How I designed a Smart Mirror to help Reva choose the perfect outfit for her Anniversary Date
A concept design of Smart Mirror technology inspired by the Sci-Fi movie 'What Happened to Monday'
May 20, 2024
10 min read
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"Can a mirror help you pick the perfect outfit and give real-time makeup feedback? In a world where personalization drives our daily decisions, a smart mirror could transform your daily routine."
Reva is preparing for her one-year anniversary date, she stands in front of the mirror, unsure of what to wear. The Smart Mirror scans her wardrobe, offering outfit suggestions based on the occasion and weather, while also recommending makeup to complement her look. With real-time feedback and personalized tips, Reva leaves for her date feeling confident and perfectly put together.
Inspired by the movie What Happened to Monday, my design reimagines how technology can seamlessly integrate into daily routines. I aimed to create an interactive experience that adapts to individual preferences, offering a new level of convenience and functionality. Through this case study, I’ll walk you through the phases of design, from gathering insights to building interactive prototypes, showing how a simple mirror can become a powerful tool that enhances everyday life.
Gathering Inspiration and Insights
It all started with a question: What if we could take the concept of a digital mirror, as seen in the movie, and make it real? I dove deep into the world of Karen Settman and her seven identical sisters, analyzing how they used the mirror to manage their lives in a complex, high-tech society.
But the story didn’t end there. I imagined users like Karen in our world—busy, tech-savvy, and always seeking ways to simplify their day. I gathered insights from articles, fan theories, and Reddit discussions, creating a character-based user profile. I knew this mirror had to be more than just a screen; it needed to fit seamlessly into the flow of everyday life.
Image source: https://www.alamy.com/
Understanding Users’ Needs: Stepping into Their Shoes
Next came the challenge: How would someone actually use this smart mirror? To find out, I mapped out tasks that users would likely perform—scanning their face, receiving makeup suggestions, and managing their schedules.
Task 1: Scan the face in the mirror
Task 2: Apply Makeup
By creating an empathy map, I stepped into the users’ shoes. Imagine standing there, about to go to an important event, anxious about looking your best. The mirror isn’t just a tool; it’s your personal assistant, helping you navigate through your emotions and decisions. From stress about time to the thrill of seeing your look come together, I visualized these moments to ensure the mirror would offer more than just functionality—it would offer support.
Brainstorming and Exploring: Turning Ideas into Reality
With the user’s needs in mind, the next step was to brainstorm. How do we design an interface that’s intuitive, informative, and easy to use? I used techniques like "chainstorming" and "cheatstorming" to gather ideas—building on existing concepts, taking inspiration from other smart devices, and thinking creatively about how the mirror’s screen should look and feel.
Prototyping: Bringing the Mirror to Life
With a clear vision in mind, it was time to bring the design to life. But here’s the thing about innovation—you start simple. I created a low-fidelity paper prototype, sketching out the core interactions: walking up to the mirror, scanning your face, and getting those all-important makeup suggestions.
Storytelling Through Scenarios: The Mirror in Action
But the design wasn’t complete without imagining real-life scenarios. I crafted stories like Reva’s Anniversary Date. Picture this: Reva, nervous about her one-year anniversary, stands in front of the mirror. She doesn’t have time to try on endless outfits. The smart mirror scans her wardrobe, suggests a chic dress perfect for the occasion, and even guides her through applying makeup, all while boosting her confidence for the big night.
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As I created a video prototype, I added interactive design elements directly on the mirror interface, showcasing how Reva’s look transforms in real-time, all while boosting her confidence for the big night.
Reflecting on the Journey: A Mirror That Understands You
Through each stage of prototyping and feedback, the Smart Mirror evolved from a concept to a personalized assistant that could truly improve everyday lives. The journey didn’t just involve creating a screen—it was about building an experience.
Each piece of feedback led to important adjustments, whether it was improving the interface for a more intuitive experience or adding features like real-time feedback and progress indicators. I realized that designing the mirror wasn’t simply about creating a functional screen. It was about building a relationship between the user and the technology—one that feels personal, supportive, and customized to the user's daily challenges.
In the end, the design process taught me a valuable lesson: the best technology isn’t just smart—it’s empathetic. The Smart Mirror became a reflection of not just the user’s appearance but their needs, emotions, and goals, helping them tackle their day with confidence and ease.
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