The Project

Through a browser extension paired with a microsite, The Salon subtly integrates curated content and invitations to Aesop hosted gatherings into the daily routine of people who have a passion for the arts and literature.

Project Details 

Context
UX Design Course

Project Timeframe
4 weeks

Skills
Interface Design, Interaction Design, Prototyping

Team
Christy Lum, Jenny Nguyen, Nikita Tauro, Phoebe Lim

The Business

Aesop is a skincare brand that creates a range of products for the skin, hair and body.  They not only create quality products but also strive to foster a greater sense of culture and community within their stores. 

A Business Opportunity

Aesop highly values human connections and personal relationships. This is evident event through their online shop, as they encourage customers to visit their local Aesop store. We found that there was an opportunity to elevate their digital presence and use that to bring consumers into the physical space of the store, continuing to foster human connections.

A Founder's Vision

This quote drove our concept development and influenced The Salon in form. We asked: how might we create a digital intervention that would be integrated into the lives of Aesop consumers? We decided that the end product would reflect a slow reveal or a whisper in all aspects.

A Patron of the Arts

Aesop has always encouraged literature and fine arts to be a part of their brand and philosophy. Rooted in their name, Aesop considers themselves a patron of the arts. We imagined our intervention to reflect this value. In order to foster this cultural exchange, Aesop hosts many arts related gatherings and events in their stores.

Defining the User

An occasional customer that lives within reasonable distance to an Aesop location and enjoys art events, but has not attended an Aesop gathering before.

Through research and various interviews with Aesop representatives and customers, we developed this persona. Although they only purchase products once in a while, they still appreciate the brand and its quality. They have a passion for the arts and they look for a space in which they can connect with like-minded individuals.

One of my major roles in the project was putting our ideas into form. I created mockups in Sketch and prototyped in Principle in order to make our designs come to life. 

The Browser Extension

We chose a browser extension because once downloaded, it can be a thought of as a subtle medium. Content changes daily, showing featured artwork, literature reviews, music and much more.

The Microsite

During our process, we realized that the engagement had to go beyond just content consumption. This is why we created an accompanying microsite which allowed for added functionality. Each featured piece is linked to an event. When users click on an event invitation, they are taken into a microsite where they are able to RSVP or explore more.

The Interaction

We imagined the interface's look and feel to be rooted in the concept of the project: subtlety. The animations and interactions reflect a slow reveal or a whisper, achieved by using movement, overlay and hover.

A Reflection

Throughout this project, I realized the importance of having a strong brand , as it can be directly translated into form. Aesop's values are reflected in each of their commodities — physical or digital. Therefore, we aimed that the brand's essence would be evident in The Salon. 

Moving forward, we could also address a mobile interface. As mobile device use is likely amongst the target users, a mobile-friendly interface would complete the project.