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Wetsuit shopping can be a long and tedious process due to numerous brands with different size charts, and difficulty undressing and redressing multiple times to find the perfect fit. This retail market has the opportunity to improve and make in-store wetsuit shopping a faster and more streamlined experience for customers.
To assist users in selecting the correct wetsuit size and style, ultimately saving time spent in the fitting room.
To improve the wetsuit experience for users by helping them find the most suitable wetsuit for their needs.
We decide to serve this market by creating a kiosk which helps people to choose amongst the various wetsuit features available by providing the perfect size for them by scanning their body for measurements
Following our interviews, we gathered insightful feedback regarding our original concept of a clothing kiosk aimed at creating personalized outfits through body scanning. However, respondents raised concerns about utilizing a physical kiosk during in-person shopping. They highlighted that the reasons behind their preference for online shopping included the desire to physically feel the material and assess how an outfit complements their body structure, as clothing tends to appear differently on individuals based on their body shapes.
Wetsuits are typically crafted from the same material, making them a category where uniformity in composition is prevalent. Online shopping for wetsuits is comparatively less common, possibly due to the nature of these specialized garments and the importance of a precise fit. Unlike regular clothing where the subjective aspect of how it fits or hangs can vary, wetsuits adhere more closely to being "true to size." While the introduction of a kiosk may not entirely replace the necessity of fitting rooms, it can serve as a valuable tool in the shopping experience, aiding customers in ensuring they find the right size and fit for their wetsuit needs.
In order to determine what features our kiosk has, we had to understand people’s experiences while either shopping for or selling a wetsuit. We interviewed 4 employees at different wetsuit-selling shops , and 3 people who have bought wetsuits before.
How would you describe your experience while selling wetsuits?
Are there any issues that arise when people shop for wetsuits?
What do customers struggle most with while finding/trying on/buying a wetsuit?
How many customers do you get that have never tried on a wetsuit before?
How long does it usually take for someone to try on a wetsuit?
How long does it usually take for someone to find their perfect size in a wetsuit?
Is it difficult to manually measure someone for a wetsuit?
How many online wetsuit sales do you get per month?
How many in person wetsuit sales do you get per month?
On average, how many wetsuit returns do you get per month?
What are the reasons for these returns?
How long does it take to shop for a new wetsuit?
Do you remember the first time you tried on/purchased a wetsuit? If so, did you
have any issues, and why?
Do you shop alone or get help from an employee?
What is the worst part of shopping for a wetsuit?
Have you ever ordered a wetsuit online? How was that experience?
Do you know your wetsuit size?
How many wetsuits do you own? If any?
Would a kiosk that measures your body shape/size to match you to a well-fitting
wetsuit based on your measurements be something you could see people use at a surf shop?
Time Taken to Shop for a Wetsuit:
“I have never bought one, but renting it is a 10-15 min long process" - Interviewee 4
-One day maximum-Interviewee 6
"The worst part is trying on in the fitting room because it gets so hot and the neoprene is thick." - Interviewee 5
Online Wetsuit Purchases:
“It’s not too common.” - Interviewee 1
“I wouldn’t recommend it, especially if it’s your first time buying one.” - Interviewee 2
“No, it was too difficult to figure out the size and feels like it is better to buy in person” - Interviewee 4
Opinion on Kiosk Use:
“Very convenient”
“Less stressful”
“More comfortable”
“I have no knowledge about wetsuit sizes, could not find the size chart and there were no female employees and I felt really uncomfortable talking to a male employee” - Interviewee 1
The interviews highlight a strong inclination towards in-person wetsuit shopping due to the high cost and the desire for a hands-on experience. However, the current in-person process is inconvenient due to several challenges, including a lack of knowledge about wetsuit shopping, difficulties in trying multiple wetsuits in fitting rooms, and discomfort associated with the fitting room experience. To address these issues, there is a plan to introduce a kiosk with specific features aimed at educating beginners, providing an efficient sizing solution, and enhancing the overall shopping experience.
1. Interactive Education Module:
Develop an interactive education module on the kiosk for beginners. Include information on wetsuit types, materials, thickness, and the impact of these factors on performance.
2. Smart Sizing Technology:
Integrate a smart scale into the kiosk to accurately measure customers' body dimensions which utilizes advanced algorithms to recommend suitable wetsuit sizes based on these measurements.
3. Temperature Customization:
Include an option for users to input the water temperature they anticipate. The kiosk can then suggest wetsuits suitable for that specific temperature range, considering the thickness and insulation needed for different water conditions.
4. Filtering Options:
Implement filtering options based on price range, preferred brands, and wetsuit styles (e.g., full suits, Jane/John suits). This allows users to narrow down their choices efficiently and find products that align with their preferences.
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At Surf Sizer, our mission is to revolutionize the wetsuit shopping experience by providing a seamless and informed process for surf enthusiasts who value comfort, privacy, and precision. Our user-centric approach ensures that every wave rider finds the perfect fit, enhancing comfort and performance on the water.
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During our user testing, conducted at different phases of development, we initiated the first stage with users interacting with our wireframe. A recurring feedback theme was the need to educate users, especially those new to wetsuit shopping, about the various aspects of the process. In response, we incorporated an educational feature into our product, allowing users to understand wetsuit aspects like sizing, styles, and temperatures. After creating our initial prototype, several individuals recommended the inclusion of a progress bar. This addition would not only help users gauge how much time they had left using the kiosk but also facilitate their navigation through the different interface pages.
Surf Sizer is welcoming to surfers of all skills and backgrounds
Those who are experienced can dive right in and browse their size using known measurements
Beginners have the opportunity to learn about wetsuits, discover what type might suit them best, and collect their measurements to find the perfect size
After collecting or inputting your exact measurements you can browse wetsuits located in the store by style, price, brand, or features
Once selecting the perfect true-to-size model of wetsuit you would like to purchase, the kiosk will locate it in store so you can quickly find it, or will tell you how to order online if out-of-stock
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Front of the Kiosk from directly in front and standing above from customer's POV
MDF, lined with colored paper, and encased with engraved acrylic. Functions as a “privacy protector” for customers
MDF box lined with colored paper and a panel that extends up from the back. Bar at front labeled with logo that holds the iPad in place.
MDF cut and engraved surfboard with our brand logo. Placed behind kiosk for advertising and recognizability across store
This project was the first time I worked on every part of the design process. Throughout this journey, I engaged in collaborative efforts with my teammates, collectively striving to enhance every facet of the project. We diligently incorporated feedback provided by our professor and peers, which contributed significantly to our project's evolution. This experience was not only enjoyable but also highly enriching. It afforded me the invaluable opportunity to create a product targeting an underserved market, providing a unique and fulfilling experience