Duration: 6 weeks | Spring 2024 | UI/UX | Adobe Illustrator + Adobe Phtotoshop + Figma
Promlan is a skincare app concept that highlights affordable, high-quality solutions for common issues like hyperpigmentation and dryness, often overlooked in darker skin tones, while promoting skincare inclusivity for everyone.
Problem
People with melanated skin often struggle to find affordable skincare that effectively addresses concerns like hyperpigmentation and non-greasy hydration. At the same time, existing platforms are either too general (lacking targeted solutions) or too exclusive (leaving out broader inclusivity). This makes it difficult for users to discover products that meet their needs, build trust in new brands, and feel represented in the skincare market.
Solution
Promlan is a digital platform that bridges this gap by offering an inclusive skincare experience. The app highlights affordable, high-quality products that address concerns specific to melanated skin while remaining beneficial for all users. Through community-driven features, product reviews, and inspiring messages, the platform not only helps people find effective solutions but also builds a sense of belonging and trust.
My secondary research confirmed that melanated skin often experiences more hyperpigmentation, dryness, and sensitivity — and while there are brands addressing these needs, few provide truly affordable, inclusive solutions across the board.
How might we design an inclusive skincare platform that makes it easy for people with melanated skin and all users to find affordable, effective products while also building trust and a sense of community?
I conducted user interviews to understand priorities and habits around skincare. Key insights included:
Quality was the most important factor when choosing products.
Price vs. quality was weighed carefully, with users looking for value.
Purpose of the product mattered, especially for results like clearing skin or feeling refreshed.
Many users switched products every few months, showing a need for reliable, consistent results.
Task Flow
Lowfi Wireframes
Ideate
Using insights from my interviews, I began brainstorming features that could meet user needs while keeping inclusivity at the core of the platform. I sketched task flows, explored low-fidelity wireframes, and tested different approaches to shopping, reviewing, and community features. My focus during this stage was on making product discovery simple, while also integrating unique touchpoints like inspiring messages to build connection and trust.
Inspiring Messages
Every purchase ends with an inspiring message from another user, creating a sense of encouragement and community beyond the transaction.
Product Discovery & Reviews
Users can easily browse affordable skincare products, read reviews, and see how items work for others with similar concerns like hyperpigmentation or dryness.
Reflection
This project was my introduction to UX, which makes it especially meaningful to me. It started as a passion project rooted in my own skincare struggles, so it was built with love and personal care. While I can see many mistakes in hindsight, I also see my initial passion and the growth that came from it. Promlan taught me the importance of research, inclusivity, and community—values I continue to carry into my work. If I were to rebuild this project now, I would approach it with more experience and a clearer process, but I will always see this as the project that sparked my journey in UX.
Future Opportunities
If I were to continue Promlan, I would expand its functionality with features such as:
Personalized profiles and search where users can input their skin type, concerns, or even upload photos for AI-assisted product recommendations.
Enhanced inspiring messages that evolve into a mini social network, allowing users to connect with others who use similar products.
Detailed product metrics such as how long a product lasts, its effectiveness over time, and results based on user feedback.
