1.Project Overview
Purpose
Mobile app prioritizing the experiences of black women when searching for hairstyle inspiration and black hair stylists. Bridging social media with business marketing.
Problem
As a black woman, I’ve noticed that it’s difficult to decide on my next hairstyle because of how much inspiration there is to choose from. Finding a trusted stylist in my city who can make my hair goal a reality, however, is even more difficult.
How can black women connect with affordable and talented hairstylists in their area? How can black women find hair inspiration conveniently?
2. Solution
A hub for black hair stylists to connect with black women, and a space for black women to connect with other women who are searching for new styles.
Main Social Feed
- Creates an opportunity for stylists to share their work with people in their area
Allows black women to find stylists in their area
Stylist Profiles
- A space for the stylist to highlight their style preferences and what hair types they’re able to do
- The profile allows the stylist to specify their prices and manage their bookings
Client Profiles
- Gives the user an opportunity to share their experience with a stylist
Network with other black women in the area to talk about their natural hair journey
3. Process
Research Architecture Prototype
- Competitive Analysis - Design systems - Mockups
- User Surveys - User Flow - Wireframes
- Hi-fi
4. Research
“Having an all-black hair inspiration app would be monumental for the black community.”
According to the survey, 100% of the participants were of African descent and have unprocessed, natural hair.
Though the state of the natural hair ( processed or unprocessed) doesn’t matter too much in this case study, it is vital that the user of this app has African descent natural hair; this condition allows black people to protect their culture and identity.
Competitive Analysis
User Interviews
For the users that do decide to get their hair professionally done, only 25% find it difficult to locate a stylist that fits their needs, in their area, while the remaining 75% have no issues.
For more understanding about the survey process, here are the research questions that were asked to the survey participants:
- Do you have (of African Descent) natural hair?
- On a scale from 1 to 5, how much do you enjoy having natural hair?
- How often do you look for hairstyle inspiration?
- For inspiration, where do you look?
- Who does your hair?
- Do you find it difficult to find someone in your area to do your hair?
- How would you feel about having a natural hair inspiration app created for Black women (and men)?
The main Insight
Black women want to protect their natural hair and find their community, while hairstylists are looking to find loyal clients.
5. LoFi
Mockups
Wireframes
3 Design Highlights
Based on feedback from users and mentors, these were the most complimented aspects:
Simple interface
- Going with a clean, white background made the images the focal point of the interface
- Minimized risk of confusion while navigating throughout the app.
In-app messaging
- Emphasized the idea of accessibility for both the stylist and the client.
- Optimized convenience; keeps the user from having to go to an external app to communicate with the stylist
Social Feed
- Allows the potential user to see honest reviews from other women that have gone to a particular stylist
- A tool for the stylist to affectively market their business
6. Results
7. Notes for thoughts
In the future, I’d love to add more features to the app; maybe a story feature or video responses to stylists.
Another great feature would be a product shop, for the owners that have homemade hair care products. The idea is to create a strong, independent black-run market for hair care. These ideas would be a beautiful compliment to Jheri’s future.
This project taught me how invested the Black community is when it comes to taking care of their hair. However, their schedules don’t allow them to spend too much time searching for their next style.
Jheri is a tool and an asset for the following reasons:
- It’s a safe space for black people to unite and celebrate black hair
- It’s a platform for black hairstylists to elevate their business and reach potential clientele
- Jheri empowers the black community.
- The app promotes open and honest conversations surrounding hairstyles, hair care, and hair growth
- Jheri acts as a review system, where former clients can share and review their experiences within the app
Hi, I'm Evie, and these are my values:
Background: Bachelor's degree in public policy and social justice, and a master's degree in forensic psychology.
Experience: Over 7 years working with startup CEOs and in the social services space.
Core Values:
-Analytical Skills: Leveraging psychology, research methodologies, and coding to understand user behavior and preferences.
-User-Centered Approach: Conducting in-depth research through interviews, usability testing, surveys, and observations to uncover deep insights and inform empathetic design decisions.
-Effective Communication: Fostering open and effective communication with design teams and research participants to ensure accurate understanding and alignment with user needs.
-Problem-Solving and Design Thinking: Applying critical thinking and creativity to define research questions, develop innovative solutions, and meet user needs.
-Real-World Impact: Utilizing experience working with startup CEOs and in the social services space to address unique challenges and create solutions that make a positive impact on users' lives.
