Exploring choices: a case study of personalized-lipstick choices

Abstract

Product personalization is rising and with it, new choice architectures are required. It offers a new medium for identity expression, especially in the make-up case. Regarding the interactions involved, the research and industry explored the efficient choice. The current research dug into how to bring the development of individual taste and creativity through choice architectures, in the lipstick case study. Moreover, the makeup wearer is now savvy and creative, which calls for an alternative path. The subject has been explored through the lens of design probes which led to the prototyping of two experimental user interfaces. As a catalyst for personal expression, 3 considerations have been tested: the wearer as ambassador, the wearer as a creator, and the effect of the surprise. The exploration within the interaction brings users out of the boundaries of their style. Additionally, the dissociation of the color picking and vivid trying out, coupled with the effect of surprise and letting the participants mirroring themselves with other wearers, contributed to this effect.