Eclo
July 2019 - June 2020
Eclo is a California-based startup founded in 2015 to remove geographic boundaries for consumers and retailers by enabling custom manufacturing and a virtual shoe fitting experience. Funded by the NSF SBIR program, Eclo develops state-of-the-art 3D measurement and shape analysis/modeling technology for feet and shoes using AR.
It is a scanning and fitting assistant for mobile devices that uses AR technology to precisely generate 3D models of the customer's feet. These scans can then be used to produce custom manufacturing and match consumers with their best fit to meet the success rate of traditional, in-store fitting (and reduce the rate of online returns).
Eclo is available to download in the App Store. To learn more, visit https://www.eclo.com/
Teammate
Thomas Viollier
Role
Lead UX Designer & Researcher
Tools
Figma, Adobe Xd & Ai
“How might we improve the scanning process?”
Overview
The Problem
Users are shown dense information that, while necessary, lack autonomy and engagement. The current AR system also requires users to follow a specific instructions in order for the service to work as intended.
The Solution
A simple and user-friendly onboarding experience that engages users and effectively conveys important information. Key visuals inform users of what they will need, while supporting copy will provide additional context and highlight important information. The step-by-step process will allow users to navigate through the tutorial at their own pace, giving opportunity to build engagement, trust, and investment in using the app.
Research
The onboarding process overwhelmed users through lengthy videos, and visual reminders.
The existing beta application immediately provided instructions to users, while limiting navigational control. Videos automatically played and users could not control the timeline to fast forward or playback instructions.
Key Insights
Use video tutorials selectively: Long videos (over 4 min) are informative, but difficult to recall. Using videos selectively will improve retention and better convey key content.
Ease users into the experience: Adjusting the information hierarchy and simplifying the UI makes relevant information easier to identify.
Revising the onboarding process
Testing
A guiding principle throughout the testing process was how to encourage correct behavior.
Due to the AR technology used to scan and generate the 3D foot models, the setup and scan process can impact the quality of the final model generated. For example, scanning is a two-person activity because the foot will shift and affect measurements if they scan their own; whereas the foot will remain in a neutral position if someone else helps.
Remote User Interviews
In-person testing was not available due to Covid-19, which adds complexity when testing usability for an AR product. Our creative method was to task participants with demonstrating the scanning procedure based on onboarding instructions. As researchers, we observed natural tendencies and consistent patterns to inform behavioral design decisions.
Consumer Exploration Survey
In August 2021, we also launched a general consumer survey to better understand buying behavior and expectations. We received over 140 responses and used the the data to inform language and intent, and further identify prospective users.
Remote Usability Testing
To iterate quickly, each round consisted of 10-15 participants, and early results revealed confusion in language and visuals. Testing also evaluated user behavior and motivations to behave as intended, rather than as expected.
Over the course of several rounds, we have noticed consistency and improvements in test results.
Design Exploration
Below art the color and typography ideas I presented after discussing a site and branding update. As a B2B and B2C product, the design should engage with consumers while also seeming reliable to partnered companies. Color options were selected based on current brand identity practices / psychology and color theory.
Website Redesign
While redesigning the application, we assessed the current website design and determined that it should be updated as well to be more engaging, informative and visually consistent with the app. I evaluated the sites of successful Y Combinator Startups to understand copy language and storytelling, and proposed a redesign that uses text and visuals to engage with potential customers and investors, and educate them on the product’s value and what it brings to the industry.