Objective
The purpose for conducting secondary research was crucial in framing my design solution which was to provide an accessible and customizable fashion-styling app.
By exploring what other competitors have already done, I have a greater understanding that will allow me to accurately address how I might be able to solve the problem. My findings from my secondary research have provided direction as to what type of app I am seeking to develop.
From my competitive analysis findings, I hope to provide solutions that allow users to easily interact with AI to receive personalized recommendations and gain confidence in their unique style.
AI Usage
Chat GPT continues to be an accessible and efficient resource as I continue to understand how closet utilization and outfit styling can be improved. With detailed prompting I’m available to gather general information and context of other online and mobile resources that aim to solve the same issue of diversifying a pre existing closet with new styles. ChatGPT helped to inspire ideas and generate topics of interest that will eventually lead to deeper research on how users are currently styling outfits and why it continues to be an issue. Here are some prompts and responses from ChatGPT:
“Competitor and App Research
- Identified platforms like The Good Trade and Eco-Stylist; analyzed apps like ThredUp and Stitch Fix.
Context & Target Users
- Expanded on the problem’s environmental, social, and economic challenges.
- Identified target groups: eco-conscious shoppers, budget-conscious buyers, style enthusiasts, and diverse body types.“
Becoming the User
When conducting the competitive analysis, I realized that competitors are best understood from the users’ angle. By stepping into the role of a user, I was able to identify the users’ pain points or preferences of each competitor, which is also the first step of the design thinking process: empathizing.
I downloaded each app, created accounts, and became a user. I analyzed ThredUp, Good On You, and Stitch Fix. ChatGPT helped to provide some background knowledge of these apps, however, it’s incapable of sharing user experiences outside of reviews. In order to create something user-centric, I had to perform as the user. In conclusion, I preferred Good On You’s simplistic app interface while ThredUp had advanced features including AI-powered personalization.
Challenges
The realization from my conducting secondary research was the level of difficulty in developing new and original solutions to the proposed fashion problem. ChatGPT assisted in the generation of creative ideas, however in order to create a foundational and sustainable solution, these solutions had to be far more creative.
As for my own research on these specific apps, stepping into the user role was the most successful competitive analysis strategy. There weren’t many online resources that described these apps from an outside perspective, besides Good On You. For most mobile apps, the best way to gain an understanding is through other users’ experiences shared through past reviews or testimonials.
Benefits Realized
From my findings, I concluded that ChatGPT is an asset in providing context for the proposed problem and was a valuable tool for guiding in-depth research. When I began this project, my only prior knowledge was my own personal experience. I enjoy fashion, however, I struggled to find outfit inspiration; I normally resort to resources such as Pinterest to spark ideas. However, with the research conducted, I was able to find new solutions for wardrobe maximization and style inspiration through AI-provided recommendations.
Reflection
As I conclude, I’ve learned that ChatGPT can be very useful however I cannot claim it’s ideas as my own. In my past with using ChatGPT, I have struggled to generate my own ideas after seeking help from ChatGPT and I have risked the authenticity of my teammates’ work in past projects.
I’m learning that ChatGPT is an incredible asset to help organize ideas and thoughts and be able to direct design thinking but can also be easily abused if not used correctly. I’m looking forward to learning more about what ChatGPT can offer and how to use its many capabilities in creative and strategic ways.
