Introduction:
The goal of the TRYO project, launched in November 2022, was to revolutionize the online shopping experience by leveraging augmented reality (AR) to allow users to virtually try on products before purchasing. TRYO is the first multi-brand, multi-category virtual try-on app, featuring over 500 lifelike items from luxury, streetwear, and sports brands. As the Principal Product Designer, my role involved crafting a seamless, intuitive user interface while integrating AR features to enhance user engagement and confidence in online shopping.
Problem:
Online shopping has long struggled with the problem of high return rates, as customers often find that products do not meet their expectations once they arrive. In the U.S. alone, approximately $218 billion in online purchases were returned in 2021. TRYO aimed to solve this issue by using AR to let users virtually try on items such as shoes, glasses, and hats. This approach helped users make better-informed buying decisions and significantly increased consumer confidence.
Process:
My approach to designing TRYO involved an extensive review of existing competitors in the AR and online shopping markets, identifying both the strengths and limitations of current solutions. I interviewed a broad range of users, from AR-savvy tech enthusiasts to casual online shoppers and fashion lovers, to ensure that the app would meet diverse user needs. Through wireframes and interactive prototypes, I focused on creating a fluid and accessible user experience, where users could seamlessly transition from trying products on virtually to making a purchase. This process also included usability testing with these different target groups to refine the user interface and ensure it was approachable for both AR experts and beginners.
Solution:
Key features implemented in TRYO included the multi-brand, multi-category try-on experience, allowing users to explore and try on a wide variety of products from different brands in real-time. In designing the interface, we considered research showing that 66% of shoppers using AR were less likely to return items, and that 80% of users felt more confident in their purchase decisions when using AR tools. Insights from user interviews also indicated that shoppers wanted to see products in real-world environments, with the ability to share try-on experiences with friends through social media. This informed the decision to integrate social sharing features, which further boosted user engagement and brand exposure.
Impact:
The TRYO app received highly positive feedback from both users and industry professionals. By early 2023, TRYO saw a 35% increase in user engagement and a 25% reduction in return rates for brands using the platform. This data was provided by our partner clients, who reported a significant decrease in returns after implementing the AR try-on feature. The app also became a key driver of B2B contracts for augmented reality solutions, securing partnerships with brands like Adidas, Nike, GOAT, Chanel, Yves Rocher, Sephora, and even JPMorgan for potential expansion into industries like finance, beauty, and entertainment. TRYO’s scalability allowed us to pitch the AR solution as a base model that could be adapted to various industries, resulting in substantial client growth.
Learnings:
Working on TRYO was a truly rewarding experience that expanded my expertise in AR technology and its application in online shopping. Through this project, I learned how AR can deeply influence consumer behavior and decision-making, allowing shoppers to visualize products in ways they never could before. This has shaped my future work by emphasizing the importance of immersive experiences and innovative technologies in product design, especially as we continue to push the boundaries of user interaction in the digital world.
News & Media Coverage:
TRYO has been widely covered across multiple platforms, highlighting its groundbreaking AR features and the future of online shopping:
• AR Insider: TRYO – Why We Built a Universal Try-On App
• AccessWire: New TRYO App Will Revolutionize How People Shop Online
• Mirror Review: TRYO App – Taking Virtual Buying Experience to the Next Level
• QReal: TRYO – Virtual Try-On App for Shopping
• Mobile App Daily: TRYO App Product Review
• Yahoo Finance: TRYO App Will Revolutionize How People Shop
• iGeeksBlog: TRYO – Virtual Try-On App
• Glimpse Group Blog: TRYO – Virtual Try-On Technology
