How would you design a Smart Mirror interface for a retail clothing store?

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Anonymous · Accepted Answer

What is the objective of a smart mirror? To show data that is useful to people.

How big is the retail store? Is it a small boutique/ or a big retail chain like
Macy's? Do they specialize in clothing , shoes, and accessories? Is there
anything else they sell ?

Assuming, that the store sells clothes, shoes, make up, and accessories.

Retail Stores- Boutiques (50), Mid size(100-200), Large retail (For a Macy''s
size store, the footfall could be around 500-700 visitors on weekdays, and
1000-1500 on weekends. )

Since large retail stores will have greater footfall, and volume of purchases,
I'm assuming that there is greater benefit in using it in this context.

There are different types of users here-

* Shoppers - Vacation shopping, work apparel shopping, Need based shopping,
   Shopping mainly during marketed sales events, Window shopping (no idea to
   buy, but just want to be aware of trends and assess )

* Billing counter person who helps the shopper to checkout or accept returns

* Customer service person who can assist with questions on any of the products/
   sizes etc.

* Department manager who monitors product restocking needs etc.

Since we are focussed on a smart mirror , this is highly useful for the shoppers
category, especially when the footfall is high. Footfall is expected to be the
highest during marketed sales events like Memorial day, Independence day etc. or
during long weekends, thanksgiving and Christmas. Secondly, the maximum number
of returns are associated with clothing and shoes. So we will primarily focus
Sales based Shoppers shopping for clothes and shoes.

What is the goal of having a smart mirror in the retail store? Is it to increase
user satisfaction/ customer retention/increase sales?

Let's say the goal is to maximize revenue and increase sales.

To increase sales, Sales= # of purchases * average value per purchase.

Sales can be maximized when both # of purchases and the average value per
purchase goes up.

These are the factors affecting sales - #of purchases - 1) # of people visiting
the store 2) Right size of clothing /shoes found 3) user's impression of how the
clothes fits them 4)time to try new clothes 5)# of returns /month

The average value per purchase is influenced by 1)finding the right size, fit,
color and variety 2)being able to try quickly without waiting.Metrics- # of
items tried. # waiting time to try.

Success metrics-

1) Waiting time to try new clothes 2) # of items Tried 3)# of purchases /month
4)# of returns/month

For the Sales shopper shopping for clothes in large retail stores, below are the
pain points-

* Trial rooms are busy and waiting time to try something can range from 5
   mins-20 mins

* There are too many options in the store and I have to exactly know what I
   want to be able to find it

* When I find what I need, my size isn't available , so I have spent lots of
   time walking to the brand area only to figure out that my color/ size
   preference isn't available.

* when I'm in the fitting room and need a different size , I have to either
   walk out and find it myself or call an attendant, who may not be available at
   the time

* When I really like something, i later find out that it is too expensive.

* During sales periods, the discounts are almost on everything, and looking at
   the store I'm overwhelmed on where to start.

* when i'm checking out there is a long line for billing

* Often some of the clothes I try are not best suited for my body shape or
   height and it is disappointing to spend the time to try each only to find
   this out later.

Solutions -

Success metric - Improve waiting time to try new clothes , # of items Tried

* Capture user preferences so the user can find what they prefer in the
   shortest time possible (high impact, low effort)-must have

* Understand my body shape as I stand in front of the mirror and make
   personalized recommendations - (Nice to have)

* Enable them to view their outfits in real time without actually trying (Must
   have- high impact, high effort)

Success metric- Increase # of purchases /month , Reduce # of returns per month

* Make outfit/look recommendations, for e.g. when I'm trying a pant , suggest
   tops that are best suited. (Nice to have)

* When I try a look, score it out of 10 , before the purchase. (Could have)

My vision for a smart mirror in a retail store is to make each person look and
feel their best, while increasing their satisfaction during the shopping
experience. As users become more technically savvy, and as AI advances, my
product vision is a smart mirror that engages with the user as a personal
shopping assistant would, understanding their needs and desires, and helping
them build a wardrobe that flatters their appearance while also contributing to
sustainability.

How would you design a Smart Mirror interface for a retail clothing store?

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