Size X
Size+ is a platform/application (App, Website) that operates both as a directory for clothing as well as a tailor/purchasing AI assistant. Using the platform, people can submit their specific parameters as well as desired parameters (Long shirts, long shorts etc) and the platform can direct them to stylish options for their parameters and all the available options both in their area and online for their size. This will simplify the complex clothing experience plus-sized shoppers currently deal with
Product Experience
Problem Space
Problem Statement
The inability of plus-sized people to get good clothing easily and cheaply. Plus-sized shoppers have poor access to form-fitting clothing because the current offerings are difficult to access, not quality or do not fit well.
Problem Background
The plus-sized market and the desire for quality clothing have seen massive growth in the last few years. With many various statistics registering a half trillion dollar potential market in just 10 years' time. With this large market, there are growth concerns that have not been properly addressed yet with the general public. Things like each plus-sized person having different measurements, or a longer waist could mean a need for longer clothing which most manufacturers will not address. This doesn't touch on the spaces that have a poor plus-sized current experience like suits, business clothing and pants. Inside of this massive market, there is a space for a more personalized touch. The ability to specify a shopping experience to the customer.
Research Insights
User Pain Points
We started to see in our interviews and Surveys a pattern of issues that occurred across the board in both Online shopping and In-store shopping:
- Difficulty in availability both in clothing sizes and in plus-sized local clothing stores
- Lack of trust in current online offerings and options
- Confidence to shop in-store
Supporting Data
In our Survey amassing over 10 responses and our personal interviews with 3 specific plus-sized shoppers, we learned that every single surveyee and interviewee wishes for an easier shopping experience in some way. Over 70% (7 out of the 10) of survey responses spoke to frustration with the available in-store options, with one specifically stating that it was a “crapshoot” purchasing in-store not knowing what you will get or if your normal size will actually fit well. There were other responses speaking to online shopping, and how it solves availability but doesn't solve comfortability. 2 of the personal interviews conducted did expand on this stating that they became wary of online shopping as they were unable to “try on the clothing” that looked good on site, but when receiving the clothing the specific size didn't fit them as well as they would have liked. Consistently, Survey and Interview responses spoke to the difficulty of clothes shopping as a plus-sized person with them often lamenting on current offerings that act as half measures or token responses by stores. Plus-sized shoppers wish for solutions directly made for them. One of our interview responses also spoke to how as a plus-sized person they had been uncomfortable being in store through a lack of confidence, feelings of unattractiveness and an overall sense of not belonging.
Feedback
Much of the feedback given spoke to a desire across the board to improve how customers shop.
Landing on the Solution
Based on our target users’ pain points, we knew we wanted to work on the following features:
- An assistant with purchasing clothing that will give helpful insight on both current fashion trends and “age-old” fashion knowledge
- A directory specific to the customer body to help with purchasing clothing or finding clothing that would “look good” while being in their area
- A profile system that they can set their specific sizes with and get specific clothing options to them”
- A general mapping structure(using either Google or Apple Maps) that tells them how far or close certain clothing options are and if there is a delivery option
Future Steps
We want to properly run another expanded survey/interview session to confirm beyond the 10 people tested here if the statistics measured in this small group would stay the same in an expanded group. We would be looking towards identifying 100-1000 group in an evolved survey allowing us confirmation on this solution.
We then, after confirming viability, would like to create a functioning app that could visualize both the features as well as the possibilities/application and testing the features in question.
Learnings
Product Manager Learnings:
Daniel Brown
Sprint 23 was a good shell shock for me. I have worked in the technical field for the last 6 years, but haven’t been able to pivot into that PM role of my dreams. This 4 week course not only taught me common roles that the PM would operate in, but how to change my way of thinking when it comes to the PM role. Finding solutions, isolating problems, thinking of the problem before thinking about “features” all are steps that a good PM will take up and something that this course was able to identify in everything that I do. With that learning, I do feel that I have improved in my current employment by looking at any issue as a “Problem to solve” and isolating what might be the solutions to those issues and the worth of my solutions. I do feel confident that with the skills I learned through this course I am better equipped in pivoting to the role of my dreams.
Designer Learnings:
Designer Learnings:
Jo Sturdivant
- Adapting to an Established Team: Joining the team in week 6 of 8 was challenging, as I had to quickly adapt to existing workflows, dynamics, and goals. This mirrors real-world situations where you often integrate into teams mid-project, and flexibility is essential.
- Work-Blocking for Efficiency: With only two weeks to complete the project, I learned the importance of a structured work-blocking system. This approach allowed me to manage my time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Making Data-Driven Design Decisions: Unlike my past projects, I had to rely on research conducted by others. This was a valuable experience in using pre-existing data to guide design decisions, helping me focus on the core insights without starting from scratch.
Developer Learnings:
Developer Learnings:
Vanady Beard
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As the back-end developer, I learned how important it is to create efficient and reliable systems that support the entire application. This experience also taught me the importance of optimising the database and ensuring the backend is scalable and easy to maintain.
Developer Learnings:
Stephen Asiedu
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As a back-end developer, I've come to understand the importance of being familiar with various database systems and modules. This knowledge enables me to build diverse applications and maintain versatility in my work. I've also learned that the responsibility for making the right choices rests on my shoulders, guided by my best judgement.
Developer Learnings:
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Developer Learnings:
Maurquise Williams
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- Process of Creating an MVP: Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) taught me how to focus on delivering core functionalities balancing between essential features and avoiding scope creep.
- Collaboration in a Real-World Tech Setting: This experience taught me how to collaborate efficiently in a fast-paced tech environment, keeping the team aligned and productive, even while working remotely across time zones.
- Sharpening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: This experience honed my ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently. By tackling challenges and finding quick solutions, I sharpened my decision-making and troubleshooting skills in a dynamic, real-world setting.
Developer Learnings:
Jeremiah Williams
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All in all this experience was very awesome I learned that in coding with others being transparent is key
Developers Learnings:
Justin Farley
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I learned how important communication is when working with a team. Communication provides understanding, advice, ideas, and much more. While working with the product team, I’ve found that communication keeps everything flowing smoothly. Working with a team also showed me that every member brings something different to the table and we all have to work together in order to align and meet our end goal.