environment?
If you had just fifteen minutes to revive? What would you do?
Are you willing to try other products to aid in relaxation?
What products do you use in a long bath or shower?
What products would you like to see in a shop that’s all about relaxing?
Do you believe material things help you relax and improve your lifestyle?
Would you like to share your relaxation techniques with others?

Insights from Interview

Users have a hard time finding one app focused solely on promoting a variety of relaxation and decor products.
Users are not sure of the authenticity or quality of products from different apps.
Users prefer doing relaxing activities at home rather than a professional spa.
Some users were unfamiliar with various spa related items.
Users would like to explore a range of products in one app that compliment each other.
Users don’t have time to explore various shopping apps to look through different catalogs.
Different users have different relaxation methods that don’t relate to skin/body care products.
Users would like to see reviews and recommendations on how they can apply their purchased products.

Target Audience

The target audience would be anyone 13+. While the app would attract majority of young to older women, this is also intended to reach young and older men.

Quantitative Research

I did an online survey using Google Forms to observe any pattern and similarity in what potential users want. I was able to get 12 people to respond which helped me frame the problem.

User Persona

Empathy Map

Card Sorting

User Journey Map

Information Architecture

User Flow

Low - Fidelity Wireframes (Paper Sketches)

Design System

Typography

Color Palette

The primary, secondary, and tertiary colors were chosen based on the most frequent colors chosen in spas around the world that represent clear coastal waters and exotic plants. The primary color is a darker shade of turquoise blending in with teal to be easy on the eyes. Turquoise is also associated with relaxation and wellness. Light greens are associated with nature and wellness detoxing.

Logo Creation

During the logo design process, I wanted to use the same colors I had chosen for my primary and secondary color. The app logo’s design depicts the turquoise water droplets inside the shape of a pastel green emerald / octagon. The emblem alone would be the main app logo to stand out amongst others and be instantly recognizable.

High Fidelity Wireframes

*** Images used in the containers for demo purposes were designed by Freepik, Pexels, Unsplash, and iStock.

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Usability Testing and Reviews

Feedback

I had users submit written reviews and feedback after testing the app. Here’s what they had to say:

I love this concept, it’s so cool
I love the organized variety of the products and the fact there are themes.
I could see this being authentic and good quality
I love the color/ season theme that I can select for the summer. “(Summer Greens Collection” product list)
I love that I can see prestigious wellness brands here instead of searching various places.
The recommendations section under the item detail page are so helpful
It’s so easy to find options.
I’m glad I can add an item to the wishlist without opening it.
I don't think i have to browse everywhere else if it’s all in this app.
So simple and fun to use
I liked seeing products that can help me relax that I wasn't familiar with before. This would be a cool concept.
It's nice and easy to navigate through it and I had no problems finding what I was looking for or getting to a certain screen.
I love the community feature. I would definitely love to see pictures and get advice from here on how to improve my techniques.
Everything looks clean and it’s easy to navigate. I hope this becomes a real thing.

Implementing Feedback (Improvements)

Along with positive reviews, I received some feedback on where there can be improvements:

A change that was requested was to make the category pop up in the home screen smaller and easier to close on tap. It can now also be closed when swiped up.
The home screen carousel scrolling dots were reduced in size as users felt it was distracting.
The “Keep Browsing” cards header background teal color was also darkened to make the text easier to read.

Functional Prototyping

I used Figma to create a functional prototype of all the screens.

*** Images used in the containers for product demo purposes were designed by Freepik, Pexels, Unsplash, and iStock.

Check out the functional prototype HERE.

Hope you enjoyed reading about this project as i had designing it! Thank you!

Natasha Challa