Pain Points

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1. Overwhelming Choices: Many users felt lost in a sea of décor options without a clear idea of how to create a cohesive look. The sheer volume of styles, colors, and themes was daunting, leading to decision fatigue.

2. Lack of Confidence: Users often doubted their ability to select pieces that would work well together. They felt uncertain about mixing and matching items, and some feared their selections wouldn’t achieve the “homy” feel they desired.

3. Budget Constraints: Many users struggled to find affordable pieces that also felt stylish or unique. They wanted a personalized look but found that cost-effective options often seemed generic or of low quality.

4. Time and Effort Required: Users found it challenging to commit the time needed to research and shop for the right pieces, especially with busy schedules and limited interior design experience.

5. Inadequate Guidance: A recurring frustration was the lack of accessible resources to help them choose décor that both reflected their personality and matched their existing home style.

 

 

Insights

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1. Desire for Personalization

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• Methodology: During user interviews and usability tests, we discovered that participants were not just looking for trendy décor; they wanted items that resonated with their personal tastes, lifestyle, and sentimental value. We conducted card-sorting exercises to understand how users categorize décor styles and preferences.

• Design Decisions: Based on these insights, we introduced a personalization feature that allows users to take a short style quiz and receive curated recommendations tailored to their aesthetic and budget. We also integrated AI-driven suggestions that adapt to user preferences over time.

• Outcome: This feature reduced browsing fatigue and increased user satisfaction, as participants felt they were receiving thoughtful and relevant recommendations rather than generic product listings.

 

2. Appreciation for Expert Guidance

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• Methodology: Our usability tests included task-based interactions where users had to choose décor for a sample room. We observed that they often hesitated due to uncertainty about color coordination and furniture arrangement. Users expressed appreciation when provided with expert insights, even in small snippets.

• Design Decisions: To address this, we embedded tooltips explaining how to mix and match colors, short video clips with expert decorators sharing quick tips offering real-time style advice.

• Outcome: Users reported feeling more confident in their choices, and engagement metrics showed increased time spent on pages with expert insights, reinforcing the value of educational support.​

 

3. Need for a Simplified Shopping Experience

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• Methodology: A comparative analysis of competitors revealed that many décor shopping platforms overwhelmed users with extensive catalogs. Through diary studies, we tracked how users navigate these platforms and noted that decision fatigue was a common frustration.

• Design Decisions: We streamlined product discovery by implementing a “Best Picks for You” feature, offering a curated selection based on user preferences. Additionally, we introduced filters that allowed users to refine choices by aesthetics, functionality, and budget.

• Outcome: This approach reduced drop-off rates and improved conversion rates, as users felt they could quickly find what they needed without being overwhelmed.

 

4.Budget-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Cheap-Looking

 

• Methodology: In-depth user interviews revealed that while users sought affordability, they associated low prices with poor quality. They were willing to invest in items that looked elegant but remained within a reasonable price range.

• Design Decisions: We focused on showcasing high-quality yet budget-friendly products by using high-resolution images, detailed product descriptions, and user-generated content (such as reviews and real-life photos). We also created a "Style on a Budget" section featuring curated collections of elegant but affordable décor.

• Outcome: Users responded positively to this approach, with many noting that the curated collections helped them feel confident that they were making stylish yet cost-effective choices.

 

5.Visual Tools Increase Confidence

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• Methodology: A/B testing revealed that users made decisions more quickly when presented with visual aids. Additionally, usability testing showed that users who could see mock-ups of decorated spaces were more likely to complete a purchase.

• Design Decisions: We plan to  incorporate a “Visualize in Your Space” tool that allows users to see how décor items would look in their home using augmented reality (AR). We also added a feature where users could browse through professionally designed room mock-ups and shop directly from those setups.

• Outcome: These visual enhancements significantly boosted user confidence and engagement, leading to a measurable increase in conversion rates. Users reported feeling more assured about their purchases, reducing the likelihood of returns.